Class News Fall 2007

Class of ’73, the following is a very slightly edited compilation of blogs and photos from our classmates. Other than deleting a few personal notes to me, I have left your inputs in your words. FYI … my contact info has changed. I am no longer with ARINC, so delete the ARINC address and the office & cell phones (719-570-8658 & 719-661-8029). I was laid off at ARINC on the 7^th of Sep and after a very nice vacation, am back at work as a private consultant. I am currently in DC writing a large proposal through early November. My new email is joekahoe@gmail.com and my new cell is 719-210-5568. (Joe Kahoe, Class of ’73 Scribe)

8/29/07 from Paul Freund … Lt Gen Jeff Kohler's retirement ceremony was held today in the Koran Room (ironic) in the Fort Myer Officers' Club at 1000 AM. … 34 plus years of faithful service and truly one of the good guys. He will be missed from the active roles. The ceremony included the change of command from Jeff to another Jeff, VAdm Jeffrey Wieringa followed by the retirement ceremony. Tom Butler, Mike Winger and myself (Paul Freund) were there to represent '73. Jeff was clearly respected and admired as evidenced by the long list of distinguished DoD and State Department civilians. He received a high award from the State Department and was even presented an award and high accolades by a staff member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his work at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) during the past three years. Jeff and his ever lovely wife Colleen (an exceptional golfer and Crud player - according the Gen (Ret) Chuck Wald, who officiated the retirement) will head to Italy September on a well-deserved vacation. Didn't get any pix, but will see if someone else did. //// Meanwhile, Frank Klotz is now enmeshed in his new duties as the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff. John Corley is off to be COMACC, so it would appear Frank is the only '73er on active duty in the Pentagon. Paul Freund

Rick Mazurowski (18th) has semi-retired on the Big Island of Hawaii. Amazingly, PBGC took over paying his Delta Air Lines pension when it was terminated! Between days at the Honolii beach reading “Harry Potter”, and snorkeling at Kapoho, he stays busy giving organ concerts and directing the choir at Christ Lutheran Church in Hilo. His next project is playing the organ continuo with a small orchestra for a Messiah sing-a-long this December. Visit his web page at: http://web.mac.com/rickmaz/iWeb/Site/Home.html to hear some of his music. The picture shows him at the grand piano of the Mauna Kea resort playing dinner music. This summer, he went hiking for a week in the mountains around Ouray Colorado with his partner, Michael. The tiki bar is always open! Aloha from Hawaii. Rick Mazurowski (rickmaz@mac.com)

Chris Flynn writes …Here is what is going on in my life. After 19 years with KLA-Tencor (a semiconductor capital equipment company), I retired in January 2007. My retirement project is to build a RV-8A kit sportplane from Van’s Aircraft. Empennage is complete, wings are 95% complete, fuselage is about 60% complete. Will order engine and prop later this month. Still have wiring, plumbing, flight and engine instruments to go. I am currently spending about 30 hours per week on aircraft construction. Almost a full time job! The rest of my time is spent catching up on the 19 years of “honey-do” projects that were deferred while I traveled the globe for KLA-Tencor, playing with my granddaughter, and occasional travel (but not too much since I am in recovery mode with a passport that has two additional sets of insert pages after only seven years). My wife, Claire, continues to work in her educational consulting business and will continue to do so because she really enjoys her work. Both kids are grown and out on their own. My son, Chip, is a web applications engineer working in a start-up here in Austin and my daughter, Jennifer, is a teacher in a private girls-school also here in Austin. The only other grad I have spoken with recently is George Rampulla. He is still flying for UPS. He and his wife, Diana, have empty nest syndrome now that Colleen has finished college and has a graphic design job in another city. Chris Flynn

