While I was away, I was obviously having too much fun, because I let several items in the input hopper go unposted. So, here are things that should have already been posted:

Bill Zersen's report on the Mini-Reunion in Reno has been posted to the Mini-Reunions section. Check out the photo below. It's the only one in which you'll see Ben Furuta who took all of the others.

Lew Price passed along a message from a friend named Curtis Taylor that may be of significant interest to those who pulled high g-loads while wearing a g-suit. Here is Mr. Taylor's message:

"On January 3, 2002, as I just turned age 67, I underwent a critical surgery for a popliteal aneurysm behind my left knee. My popliteal artery behind my left knee had blown up the size of tennis ball. The vascular surgeon had performed the by-pass surgery replacing the artery behind the knee with a vein just in time before I either died or lost my left leg. The same surgeon then performed the same by-pass operation on January 17, 2002 on the right leg.

After both surgeries and discussions with one of the three vascular surgeons involved, who happens to have been a Flight Surgeon, we discussed the following:

*The Commanding Officer of VM0-2 (OV-10A Bronco Squadron) in which I flew combat missions in Vietnam in 1969 died in retirement at an early age of about 65 from associated problems that I just had a very, very close call with.

*The Commanding Officer of VM0-2 who flew combat missions in the Bronco during 1971 was reported to have died from a vascular problem at abou the age of 64.

*My own Executive Officer of VMO-2, when I had been the Commanding Officer, died in retirement at about the age of 62 from an apparent vascular problem.

*And, a friend of mine who is currently the Lockheed Martin consultant/rep to the Spanish Navy called me after my recent two vasular operations telling me that a close friend of his, an Admiral in the Spanish Navy and first Harrier pilot in the Spanish Navy just underwent the very same popliteal aneurysm sugery on one leg and he stated to my friend he thinks it was due to weakening damage to his artery behind his knee years ago where there is no G-suit protection.

*I reported this to my vascular surgeon who was a Flight Surgeon. He said he is looking into this since there is no protection in G-suits behind the knees.

The specific G-suit I wore in and out of combat was the: Coverall, Anti-G Cutaway Type Mark 2A, Mil Spec C-23955.

I mention this seemingly far-out theory to all fellow military pilots that I come across only to warn them that: If you have a bulge, particularly a pulsating bulge behind one or two of your knees get right in to see a Vascular Surgeon to have it checked out.

My first visit to my internal medicine doctor with that symptom resulted in him saying I had a Baker's Cyst that needed removing. Upon my getting an MRI and seeing an Orthopedic Surgeon three weeks later, resulted in the Orthopedic Surgeon telling me I had a severe aneurysm and he sent me immediately to a Vascular Surgeon who said it was the biggest he ever saw. He promptly sent me to the Naval Medical Center (Balboa) San Diego, where two vascular sugeons performed by-pass surgery of the popliteal artery on both legs...and, due to loss of time, I almost lost my life or left leg.

So please pass the above info on to any of your fine feathered flying friends you have contact with...it may save their lives, if they have any such symptom behind their knee or knees...whether caused by G-suits' design, extensive roller coaster riding, or maybe even simply flying as a commercial pilot for a lifetime, after a military flying period. "

Phil Meinhardt follows up with respect to his and Nancy Macy's wedding on 22 April at the USAFA Chapel with the following:

Attached is a link to Nancy Macy and my wedding video at the Academy chapel. If you will recall, the chapel wasn't finished when we graduated, so none of our class was married there. Believe Jim Glaza was married there much later. Anyway, the video is extremely well done. I also have a link to photos taken at the wedding. Note password for the photo link.

The chapel will close for renovation (leaking roof) this fall for four years. Repairs will cost $62 million. The initial appropriation for the Academy was $120 million. When it overran to $140 million (under Gen Briggs, I believe), Congress was very upset and did an investigation."

Here is the link to the video: https://vimeopro.com/two24weddings/nancy-and-phil

[Ed note: in this space was a link to wedding photos. That link is no longer active and has been removed.]

---

I am on my way home from the 2017 gathering of Los Guajolotes, my group of motorcycling friends. This year the destination was Chama, New Mexico during the week of 12-16 June.

The trip out to Chama was a 3-day Interstate blast (the absolute worst form of riding). I rendezvoused with three other east-of-the-Mississippi riders in Conway, Arkansas at the end of the first day. The second day covered nearly 600 miles, and with the high temperature and the strong, gusty crosswinds, it was a bit of an ordeal. The next day was right at 400 miles. I vowed at that time to make the trip home more leisurely, staying off the Interstates and limiting daily distance to about 350 miles.

As I right this, I'm visiting with Gordon and Anne Flygare while waiting out some rough weather between here (Norman, OK) and home (Clarksville, TN). You may recall that Gordon came to several of this group's gatherings in the past when he was still riding.

This year's gathering was attended by 20 riders, from mostly the western States, but one is from Virginia, and three are from Tennessee. There are some really nice (read, curvy) roads in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, and that makes this area a prime target for motorcyclists.

