VMI_68_Home

May 2008

In mid-March, my standing Google search for all things VMI provided a link to the Staunton Newsleader.com web site where it was reported that John Hart (Staunton, VA) is running for the Staunton School Board. John was quoted, “It’s just time for me to contribute. I’ve been a public employee now it’s time to do a little civic duty outside of that.” His philosophy on education borrows from the image of a three-legged stool (an image with which VMI alumni are likely familiar), “One leg’s academics, one leg’s athletics and the third leg’s civic duty.” In late reporting, though, it appears that John was edged out for the last spot on the board in the early-May elections.

Dion Johnson (Humble, TX) responded to the reunion Big Toot email with, “I’m in Guam …” I’m sure the weather was better there than it was in Maryland in early March.

Harvey Sadow (Paducah, KY), formerly of Fort Lauderdale, FL, send a note in mid-March reporting, “I am now the Director of the Paducah School of Art, in Paducah, KY.” He wanted to know about nearby Brother Rats. As best I can tell, the closest was Doug Schnabel (Nunnelly, TN) at 148 miles.

John Warburton (Middletown, VA) sent an updated email address with the noted, “I have decided to retire from ENSCO.”

Bert Butterfield (Mechanicsville, VA) sent his regrets for the reunion but made some amends by providing an update. He wrote, “Linda and I were presented with a grandchild, Ava Brayden Carter, last May 27th, 2007. She is a real doll. We spend quite a bit of time with her (and we are not complaining!). It's great to watch her grow. I retired January 1st, 2008. All my friends ask how I like retirement? I reply I have no idea, my wife, Linda, has kept me so busy I have no idea what retirement is supposed to be. We are remolding a rental home we have owned for 35 years and a mountain cabin we purchased a little over a year and half ago. Deadlines, deadlines! I like the coffee mug I received at my retirement party - "What Deadline?" We try to keep up with Jack Ferguson (Richmond, VA) and Leah and we do talk periodically but we should spend more time together. Jack has been involved with my family from the beginning and is like an uncle to my daughters.”

Rev Jones (Prosper, TX) sent along pictures of him and a very gray bearded John Van Landingham (Eugene, OR) (I too know something about gray beards). They are shown together in Rev’s Red White and Yellow VMI golf cart. What’s especially touching is that they are both wearing their VMI’68 fleeces from our 35^th reunion, Rev in bright red, and John in bright yellow. I imagine there’s not another cart and fleece combination in Texas that can compare to it.

Jim Polley (Stafford, VA) added to the list of folks pulling out of the fast lane of life when he reported that he is retiring from his job at NDAA.

Heard from David Wagner (Englewood, CO), our USAFA graduate Brother Ray. He said his roommates were Tony Aveta (Ashburn, VA), Doug Schnabel (Nunnelly, TN), and Bill Davis (High Point, NC). He also hung around with Mike Sartori (San Antonio, TX), Bill Flavin (Carlisle Barracks, PA), and Benny Hicks (Sterling, VA) (our USNA graduate). When he wrote, he was hoping to make it to the reunion – the first time back at VMI in 40 years – but a potential conflict was developing that ended up keeping him from attending.

Paul Hebert (Nairobi, Kenya) was also considering coming to the reunion when he wrote me in Mid-February. He wrote, “I have just transferred to Nairobi, where I am supporting the UN and partners response to the current crisis here. Things are getting a little better, but still quite tense in the country-side. Plans are to retire from the UN at the end of May, and then after a few months holiday, I will be moving into some other endeavors, likely with a continued humanitarian focus.”

Gerald Jones (Hingham, MA) responded to a Happy Birthday email with, “All is pretty good in Hingham, MA land, kids are working (which is good in today's economy), playing hard, trying to do good and well. My wife Linda has fully retired from her many good years of Parenting Education with a Cambridge, MA based non-profit, called Families First. She is now devoting more time to "private" parenting coaching. I have slowed down the commercial side of my life, not because I can afford to, it's just that I feel compelled to give back to those more needy than I so I am doing lots of non-profit work (on Boards and free consulting) and just doing what needs to be done – and I am happy doing it. Goodness knows our government has lost sight of what's really important.”