Steve Rossetti writes … a little fodder for your (Checkpoints) article: I am from CS-37—I was ordained a Catholic priest in 1984. I am also a licensed psychologist and have been running Saint Luke Institute (www.sli.org) in Silver Spring MD which is a psychological treatment program for clergy. We have opened a second house in England recently so that keeps me going back and forth across the pond. I live a few blocks away from Dave Ochmanek in Washington DC who is also from the Class of ’73 who works as a defense analyst for the RAND corporation. We’re both baseball fans and have frequented RFK stadium to watch my team, the Washington Nationals, take on Dave’s team: the Philadelphia Phillies. Steve (Rev. Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti PhD DMin, President and CEO, Saint Luke Institute, 301-422-5418, www.sli.org)

John Regni writes … Frank Klotz has been confirmed to be the Asst Vice Chief of Staff, HQ USAF back in the Pentagon.. But Frank always luved the east coast so better him than me! Donny Wurster as a new 3-star and commander of AF Special Ops...

William “Captain T” Thompson is a Consultant, Speaker & Coach. He writes … I'm divorced but my two daughters are nearby. My oldest, Taylor is about to start her senior year in High School and my youngest, Sydney is going to 7th grade. Both doing well and did some traveling this summer (camp, grand parents). William "T" Thompson, Esq; www.captaint1.com

Bill Ritter writes … My wife and I both retired last year. She retired from Chase Bank the end of May 2006 and I retired from teaching at Carroll HS two days later. She had to retire before me so she could retire once before I retired twice. We are keeping busy volunteering with Fisher Nightingale houses (the military equivalent to Rondald McDonald houses), Miami Valley Military Affairs Assoc. in the Dayton (WPAFB) area, and are just joined the YMCA advisory board. I'm still active coaching ladies gymnastics, at Centerville HS. However, this year I will be the Co-Head Coach (I avoided being the head coach in the past, as I feel the young ladies need a female head coach). We are financially secure, so we only do things that interest us for fun and/or profit. I have developed my video business, primarily wedding videos shooting in High Definition (1080) and providing DVDs or Blu-ray disks to my clients. Margaret has a reverse week - works weekends and has the weekdays off. I do the editing during the week. We only book enough events to keep it fun. You would be amazed at how incredible our 1080 High Def videos look. Check out the webpage at www.wfrvideo.com the videos currently on there are standard def. I will soon update with HD. For a good laugh check out the gymnastics bloopers and for entertainment check out the show choir clip.See you at the reunion. Bill Ritter

Mitch Mitchell writes … My daughter, A1C Marie Foster and her husband Derrick are stationed at Nellis AFB NV - she is a member of the 3rd Special Operations Squadron and is part of a crew flying Predators in support of operations in support of the GWOT. The Predators are armed with Hellfire missiles and are flown from Nellis in support of special operations. Her Mom, Col (Ret) Susan Woida and I are REALLY proud of her and her contributions to the GWOT! Mitch

Ken (CS29) and Carol Wassenar are still living in Plano, TX after all these years. Ken has stayed with Electronic Data Systems (EDS), and is now in the Hosting Engineering group. Their daughter, Kristen, married 3 years ago, and has now blessed them with a grandson who will turn 1 year old in November.

John Pretz writes … I have great news! My daughter graduated from USAFA on 30 May with the class of 2007. The first picture shows most of our family with classmate and Supt, John Regni and his wife: from the left are daughter Anne with her husband Humberto Reboredo, Cadet Third Class Mark Pretz (Valley Forge Military Academy), USMC PFC John Pretz Jr, who deploys to Iraq in September, my wife Joanne, Debbie and John Regni, C1C (now 2Lt) Joanie Pretz, and the old guy, me. Missing from this picture is my eldest daughter, Katie (Pretz) Condon, who skipped the Supt's reception to care for my first grandchild, Clara Condon. It was fun to surprise John Regni in the impossibly long receiving line at the Supt's reception. John, as always, was gracious to all comers, but I did get a "hey, it's a classmate" from him when we finally got to the head of the line. The second picture is of two old '73ers, myself and great friend Paul Freund, sunburned from the graduation ceremony. Paul and Jane flew out to USAFA for Joanie's graduation and Paul did the honors of pinning the gold bars on Joanie after I swore her in. Paul and I were also able to shout a greeting to Trapper Carpenter as he was scurrying about his business Director of Admissions. Joanie reports today (3 August) to Eglin where she will be a maintenance officer with the 1st Special Ops Wing maintaining their MC-130P tankers. Paul and I work for Scitor Corp and support customers in the Pentagon. Also with Scitor are classmates Sam Torrey and George Tota. John Pretz, Business Manager, Defense Services, Scitor Corporation, 703-875-8212, jpretz@scitor.com