Another attraction in Chama is the Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway which operates steam-powered, narrow-gauge trains between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. The entire group took Wednesday off from enjoying the local roads to ride the train. If you like steam trains, then this one is really worth considering. In the photo below, I'm on the right

Next year, Los Guajolotes have chosen to gather in West Virginia, where they also have really great roads for motorcycles. Stay tuned.--J.T.

---

Dean Phelps follow-up. Jim Glaza sends the following remembrance of Dean: "Dear Classmates, ... Some of you may remember that Dean was medically discharged from our class following his suffering a detached retina during his T33 orientation ride. I personally remember Dean for providing the transportation (a brand new Olds 98) from Dearborn Michigan to Tulagis in Boulder two days before we reported to the Academy in 56. We made that trip in 21 hours including all stops, averaging 71 mph on country roads (there was no interstate then, remember?) and never saw a policeman. The objective of targeting Tulagis, successfully achieved, was to prove that you could indeed get drunk on 3.2 beer! Following his medical discharge, Dean, a Mensa member, graduated from the University of Cincinnati and began a long career in radio management and sales. Ultimately, reflecting his lifelong interest in art, he began dealing in antiques. In his latter role he donated significant items to the Special Collections Branch at the Academy Library. Some of you may remember Dean and his wife Denise from the 50th reunion. That was the only reunion they attended and both were delighted to be included. Besides Denise, he is survived by two children and two grandchildren. ... Dean was 82."

[Gentlemen: Jim's words about Dean have been added to Dean's entry in Gone, But Not Forgotten. Similarly, Les Querry's remembrance has been added to Don Paye's entry there. These personal notes go beyond any formal "just-the-facts" obituary; they add a personal connection that enhances our appreciation of that individual's membership in our class. It is my hope that those who read these remembrances will be motivated to share a personal memory of someone who has already begun their final sortie.--J.T.]

---

NOTAMS: Ken Alnwick submits the following tidbits of news that didn't quite fit into his most recent Checkpoints article:

---

Jim Glaza has notified us of the death, on 14 May 2017, of our classmate Dean A. Phelps in Las Cruces, NM. The cause and details regarding services are not presently available.

An obituary is available at the funeral home's website.

---

New USAFA Superintendant named: Maj Gen Jay Silveria ('85) has been named to succeed Lt Gen Michelle Johnson ('81). Click HERE to read the story published in the Colorado Springs Gazette.

---

Gordon Flygare submits this report on the Roy Jolly and Barbara Ann Vessels Commitment and Covenant Ceremony in Edmond, OK on 6 May:

---

I just spoke on the phone with Don Stevens, and he passes along the following news derived from recent contact with two Classmates:

Firstly, I am sad to report that Jack Hardison lost his wife, Maryanne, on 24 December 2016. Our condolences go to Jack and to the rest of the family. An obituary was published in the Arizona Daily Star on 8 Jan 2017--you may view it HERE.

On a happier note, Don reports that he had a very nice, impromptu visit with Dick Mrosla at Dick's home in Durham, NC. Dick is doing well.

---

On the Home Page, Les posted a photo taken at General Harmon's Retirement Parade and asked for your personal thoughts/comments regarding the occasion. So far, only Gordon Flygare has responded with the following:

"Parades in general are one of my best cadet memories, but the steak that was served that evening lives on as the standard by which cooked meat is judged. I never understood what attraction steak held until that moment, and I have spent the past 60 years and 8 months looking for a taste treat that compares with that August afternoon. -- Gordon Flygare, 391K"

Any other memories of that event floating around out there? If so, send them to Les.

---

Here's a follow-up on the 7 April post below announcing the wedding plans for Phil Meinhardt and Nancy Macy:

These pictures, forwarded by Goose Gulbransen, were taken at the USAFA Chapel on 22 April. Congratulations once again to Phil and Nancy.

---

Roy Jolly and Barbara Ann Vessels are having their Commitment and Covenant Ceremony on Saturday, 6 May. Here is their announcement (Click to Enlarge):

---

Charlie and Kathy Liggett continue to travel. Here's Charlie's latest report::

"Kathy and I are on our fourth world cruise, this one for five months. We are currently transiting the Suez Canal, a couple days ago we were in Aqaba, Jordan, not far from the excavation site Alex mentioned in his recent post. Two years ago we were closer while visiting Jerusalem and the Dead Sea area. This is a fascinating part of the world with many amazing sites such as Petra. We were able to check off three major items from our bucket list on this trip. The Great Wall, Terra-Cotta Warriors and the Taj Mahal."

---

The Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) has announced new mailing addresses for use by retirees and annuitants. The new addresses become effectinve on 1 May 2017. Click HEREto access this information on the DFAS website.

---

Jack Brush checks in with this update regarding his record flight in the Aerostar:

"It seems that 2016 was a thin year for speed records as my flight was selected as memorable by the NAA. Press release attached.

And here's the original NAA press release regarding the flight

---

The Association of Graduates has notified us of the death of our classmate Lt Col (Ret) Denis J. Haney on 12 Apr 2017 in Arlington, TX, after a battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held from 1800-2000 hours on 18 Apr 2017 at Wade Family Funeral Home-Arlington; 4140 W Pioneer Parkway; Arlington, TX 76013-2937; (817) 274-9233. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on 19 Apr 2017 at 1100 hours at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish; 1927 SW Green Oaks Blvd; Arlington, TX 76017-2734. Burial will follow in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 1430 hours.

