I hope that you took the time to read R. L. PENN's article in the last issue of Checkpoints detailing the Class of '59 30-year reunion. From that article and all other accounts, and by the looks of the pictures, the entire weekend was an unparalleled success. (That is, until September 1990 when we top it.) Dick SCHEHR, Jock SCHWANK, Jim GLAZA and I have begun serious work on all the details necessary to make our weekend a memorable one. I disclaim any parochialism; but it is all coming together quite well; and, for those of you who remember, it will surpass our 25th year celebration. Per your stated desire, the weekend of 7-9 September may be the most structured unstructured weekend you will ever spend in Colorado Springs. In late February, we will forward a registration package with all the necessary details to allow you enough plann­ing time to make the show. Pass the word; we need to have each and every classmate there to make it a complete success. We will do our part, but you must do yours.

I commissioned a spy to search out and report on the whereabouts of John and Deanne McCULLOUGH. Contrary to historic reports and all common sense, John and Deanne are not in Dyersburg, TN but are in Buffalo, MN where John is a gentleman farmer spending most of his time guiding hunting parties. Would you believe that he raises pheasants in his barn and releases them so that he can continue the hunting expeditions into the next century. It all sounds too good to be true. All is reported well with the McCulloughs, but I don't know if I have succeeded in securing his promise to take a small break and make it to Col­orado in 1990.

Several of our folk have recently joined the roles of ex-Air Force officers. With apologies to any I've missed, I found the names of Chris WARACK, Howie BRONSON, Les HOBGOOD, Phil COOKE, Dick SEXTON, Don WOLFSWINKEL and Charlie WATERMAN on varying lists as entering the realm of the kiwi with regards to putting their Air Force wings up on the wall. It's rumored that their wives Pat, Judy, Marilyn, Cookie, Sally, Ronnie and MaryAnn got together and bought two rolls of stamps just to make sure they got their resumes out. They claim that it was nice to have them around the house for a change, but there is such a thing as too much of a good deal. After the "honey-do" list was complete (the first time in 30 years for any of them), they did not want to relive having children around the house who required constant entertainment. Guys, in your newly-evolved life of leisure, drop me a note so I can tell the world the secrets of all those successes.

The Wall Street Journal on Aug. 1, using a byline from Mequon, WI, an­nounced that Medalist Industries had named Ted HOPKINS as their chairman, president and CEO. Medalist is a producer of leisure and industrial products. (Is there a conflict of interest there; somehow it seems to me that leisure and industry are contradictory terms.) Well it isn't the first time that Ted has been between a rock and a hard place. Wasn't it in September 1959 that words from Atlantic City placed Ted in a rather tight but somewhat envious spot? Congratula­tions Ted, it sounds like a very fine move.

A few change-of-address cards did find their way to the AOG office. Sid and Ann GURLEY outgrew their home in Jupiter, FL again and found another one in the same ville. Phil and Elizabeth MEINHARDT, in his quest for a congres­sional seat, has relocated from Topeka, KS to Alexandria, VA to be nearer to the action. Don and Ronnie WOLFSWINKEL gave up on Andrews AFB, MD and slid down the coast to Summerville, SC in August--just in time to greet Hurricane Hugo. I hope they were on the leeward slide of the world. From news reports, it does not look like much fun for the Charleston gang. And, as I men­tioned earlier, with retirement, Chris and Pat WARACK are headed for Monu­ment, CO to soak up some Falcon Power. If any of these folk have moved near you homesteaders, give them a welcome call and offer to show them the local fishing spots and golf courses or direct them to your favorite watering hole.

Last week I saw a copy of the letter that Tony BURSHNICK sent to several classmates in support of the AOG Building Fund. He very clearly articulated the need for all of us to display our interest in the project if we are to gain the outside support required to complete the job. These fund-raising efforts are funny in that visible core support breeds increased interest in ever-widening circles. Without visible interest on the part of us early graduates, it is almost impossi­ble to mobilize benefactor interest. So, don't just read and discard Tony's letter. Do something about it before it leaves your memory.

I know this does not rank up there in the timeliness category, but when he returned his survey outlining his reunion thoughts, Vic THOMAS sent along a very nice letter which I would like to pass on. He outlined his military career describing a long association with the C-130, which he flew just about everywhere. He also flew just about every model. He detailed tours in Vietnam and Alaska where he spent lots of time at Sondestrom flying on and off the ice cap. Somehow during all this aviating he picked up jump wings and added the combat jump star. He received his MA through AFIT, by way of the University of Arizona. Following his 28-year Air Force career, he and his wife, Sandy, settled in the Las Vegas/Boulder City area where he is toiling away for New York Life, while Sandy is busy teaching sixth grade. Their four children are all in various stages of college-related work having (1) recently graduated, (2) attending or (3) in the final stages of preparation. Vic claims that the life-insurance business is challenging, rewarding and one hell-of-a-lot of work. Any further updates will have to be gained at the 30-year get-together.

Ted STUMM also responded to the survey with a letter which bordered on nostalgia. He was preparing for his retirement and fondly recalled those events which stood out in his career, which he described as "pretty standard for the most part." Ted, I'm not sure any career that spans 28 years in the Air Force could be categorized as standard. He speaks warmly of his time in Turkey and all the good he was able to do with and for the Turkish people. He and Dona were looking forward to the next career with enthusiasm. I know that the tran­sition is now complete, and a second letter is in order to let us know where you settled and what you found to spice up your future years.

The mail from you guys has literally dried up, and I haven't heard so much as a word in months. My cache of material is nearly exhausted; so, it is time to limber up your fingers and either hit the computer keyboard or grab a writing utensil and drop me a line. In the recent past a great number of you have moved to second careers, and it would be nice to report to the rest of the class just what you are up to. Don't neglect writing about your wives since many of them are really doing some interesting and exciting things--I mean in addition to keep­ing you happy. Take the time--WRITE.

Shortly after turning in this column, I was told that Mike BUCHEN is courageously fighting a grim battle against cancer. On the phone he told me he is undergoing strong chemotherapy and doesn't know how long he can con­tinue. He really needs all our support; so, take a minute and contact him: (213) 640-8909, 861 Eucalyptus Drive, El Segundo, CA 90245.