Kevin McHugh writes … Today, Sat, 4 August, I'm marrying Joanne "Jody" F. Baer. (FYI, she is an absolutely wonderful, spiritual woman, of great character and beauty (from inside out).) Our small wedding is at the Gathering Place of Christian Fellowship, in Folsom, California; then, Jody and her twin 18-yr-old sons (Clint & Brent) will move in with me, and the "boys" start college--one here, one at San Jose State. Their sister (Corrie) just graduated from Cal Poly--San Luis Obispo. Jody and I will have a short honeymoon on the coast, then I start back teaching (science) at Folsom HS, and she starts (a new job) teaching 3rd graders at Victory Christian. She was recently teaching kindergarten for several years, and coached gymnastics for 30 years--after competing in college at Long Beach State. Jody had a 25-year marriage before dfivorce about 6 years ago; and I had a 32-year marriage. My older son Jesse transitions from being a KC-10 IP, at nearby Travis AFB, to reserve duty there and a new job flying for Southwest. He and his wife (Amber) and daughter (Julia, 7) will stay in their small-town Winters home. My younger son Ryan, an Air Force "Doc" is a second-year resident pediatrician, practicing in part where he was born--at Wilford Hall. He and his wife Angie, a third-year dentist, live in SanAntonio. My sons are here for the wedding. We united the 5 adult children, my sons wives, and my granddaughter last evening in Folsom. In fact, I better get ready to head to church and our honeymoon!

Jim Heironimus (CS-15), Lt.Col., ret, writes …. retired from the AF in 1993 and continued to practice medicine until 1999 when I made a major career change by deciding to go back to school and get my teaching license. Two years later, I began starting teaching high school science at Upper Arlington High School in Columbus, Ohio. Interesting to note that I started teaching in September 2001. Hmm, a bad omen? I continue to do it, and love it. My wonderful wife (of 32 years) works with one of the major healthcare systems here, Ohio Health, as a breast health specialist. Two of my three kids live in Columbus, and the fourth is married and works in the Raleigh, NC area as a legal assistant. Currently my main hobbies include model rocketry, writing, and World of WarCraft.

Mike Nishimuta’s oldest, John, graduated from New Mexico State in December last year, was commissioned in the Army, and is stationed at Ft Knox, Kentucky. Mike is a consultant with M7 Aerospace in San Antonio, and is the organizer of the monthly Business and Networking lunch there allowing all service academy grads to meet and network. Besides doing the class website, Mike uses his spare time to maintain about a dozen websites for both commercial and non-profit organizations. Mike's daughter Christina is at New Mexico State and Melanie is in High School in Alamogordo, NM.