In early April, Clay Thompson (Salisbury, MD) wrote, “Imagine my surprise when my brother, Forest C. Thompson, Jr. (class of 1955) called and informed me of the picture on page 20 of the latest Alumni Review. One the far right, third row up (looks like he is sitting and has a "weed" in his left hand) is my father, Forest C. Thompson. I remember that picture hanging in my parent's den when I was in high school and at V.M.I. After dad and mom died (1971 and 1975) the picture seem to disappear. It's nice to have a copy of it again.”

In mid-April, Ken Pennington (Amelia Island, FL) wrote, “As I mentioned in past conversations, it is tough for me to make these events. However, I would love to be playing golf with Howard Chapman (Charleston, SC), Dixon McElwee (Boca Raton, FL), and John Kemper (Richmond, VA). It would be great to see my 1st Class roommates, Rick Siegel (Bethesda, MD) and Paul Hebert. So, please so hello to all, and wish everyone a great reunion. In January, Barb and I sold our Atlanta home and moved to Amelia Island, FL. We would welcome a visit from anyone heading in this direction.”

In late April, Ron Gallagher provided an update on his son, “Ira’2009 is just being a typical cadet. What his first class year holds for him is still unknown. It was a better picture before the Number 3 and loss of his rank this spring! VMI teaches the toughest lessons, early.”

In early-May, Rick Brothers (Steamboat Springs, CO) sent along the following update, “The future Keydet has landed (grandson Alden Riddick Hunsinger was born 8 May 2008!!!!)! Sorry I couldn't make the 40th, but had too many irons in the fire. Have sold the practice, sold the building and look forward to 30 June, the last day of full time doctoring for this Urologist . It has been 36 years of practicing medicine and now it is time to do something else!! Don't know what I'll do when I grow up!!! Maybe I'll have time to make a VMI football game!”

Sorry about these notes being so short this time but reunion planning took a lot of time. Back in the saddle in mid-May 2008.

August 2008

It is early June and my post-reunion letdown is finally over so I started working the phones again. First seven calls, only answering machines. Then I found Jim Fleming (Cincinatti, OH) at home. He said he’s planning to work at least another four years as his youngest, Stephen, is a middle school student. He said that his oldest daughter, Adrienne, is in Law School at NYU and his second daughter, Heather, just got her degree from Christopher Newport University. Heather starts as a Special Education teacher in Newport News in the fall of 2008. We both commiserated on the state of the stock market – especially our “under water” options. On a positive note, son Stephen is attending a Brett Farve football camp this summer.

Also found Bill Welsh (Ashburn, VA) at home the same evening. Bill’s son Jeff is a senior at Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School in Arlington. Bill’s pushing VMI but he’s not sure Jeff is listening. Bill’s daughter Laurie will be a senior at VATech in the fall studying Nutrition but is planning on continuing her education by studying nursing after graduation. On a recreation note, Bill says he went fishing with George Walton (Richmond, VA), Craig Romaine’69, and Steve Fogelman’71. Bill is also planning a hike on the Appalachian Trail with his brother-in-law. Bill is planning to hike for two days, the brother-in-law for 21.

Emails have been received from several BRs. Right after the last set of notes were submitted, Jim Henry (Vienna, VA), sent in the following, “Rick Siegel (Bethesda, MD), Richard Wallach (Middleburg, VA), Chandler Williams (Midlothian, VA), and I formed a "Good to Me" foursome in the 16th annual "Friends of Tommy Norment (Williamsburg, VA)" golf tournament and clam bake at Fords Colony Country Club on May 15th. It was good to see Tommy and his many supporters in what was a fun day. Our foursome was recognized publicly by Tommy. He brought us to the stage in gratitude for our being there. Later, he had to bring us up again in recognition of our golf performance. We received nice bottles of wine in recognition of our last place finish in the tournament! Chandler and Robbie Williams hosted an overnight in their beautiful home in Midlothian so that the four of us could give golf another try on the following day. We took on the Virginia State Golf Association's Independence Golf Course. The course and Mother Nature (lots of rain) could not deter us from having a great time together. We may just make this an annual event.” In mid-August, Jim hosted me, Chandler Williams, and Walt Jeffress (Fairfax, VA) for a totally excellent day of golf at his home golf club, Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA.

