Reunion planning has reached the point where the few have done about all that we can, and it is now up to the many. All the arrangements are finalized and the scene set. The success of the venture is now in your hands. By the time you read this column, the registration packets will have been in the field for some six weeks; so, if you did not receive one, let one of us know. The registration packet consists of two segments. The first mailing included an agenda, some administrative info, and the reser­vation form for the Embassy Suites. The second mailing is the actual Reu­nion event registration packet. We need everyone who can walk, crawl, run, drive, or fly to join us in the celebration of the first half of our lives. Can you believe that it was 30 years ago that we jumped into our "new" cars for the second annual "Rush from the Rockies"?

In the registration packets you will find a short bio form which, I con­fess, has more than one purpose. In addition to serving as an update vehi­cle for the AOG, I am hoping to glean some timely information to feed this column. So, regardless of how you do it, take some time to write in the blanks and either mail it or bring it with you. You will probably agree that this effort needs some variety. It would be nice to occasionally men­tion every member of the class.

In the "not good news" category, our class number is smaller by one as this column goes to press. Mike BUCHEN fought a very courageous bat­tle against cancer until 23 July when he succumbed. He returned to the Academy where he was laid to rest by several of our classmates on 28 Ju­ly. He will be well remembered and sorely missed by us all. Godspeed Mike.

On a recent trip to the D.C. Area, I had the time to stop in for a brief visit with our two 4-star classmates. Both Ron YATES and Mike LOH are situated in their new offices and right up to their chins in the day-to-day management of the Air Force. Ron said that his change-of-command ceremony was a noteworthy event in that several of the Class of '60 Mafia were in attendance. Mike's secretary has already figured out that she has a dynamo on her hands, but there is little doubt she can bring him under control. It is not her first exposure to the Class of '60 type "A" personali­ty; but J.A. JOHNSON will have to explain that.

In the change-of-address department, two notifications indicate some interesting moves. Hoyt PRINDLE has been weeded out of Eglin AFB and packed it all the way to Tallahassee, which I assume is a retirement move. Howie WHITFIELD is returning to Coronado, CA, from the less desirable winter climes of Sheldon, CT. If I am not mistaken, Howie is returning to some of his old Marine Corps haunts in Southern California.

I received a letter written to Jim WILHELM from Frank MAYBERRY who, as you may recall from a previous column, is rattling around Australia working for TRW. The letter actually makes a reader feel bad, because nobody should have that much fun and get paid for it. Frank and Eve have traveled to several parts of the continent from their home in Woomera. They returned to the states in June 1989 to accomplish some company administrative activities and while here took some time playing in Colorado. They returned to their home in Woomera via Europe, Singapore, and a few weeks on the west coast of Australia (a trip around the world). They will be coming back to Colorado again for the reunion and then circumnavigate the world again. You'll have the chance to hear all about it first hand. All you have to do is be there to ask the questions.

Joe DESANTIS asked me to mention that he is working up another cruise for all the academy grads, friends, and like animals. The Holland America Line's MS Westerdam will sail from Ft Lauderdale on 27 April 1991 and return on 4 May 1991. If you would like more information, call Joe (314) 232-1666, or 1-800-747-0027, and let him give you the pitch.

Remember 6-9 September; there is only one place to be that weekend. See you all soon and bring lots of memories.