Tom Stilwell writes … Hi Joe! Fodder for your files ... my wife Alyce and I are alive and well in Addison, Tx (suburb of Dallas) and still enjoy the daily traffic nightmares to and from work. Of pride, my first born, my son, Thomas Conor Stilwell, CPT., USA, is in his third month of his second tour in Iraq flying Blackhawks for the Army's 3rd ID out of Camp Striker, BIA, right in the middle of things. He has flown a number of dignitaries including Condi Rice, and feels the general population of Iraq isn't anti-American...but the extremists get the press. He 's been decorated twice and I couldn't ask for a son that would make me more proud. I ask for your prayers and those of the entire AOG community. God bless my son and protect him and his many friends and fellow soldiers now serving in Iraq ; God bless America. Your classmate, Tom Stilwell

Paul Freund writes … Jane and I are planning on the 35th to get reacquainted with lots of folks. Next, no real news or photos. Still working for Scitor supporting the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Installations doing BRAC things. I got a note from Tom Saunders who advises he and Susan have moved back to South Carolina from Florida and are now in Prosperity, SC. No other news from CS 015 War Eagles '73. Good to hear from you. Keep the notes coming. Paul

Dan Cottrell (CS03) - working at the MITRE Corporation in McLean, VA as an Operations Research Analyst.

Stephens F. McCauley has pointed out that since we graduated, his name has never appeared in Checkpoints. Well, Stephens, it is about time to change that. Stephens retired in 1998 and downplays his Air Medals and achievements while on Active Duty, but would love to toot his horn about his kids. Stephens writes … since you have now invited, I would like to proudly recognize my children for their successes.. I raised them (solo) as a "bachelor dad" since their Junior High years, and they seem to have survived well, in spite of me! Both were offered USAFA appointments, but decided on other options. Shane, now a USAF MD (well advised by Bob Munson) completed a Flight Surgeon tour on Diego Garcia, and got to witness the strains placed upon the B-52 crews, who fly over Iraq. He is now in Residence at Travis AFB, with his eyes on eventful Sports-Medicine Speciality at USAFA. At 29, he is yet an Animal on the bloody soccer fields). He needs a girlfriend. Nikki, "Miss Piggy", left home to find her fortune on the "Silver Screen." She has found roles on "The Office" and some Chevy commercials; but never accepted financial help offered by dad. Now, she is (secretly) completing her Psych degree at UCLA…. While still performing in Festival Films and local Theater. She does have a boyfriend (actor). I'm pleased to say they both phone home most weekends now. “The Lovely” Miss Mary Maranto continues her RN career, and I shall consider it more good fortune shen she again joins our next reunion. A high point for us both last year was being "hosted" by Natalie Morales (NBC Today Show Anchor...kid's babysitter) in Torino, Italy (photo attached) enroute to visit Sam Grier at the NATO School in Rome. Another big highlight was retirement ceremonies for my BCT roomie, Lt Gen Don Wetekam (CS-19). This week, I was recalled to resume Instructor work at the American Airlines Flight Academy. It's not as bad as it sounds. Al Saavedra (CS-23) and I continue as very close friends and business associates. We currently promote our website business, visit “HealthScheduler.com,” and solicit any talent interested in helping us to make the concept succeed. Please send help. If I can be of any assistance to any classmates passing through DFW, please do ring me up! Thanks, Stephens F. McCauley, Cell: 817 456 7703.

Mike Turner writes … As of July 13th, I am officially a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from the Virginia 10th Congressional District. I'm a moderate Democrat, fiscal conservative ("Blue Dog"). One of my principal goals is to raise the bar of integrity, leadership, and ethics in Congress and bring some much-needed military expertise to the decision-making process at the highest levels of government. My announcement Web site is www.MikeTurnerforCongress.com, and my permanent Web site will be up within a week or so. The announcement site accepts donations on the "Donate Now" page. It is imperative that I raise at least $100K by September 30th to be credible, and I'm asking each member of the class to consider a $100 contribution to my campaign. I'm happy to call and talk to anyone or email anyone who has questions about my stands on the issues, but I feel very strongly that our country desperately needs good men and women serving in government who are truly seeking solutions from both sides of the moderate aisle. Thanks very much! Mike Turner, Mike@MikeTurnerforCongress.com; www.MikeTurnerforCongress.com; 719-684-6636