His family has suggested that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Mission Arlington; 210 W South St; Arlington, TX 76010-7134; (817) 277-6620; www.missionarlington.org. Condolences may be left online at the funeral home's website or sent to his family in care of his wife, Elizabeth: Mrs. Elizabeth P. Haney; 5216 Caliente Dr; Arlington, TX 76017-3439

You may read his obituary published in the Star Telegram HERE.

---

Alex Zimmerman checks in with the following:

"Recently, I travelled to Jordan as a volunteer for excavation of Tall el Hammam, a site just northeast of the Dead Sea and northwest of Mount Nebo, on the eastern edge of the flood plain of the Jordan river. This was my 10th time to make this trip. Scheduled to fly from JFK to Amman but the New York weather interfered. A snow storm caused me to miss my flight. Re-routed to UIA (Ukraine International Airline), JFK to Kiev in Ukraine and then to Amman after about two hours in Kiev. Flight loaded about midnight, everything in Russian, but with smiles and hand signals, it worked out okay--Boeing 767 with about 100 passengers. A single video system featuring an animated film about babies being stolen and eventually retrieved by the assigned storks. One audio channel in the original English, another channel in probably Russian. Surprising was the sub-titles Chinese. Good chance to read a book. Arrival was after sunset. Down the portable steps to the ice-covered tarmac, carefully walking to a bus, then to the terminal. Of course through another security check point. Wandering around the international terminal I noticed: (a) flights to about everywhere in Europe (except Moscow), and (b) all the Duty Free shops featured prices in Euros. This was stated using the Euro symbol with an exclamation point. I gather the Ukrainians want to join the EU. Most everything routine after that.

"The excavation site is very large (about 13000 6m by 6m squares). Only about 10 squares can be excavated during one season, so the person selecting the squares has be very clever or very lucky. There are two levels at the site, a lower level about 20 meters above the surroundings, and an upper level at about 50 meters. This season we were all on the upper level. The lower level has now been planted with banana trees (the site is owned and farmed by the local people). The upper level is too high and rocky for planting anything. I was assigned to a square containing the remains of a stone wall and part of the upper defensive system build with mud bricks (think adobe). My job was to find the bottom of the stone wall (how many layers of stone?) and uncover the top of the defensive rampart. (The wall had seven layers of stones.) Some of the other squares had more interesting things including a lot of pottery. All the work is carefully recorded by a square supervisor and the pottery pieces are kept by location, washed, and read by the experts to determine the age. Most everything found was from the Middle Bronze Age (1950 BC to 1550 BC). No Welcome to Sodom signs were found. Would love to find the city archives who lived there, what property was bought and sold, etc, but so far nothing written. The project of course has a web site: www.tallelhammam.com."

---

The Association of Graduates has recently learned of the death of our classmate Lt Col USAFR (Ret) Donald D. Paye on 7 March 2017 in Kirkland, WA, due to "natural causes.". Don graduated with the Class of 1961

A memorial service will be held on 28 April 2017 at 1300 hours at the Desert Lawn Memorial Park; 1601 S Union; Kennewick, WA 99337. His family has suggested that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC), UW Medicine Advancement; c/o James Policar; PO Box 358045; Seattle, WA 98195-8045.

You may read his obituary published in the Tri-City Herald HERE.

---

Les Querry forwarded this not-so-good news from Bob Badger:

"Our eldest son Bruno suffered a blood clot related heart attack yesterday, underwent immediate surgery and is now in the hospital in Montreal. Some smaller clots remain. We have spoken to him by telephone, but he is very weak, in much pain and hardly understandable. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

"Thanks to all.

"Bob and Liliane"

---

Phil Meinhardt announces the following joyous news:

"Nancy Macy and I are getting married at the Air Force Academy Chapel on April 22. Cadet Sabre Drill Team will form the arch of swords. As you know, Class of 1960 weddings were not at the Chapel. Am I the first from 1960 to get married there?"

"Attached are a couple of pictures, one taken in Tahiti (engagement site) and one taken at Engagement Party (Thunderbird Club/Golf Course, Rancho Mirage where Obama plays golf and works out when here). Party was large with over 150 people, so we decided to elope for the wedding with minimal people in attendance."

Congratulations to Phil and Nancy.

---

Addendum: I talked by phone with Roy Jolly, and it turns out that while not getting married per se, he is also about to enter into a committed relationship with Barbara Ann Vessels, a lady he has known for 45 years but hadn't seen for 42 of those years. Their relationship rekindled last year, and they have decided to have a formal ceremony to celebrate their commitment to and love for one another. It will take place on Saturday, 6 May, in Oklahoma City. Congratulations to Roy and Barbara Ann.

---

Mike Loh has written an essay prompted by his reaction to the USAFA inauguration parade performance. It has been posted to the Shared Messages section. It's a good read.