Later in May, Terry Bowers (Martinez, GA) wrote, “New Market Day was observed in Augusta, GA, in 2008 with a clean-up day at Cottage Cemetery on 17 May followed by a Memorial Observance. The names of the ten cadets who died were called and the response, "Died on the field of honor" was given. Ray Lawson'81 read a short biography of Cadet William Carmichael’867, who is buried in Cottage Cemetery; Jim Masella'89 read the biography of Cadet John Carmichael’870, William's brother and a member of the New Market Corps left on guard duty at the Institute (he is buried in Lexington). I read the biography of Cadet John Bransford’867, who is buried in Summerville Cemetery, Augusta.”

In early June, Creigh Kelley (Englewood, CO) sent the following email, “Visited with Hal and Sandy Switzer (Cambridge, MD) for two nights this past Sunday and Monday over in Cambridge, MD. What wonderful hosts they were! They also invited Donna and Clay Thompson (Salisbury, MD) over each evening as well! The Switzer's treated us to a night out at the Yacht Club (his boat is on the market if anyone's interested!) and the Thompson's treated to drinks. The next evening we reconvened at the Switzer hacienda for steaks (Clay provided a troubling bottle of wine labeled "Economy Red Wine" ... Hal can drill down on the precise name but it lived up to its moniker!!). It was a truly relaxed and fun time with hours of fascinating conversation (Clay and Hal regaled us with amazing stories throughout!). I have to say that we have dynamite BR's and I'm as guilty as anyone in not reaching out during travels to hook up and rediscover our common bonds in spite of time and distance.”

John Crim’s (New Market, VA) report on the May 15^th Women’s Memorial Society Service program in New Market highlighted the dedication of a new marker in St. Matthew’s Cemetery acknowledging the original burial location of six of the VMI cadets (Cabell’865, Crockett’867, Jones’867, McDowell’867, Stanard’867, and Jefferson’867) following the Battle of New Market. Dignitaries in attendance included former Secretary of the Army, John O. Marsh, Colonel Keith Gibson of the VMI Museum, and Mrs. Barbara Blakey, President of the Women’s Memorial Society and a staff member at the VMI Museum.

In another email (and probably the highlight of the summer for me), Bogie Holland (Norfolk, VA) sent out the following, “The Class of 1968 golf team, sans John Kemper (Richmond, VA), won the Keydet club open this week-end. The team was made up of Kevin Henry (Winston Salem, NC), Dixon McElwee (Boca Raton, FL), Tom Hickey, and Mike Thacker (Roanoke, VA). Kevin made the winning putt to seal the victory for the Class of 1968.”

One who I missed in my first set of calls, Tom Coffey (Wytheville, VA) responded to my voice mail with an email that contained, “As is probably true of many of us at our current ages, most of the interesting news from this end involves children. Our daughter, Kelly, a high school science teacher in Texas, presented us with our first grandchild (a boy) and the first great-grandchild on either side of the family, in November. Our son, Ethan, was made a division director at the Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston. In his spare time he is finishing up a mechanical engineering masters degree from Ga. Tech, and managed to run the Marine Corps Marathon last fall in 2 hrs. 40 min., which put him in 44th place out of 12,000 or so male runners. And in the process bested my time in the same race some 28 years ago by three minutes. I was not sorry to lose the record! I continue to keep mentally active by putting Chinese and Japanese material into more-or-less readable English, and get paid to do so! Is this a great country or what!?”

In June, my “all things VMI” Google search returned a link to the Richmond Times-Dispatch online web page containing a lengthy story about John Kemper and his company, KLMK Group, which provides construction-management consulting services to the health-care industry. With luck, the story will still be available at the following web site when this is published in the Alumni Review: http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-06-23-0039.html

Talked with Clay Thompson in the middle of July. Clay is enjoying being a kept man. He retired several years ago but keeps Donna working. He and Donna were departing in September for a Mediterranean cruise with 100 members of their Eastern Shore cruising club and celebrating Donna’s 60^th birthday. They’re visiting Spain, France, Italy, Malta and Tunisia on this trip. I told him I’ve been looking at Alaskan cruises and he had such fun on a earlier Alaskan cruise that he’s ready to go back anytime. They had a nice visit from Patty and Bill Flavin (Carlisle Barracks, PA) playing some real bad golf and generally kicking back and relaxing.