John Wiginton writes … I have stopped working for pay. We have relocated from Huntsville AL where I worked for 7 years in the defense industry and have moved to Crossville TN, The Golf Capital of Tennessee. We are living just off I -40. So any of our classmates traveling the length of TN will have to pass close by. All are welcome to stop and play a round with me. Regards, John Wigington

Ted Kammire writes … The South Florida Association of Graduates had a great military celebration for the Ft. Lauderdale Air and Sea Show on 5 May. We gathered at 81 graduate Steve Nagy's house and had almost half of the South Florida Chapter Association of Graduates there to enjoy the Air Show. We have more than 50 dues paying members and represent South Florida from East coast to West coast. In attendance from the Class of 73 was John Rosser (73). We plan to have some get togethers for the football season. Probably at a local "restaurant".

The Chapter had a hand in 4th of July Air Force Associations annual picnic. In coordination with the Air Force Association, we had the new Vice-president, Ted Kammire (73) as the personal coordinator and Mark (Scotty) Scott (75) as the primary bartender. The event was a free "Thank You" to all military personal at the Miami Coast Guard Base. Approximately 300 people attended the celebration and enjoyed free hot dogs hamburgers and beverages all supplied by local sponsors and AFA. From the vantage point of the Coast Guard Base we could see three separate fireworks displays. Great!

Reunion update from Mitch Mitchell …The Classes of 63 and 68 have taken the interservice game in October 2008 and at this point it and the Parents' Weekend game are the only ones we have firm dates at this point. As soon as we know anything, I will let you know. Our class is next in line, but without the football schedule, we can schedule the reunion.

Skip Sanders … Not much news from Tyndall. I'm still working and trying to bring the AF into the 21st Century. We're training new F-22 & F-15 pilots and continuing to support all the units (AF & foreign) that come to Tyndall for live fire. We've incorporated Link 16 into our system and have expanded training for the Air Battle Managers to work with the aircraft. I've seen George Rampula, Capt with UPS, and Lt Gen Steve Lorenz, AU/CC. George lives in Lynn Haven and we get together monthly at the Daedalian Mtg. Steve and Leslie are busy at Maxwell but travel down to PC and Destin to see their daughters. The eldest, Tracey, is married to an F-15 instructor ('99 grad) in the 95 FS. The younger daughter is working in Destin in marketing. Things here are busy as usual. Joanne and I have 6 out of 7 grandkids local and spend a lot of whatever free time we have with our kids and grandkids. Still traveling whenever we a chance. Cheers, Skip Sanders

Mike Arnett …life just kind of continues on. Kids continue having kids…up to six grandchildren now, all in Colorado. Pris and I have been in Florida for three and a half years. We’ll get back to where we belong (Colorado) one of these days, God willing. I forwarded your original e-mail to all the 73 Niners, so they should have gotten it from both you and me. Thanks for taking on the class scribe job! Mike Arnett

Dave Schrupp … Here's the latest for one more boring retired guy: I retired from an adjunct professor position in three departments (Political Science, History, German) at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT last year. My wife, Joanne, and I are privileged to live in this little bit of paradise in the southwestern mountains with trout streams, elk hunts, golf and skiing during the appropriate seasons. We also get to travel around the world visiting children and exotic places (well, at least for Montana folks) such as Australia and New Zealand in 2007. When I'm not outside enjoying Nature, I sing baritone in a Barbershop Quartet called the Bridger Blend and also sing in the local chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Chord Rustlers. I'm looking forward to the reunion next year, especially to see the guys from CS-13. Thanksagain, Dave Schrupp

Dick Fickes (01) lives in Colorado Springs with wife, Shari. After working for almost 20 years as a contractor for Air Force Space Command on numerous development programs, a change in scenery and jobs was due. Now working as a subcontractor to Northrop Grumman, Dick is a lead in providing flight and ground test event support for the Missile Defense Agency out at Schriever AFB. Shari, a nurse, is the Home Health Care Coordinator for one of the major home health care businesses in Colorado Springs. Continually searching for new vacation spots and cruises is their favorite pastime. Dick F.

Jack Hudson, Lt Gen, USAF writes… I and my wife Marsha were at AFA over the Memorial Day weekend; I am currently Commander of the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson AFB; we sponsor the "Outstanding Cadet in Management" award at the big awards ceremony on the Monday prior to graduation, and I presented this award to the #1 cadet in Mgt on that Monday. We spent some time at the parade that AM with one of my first roommates there, John Mann, whose son John graduated this year; 2Lt John Mann goes to casual status at Luke then to Sheppard for pilot training. Jack

Trapper Carpenter retired from active duty with a ceremony on Thu, 13 Sep at 1430 at Doolittle Hall before the TCU home football game that night. “I’ll be moving from the Director of USAFA Admissions to the Athletic Dept to head up Athletic Recruiting – still stay part of the USAFA team!” Trapper

The Senate has confirmed the following general officers for re-appointment to the grade of general with assignments as indicated:

FROM: Vice Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington DC

The Senate has confirmed the following general officer for re-appointment to the grade of lieutenant general with assignment as indicated:

TO: Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Staff, United States Air Force,

Senate has confirmed the following general officers for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general with assignment as indicated:

John Blecher writes … Sadly, Thirtieth Squadron said good-bye to Henri Baker, sponsor and “Mama” to most of “Dirty Thirty”. Henri passed away July 6^th2007 and her Thirtieth Squadron cadets, class of ’73, hosted a reception in her honor and memory after her memorial service. Pictured with Henri are Lt Gen(s) Donny Wurster and Henri’s daughter and granddaughter, Lou Ann and Maddy Skeele at the USAFA 30^th Reunion. Cheers, John

From Warren Smith comes news that he went in June with other members of his church to Uganda on a Christian mission trip to help plant churches near the border of Kenya. See you soon at the football games.

Rick Karvosky, … Finally getting back to you with an update! I decided to change jobs after being with Readiness Management Support for the past 6 years. I was sorry to leave them but had a great opportunity to move to Las Vegas and accepted a position with the Clark County School District. I got here end of May. I am their Director of Construction Management. I am in charge of their Capital Improvement Program and new construction. Clark County is the 5th largest school district in US with over 300,000 students! We are building on the average 12 schools per year! It's a challenging yet an exciting job. I am taking over for a guy I knew in the USAF - he was also a Base Civil Engineer! I am happy to be finally settled after having all my stuff in a storage shed for the past 6 years. I sold my house in the San Fran East Bay area to my daughter and will make Las Vegas my new home! I bought two houses here while working overseas in Middle East and will be living in the house in Summerlin...with pool and hot tub!!!!!! Rick Karvosky, P.E., Director of Construction Management, Clark County School District, Office: 702-799-7600, x5301, FAX: 702-799-8745, Cell: 702-219-8675, email: karvorj@gw.ccsd.net

Randy Putz … Attached are some photos from graduation in May. Left to right in both photos are: Luke Putz (USNA ’04), Jeremy Putz (USAFA ’07), and Randy Putz (USAFA ’73). It was quite a privilege to pin on Jeremy! He just completed two months of graduation leave in Brazil and at home. His first assignment is at Peterson AFB, so this guy that loves to travel has moved all the way from the north side of C. Springs to the east side! Randy Putz, CS-33

Dave Floyd … Okay, since you’re in great need I’ll submit the following. (Hope you are well, Joe).