Bill Carter (Raleigh, NC) was at home when we talked. Bill retired a few years ago and settled in Raliegh but he also has homes in Pinehurst and at the beach south of Wilmington, NC. He also goes back to Laurel, MS, where he is on the board of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. His daughter Kate just finished an internship at the White House and is enrolling in the Ole Miss Law School in August 2008. His son George (and his wife Juli) provided Bill and Susan with a grandson in December 2006. Their other son, Scott, is in DC where he is the Director of Communications for the American Grocers Association. Bill said that he was recently in Lexington when Kate interviewed at the W&L Law School. He was impressed with all of the new facilities when he got a guided tour from Donny Ross’74.

Skip Harding (Tampa, FL) wasn’t home when I called but his wife Ruennhwa was. She said that they had been planning to attend our 40^th reunion but had to back out when Skip got a job offer. Skip is now in India flying with Space Jet.

Val Sledd (Poquoson, VA) reports that little has changed in his life. He continues working for Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, but now out of their Williamsburg office. He says the Friday evening beach traffic makes the commute difficult some summer weekends. Connie, his wife, is a member of the City of Poquoson School Board. Their daughter Valerie recently received a Masters of Education in Administration and Leadership degree from George Washington and continues teaching at the Hampton Roads Academy. Their son Rick is working for Booz Allen Hamilton in Northern Virginia. Val and Connie recently visited Bill and Vicki Cobb (Pompano Beach, FL) at their home in FL. They were able to connect via telephone with Bill Bouck (Cazenovia, NY) but struck out when they tried to call Rick Brothers (Steamboat Springs, CO).

“This is Jack,” the voice on the phone said. I knew immediately it was Jack Bagby (Norge, VA) but he didn’t know who was on the other end of the phone. When I told him it was his “favorite Class Agent,” he said he couldn’t figure out who called him from area code 410. Jack says he’s partially retired. He spends time managing his investments and playing in 3 bands. I told him I know a great sound engineer if any of his bands ever wanted to record a CD – and that goes for the rest of you too as my son could use the work.

Got a short note from Les Martin (Hanover, PA). He says he wasn’t sure any of us want to be reminded we’re having birthdays but he’s figures we’re not looking forward to missing any anytime soon. Les and Patricia are “still in Hanover, PA, still working, waking up, and enjoying all of that.”

Ken Pennington (Amerlia Island, FL) supplied a new update when he wrote, “Sorry I missed your call. I was on the road between Athens, GA and Amelia. I drove to Athens to see my daughter (Brynn) who is finishing her UGA internship required for graduation. Her degree will be in Health Services. Amber is a senior at Valdosta State University and will graduate next year with a similar degree. She is planning on attending graduate school in the same field. Not much new to report. Our home here on Amelia will be complete at the end of the month. We will accept reservations for any BR for Fall arrival. I am still working from my home for Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group in Field Operations. Barbara is working part time at The Spa of Amelia Island, and is enjoying meeting all the big spenders. I’m sorry I missed the reunion, but I enjoyed the calls and emails from classmates. Hopefully, I can see "all survivors" at our 50th.”

In his own inimitable style, Ron Stultz (Fairfax, VA) provided the following, “Yep, 62 on Friday and get my first Social Security check in September! Update: (1) House renovation # 2 completed in late February. 3-stop elevator installed as insurance policy for old knees and a great room to accommodate expanding family with grandchildren, etc. (2) Just back from 2 week RV trip of the West with son. Joined in Reno by 2 of 3 daughters for 4-day music festival in Quincy, CA. Most excellent time there with all sorts of strange CA people. (3) Some of my artwork (doodles) now being used as CD cover art. (4) Again sporting full beard and long hair (blonde) after early spring trip to San Diego (must learn to stay away from CA influences.) (5) Good health being enjoyed by all here, which is the greatest blessing, well next to charming, intelligent grand daughter.”