Cheri (Willoughby) and I have been married for 30 years. We have two grown daughters (Melinda and Beth), both of whom live and work in Louisville, KY. Alas, unmarried and no grandchildren for us. My final tour of duty in the USAF (91-95) was back home in Kentucky; so I retired here in 1995, already having lived in my hometown (Bardstown) since my return from Desert Storm in 1991. In 2000 we opened our family business, Windsor Gardens Assisted Living. One can see from the web link below that we’ve since expanded to four towns, and have a health center (nursing home) in Bardstown as well. (I can tell you that dealing with state nursing home inspectors is a far more grueling process than undergoing an IG inspection.) I’m company president, and also directly involved in the business are brothers Jim Floyd (USAFA ’70), Richard Floyd (USNA 69), and Matt Floyd (USN Retired). In 2004 I was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing Kentucky’s 50th District. I’m now in my second term. (Web link below.). Best, Dave (David Floyd, www.davidWfloyd.com, www.windsorgardens.com)

William Sisco … I just became a tenured professor at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, one of the 15 state universities. I teach in the master's program in Occupational Therapy and have been at the university 7 years. I am also the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. I have been an occupational therapist for 17 years. I was just appointed to the Michigan State Board of Occupational Therapy by the governor. My wife owns and operates a successful embroidery, screenprint, and garment printing business in Lansing, MI. We just relocated to Lansing last year to be near our 7 grandchildren, age range 4-17 years old. We are both very active in Kiwanis. … Almost forgot about our classic cars. We own a 1951 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery hot rod and a 1977 Volkswagen Beetle convertible that we drive regularly in the summer and attend car shows and events.

William M. Sisco, M.A., M.S., OTR (CS-01 Fab First), Assistant Professor, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator,

Eric Hearnsberger … Joe, I retired from Delta Airlines in '05 and now fly DC-10's for OMNI AIR INT'L. Still live in Spring, Texas. Eric Hearnsberger CS-37 '73 My new e-mail address is eh767@yahoo.com .

Les Van Heeswyk here. Thanks for taking this on. Not much to update on me. Still alive and doing well. I've retired back in Iowa near mine and my wife's family. We are blessed and they are all hanging in there! I stay busy but do not have a "paying" job. Seems like that is pretty normal for "retired" folks. You are busy every day but have trouble telling someone what you did to be so busy ;-). Still married to the same wonderful lady. Kids are doing great. Picture attached - top L-R: Ryan (son in the Army), Stephen Renfrow (son-in-law, in med school in NC), Tracie (daughter, working at med school), front L-R: Debra (special needs teacher), me (retired "go getter" - take my wife to work and "go get her"). Cheers, Hang in there! Les

Don Rightmyer … Thanks for sending out the email and giving me the chance to bring the guys in our class up to date. I moved from my last job as a Reference Librarian in the local public library where I live to the Kentucky Historical Society's Research Library (Frankfort, Kentucky) -- surrounded by an entire library of Kentucky history and genealogical materials (and lots and lots of Civil War resources). I'm also up to my neck (treading water) in the first stages of planning for our Society's exhibition for the Sesquicentennial (150th) of the Civil War. This is a job and location where I've wanted to work for decades. In April 2007, it happened so here I am. Last October I had the privilege of being the primary Civil War lecturer and battlefield tour guide for the second National Re-enactment at Perryville Kentucky -- the largest Civil War battle in Kentucky. Another lifelong dream come true. Attached are three photos: two closeups were taken within the last year or so; the third is of me giving one of my battlefield tours at Perryville Battlefield in October 2006. Thanks again for writing and I hope all of this makes it through to you OK.

Luke Coker … I have attached a couple of retirement pictures. I am having back surgery tomorrow; a microdiscectomy, so I know they won't want me to play golf for a while. It is supposed to be 6 to 8 weeks of rehab. Usuallly, no BLT (bending lifting or turning) but I don't know for sure. If for some reason that is different, I will let you know. Thanks again, Luke Coker

Joe, Your "old-not-yet" classmates can't thank you enough for continuing to the lead the "fight" and be our scribe and "dad." Kerri and I remain in Japan working hard to keep the North Koreans defensive, the Chinese respectful, and the Japanese friendly. Still flying the Viper just enough to be safe and happy. Lt Wright at Seymour-Johnson flying Strike Eagles and our 20-year old, Jackie, at George Mason in Fairfax, VA. Best part of our lives is continuing to serve with the finest Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines and families in the world. America's warriors continue to be absolutely incredible! God bless partner, best to Deb, and thanks again for taking care of all of us. Sincerely, Orville

Bob 'BG' Gilbert … An update on me. I am now the Deputy Executive Director for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. I assumed the job this Spring after leaving a consultant position for TSA in Crystal City. My new address is One Airport Blvd, Orlando, Florida, 32827-4399. Office number is (407) 825-2461. Cheers, Tough 20 Trolls Bob 'BG' Gilbert

John Muse … The only news I have to report is that I resigned from the Campaign Steering Committee("CSC") along with Harry Pearce, Dick Schlosberg, Jack Kucera and others because of the resistance of the new AOG to the formation of an independent foundation for our major capital campaign. Without this structure of an independent foundation, we all concluded that it would be impossible to get support from major donors, which is critical to the success of the campaign. Unless the AOG decides to join the 21st Century and form a foundation, I believe that any significant fundraising effort is doomed. It is sad for me that the current and future cadets will pay the price of this failure by the AOG board to authorize the formation of a foundation. John--------------------------

Monnie Gore .. I was appointed Deputy County Administator for El Paso County, Colorado in January 2007. My wife, Jennifer, and I live in Manitou Springs. My two oldest kids were married this year, and my youngest starts at Whitworth College this fall. Thanks, Monnie Gore

Tim Long … here's a couple more pics concerning me and horses. The show was at Lexington, KY in May.

Bush Hanson writes … Thought that I would pass on a picture from Lt Gen Don (Hank) Wetekam's (CS-19) retirement on 1 June at Bolling AFB. Previous Playboys who attended the event are in the attached picture. From left to right in the picture. John (Row) Rogacki, Dave (Chaw) Brown, John (Dunc) Duncan, Chris (Bart) Black, John (Kuc) Kuconis, Steve Trent, Chuck (Mitch) Mitchell, Al (A.J.) Briding, Lt Gen Don (Hank) Wetekam, David (Bush) Hanson, Col Tom (Bud) Blase, Denny (Mape) Maple, Stephens McCauley, Don (Nipper) Kanipe. Also attending the ceremony was Spencer Way (CS-23) (not pictured). The ceremony was officiated by Gen John Corley (73) also not pictured. Steve Macaulay provided CS-19 logo shirts. Spencer Way from CS-23 sat at our table at the retirement dinner that was held on the evening of 31 May. General John Corley, our classmate, presided over the retirement ceremony mentioning that the best class the academy has produced was of course the Class of 1973. Festivities included a retirement dinner on the evening of 31 May, the retirement ceremony on 1 June, and a reception at the Bolling AFB Club. John and Vicki Duncan hosted a barbeque at their home following the Bolling reception. Bush Hanson

Bob Munson 08/14/07… Mike Mosier just started the MBA program at UC Colorado Springs and will finish in two years. He will be combining schoolwork and consulting; after leaving a small overseas development firm he co-founded Mike started his own small business called Advise and Ascend. Cheers, Bob. Robert A. Munson, MD

08/17/ 2007 .. Don Pettit, 9th Sq here. Living in Springfield, VA, at the bottom of the DC beltway. Retired from USAF/DCANG in '95 (22 yrs; 21 in the cockpit). Retired from Lockheed Martin in 2006 (24yrs). Now have my own small business, working part time and looking for more to do in the "I can't tell you world". I see Gordy Bendick every once in a while. Had dinner last month? but no pic...not a good sight, 2 old farts eating Italian in Old Town! I stay in touch with Mike Arnett and through him all the other 9ers. Anyone coming through town should give me a buzz for dinner out somewhere. Any time! Don Pettit, 703-307-0316