Saw a note on the VMI Web page that Ira Gallagher’09 had earned a spot on Team USA to compete in the International Triathlon Union Long Course World Championships in August 2008 so I dropped his father, Ron Gallagher, a note. Ron responded, “Thank you for your comment. Needless to say, the past 3 years have been challenging. Ira is in Washington State at Fort Louis and leaves there about the end of the month and goes directly to Fort Bragg for 3 or 4 more weeks. This past year was very stressful for Olivia and I. We had serious doubts about the year. Especially after a stupid cadet decision, (a #3) that cost him his rank and removed him from the interview process for a senior rank position. It broke my heart! I think he will be the Drum Major of the pipe band this fall. My son wears a “skirt” at VMI.”

Got a short note from John Andrews (Yorktown, VA) who wrote, “All is going well here. I am still working to hard and looking forward to retiring before our next reunion.”

Kit Tyler (Midlothian, VA) wrote, “Thanks for the birthday greetings. Jeanne and I were on a two week vacation to Europe...celebrated my Birthday in Rome. Will send you an update on the Tyler's in a separate e-mail.” Kit, I’m still waiting for that update.

Unlike my June experience of not finding anyone at home, I found Larry Stetson (Tacoma, WA) on the first try. Larry and Lynn have been foster parents to three kids who have recently been placed for adoption so their fingers are crossed that the adoptions will work out. Feeling like empty nesters, Lynn took charge of her Aunt’s dog and now Larry’s planning to get a Golden Retriever in few months. Larry and Lynn, though, aren’t letting go of the foster parent job so they’re renewing their license with the aim of being “respite” foster parents who take the kids for weekends once in a while to give the full time foster parents a break. Larry and I compared notes on the jobs that Terry Bowers had given us to find some New Market Cadet graves. Larry wasn’t personally able to get to the gravesite of William H. Thomas’867 in Seattle but was able to get a VMI alumnus in the area to take the pictures that Terry wanted. I was able to find the final resting places of two of the three Terry gave me to find but I can’t find the third in spite of tramping around several graveyards near Harpers Ferry.

Larry’s Norfolk High School friend, George Sebren (Niceville, FL), (Johnny Johnston also went to Norfolk High) was at home when I called. George retired from Delta a few years ago (after having previously retired from the USAF) but Delta’s bankruptcy forced him back into the working world. George is a Subject Matter Expert test engineer for air mission and aircraft mission planning software. Right now he’s working on the Air Forces’ “newest” fighter, the A-10C. When he told me that I said that I thought the A-10 had been retired. He said that the forces in Iraq and Afghanistan love the close air support it provides so the Air Force is rewinging the planes and installing all new electronics including those for smart bombs and other precision “metal on target” weapons. Somehow, though, George doesn’t get the same “rush” out of being a test engineer that he got out of being an F-15 pilot. He and Kay are off to Africa in August to visit Botswana. They’re looking forward to two weeks of hunting animals with cameras.

Mike Thacker was also at home when I called. Mike says that the prize our team won at the Keydet club outing hadn’t altered his life style – although he planned to enjoy the windbreaker in the fall. We talked VMI football for a while, his daughter Alexis’ 13-day trip to Europe and Mike and Vicki’s trip to Oregon a few years ago where they visited Mount St. Helens.

At the end of July, my “all things VMI” Google search came up with the following headline, “John G. Balch (Colorado Springs, CO) Joins Hill International as Vice President.” The story continued, “John G. Balch, has joined Hill as a Vice President with the company's Construction Claims Group. In this role, Balch will be in charge of Hill's new Colorado Springs, Colorado office.” John declined to comment.

Domain registration and hosting provided by Paul Quillen, Emini Futures Day Trading Course www.daytradingcourse.com and the Learn How to trade Stocks, ETFs, and Stock Options Course www.eTradingCourse.com

The VMI’68 Home Page

May 2008

August 2008