April - June 2020
As Compiled by JT Smith
Jon McClure called with the unwelcome news that our Classmate Pete King died on Sunday, 21 June, due to cancer. Services will be held Thursday, 25 June, at Crosspoint Church--214 Partin Drive S , Niceville, FL--at 1100 with a visitation starting at 1000.
Those wishing to read his obituary, published in the Northwest Florida Daily News, may do so HERE
John McCullough checks in again with the tag line "Summer finally comes to Colorado." Pictured are Jenny and Jim Glaza, Deanne and John McCullough, Connie and Ron Yates enjoying wine and cheese at friend Patrick Quinland's home on Broadmoor golf course. June 10, 2020. The spacious mansion can be rented as a VRBO, if interested."
Thanks again, John. More good news, guys, please.
John McCullough sends his recommendation for achieving proper social distancing: "I got away from the pandemic for three great days of fly fishing for trout on the Green River in the Flaming Gorge, Utah. The river was beautiful in spite of spring flows up to 8500 cfs, lots of nice Brown Trout and Rainbows, and terrific weather. I really needed that after all the isolation!"
Thanks, John. Anyone else out there with another suggestion?
Dean Bristow called with the belated news that our Classmate Erik LaDoe died in June of 2012 of complications due to meningitis. Erik lived in Saint George, UT. No Services were held, but those wishing to read his interesting obituary may do so HERE
Reb Guillot update, excerpted from the AOG announcement: ". ... A service will be held on 3 Sept 2020 at 1000 at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish; 5150 N Valley View Rd; Tucson, AZ 85718; (520) 577-8780; www.statucson.org. Condolences may be sent to his family in care of his wife, Susan: Mrs. Susan K. Guillot; 3354 N Camino Los Brazos; Tucson, AZ 85750-2817"
To read Reb's obituary, published in The Arizona Daily Star on 24 May, click HERE
Jerry de la Cruz received a call from Susan Guillot with the sad news that Reb passed away today in Tucson, AZ. Further information is currently unavailable.
With the recent COVID-19 situation, there has been a lot of depressing, frustrating news dominating all media. Well, it's time to lighten things up a bit. George Collier has been sending out some amusing images lately, and his latest is just too good to keep to myself. Those who need a bit of cheering up, please 
Zoomies Boldly Go Where ... . ... . . Who Knows?
This from Air Force Magazine: "Nearly 90 newly minted second lieutenants are heading to the Space Force as its first company-grade officers, following their April 18 graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
"They are among nearly 1,000 new graduates, with the balance commissioning into the Air Force.
"For those 86 people joining the Space Force, the Class of 2020 joins the inaugural class of 1959 and the class of 1980, the first to graduate women, as groups changing the course of history. ... ."
To read the full story, see www.airforcemag.com/usafa-graduates-first-space-force-lieutenants/.
Dick Sexton sent this announcement from the AOG:
"Approximately a year after approval of the concept by members of the Association of Graduates, the AOG and the Air Force Academy Foundation are pleased to announce the first-ever dual-hatted president and chief executive officer overseeing both organizations.
"The joint selection committee unanimously recommended Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould '76 to both boards for consideration. The AOG Board and the Foundation Board approved his selection.
"Gould is expected to begin his new role on May 1, 2020.
"Gen. Gould said he's humbled by the opportunity to lead two critical supporting USAFA partners in the days ahead.
"'I am looking forward to continuing to serve our alma mater during this critical time in USAFA's history,' he said.
"Gen. Gould comes to the AOG-Foundation leadership role with significant experience in strategic planning and organizational culture shaping.
"During his Air Force career, Gould was the military aide to president of the United States; senior military assistant to secretary of the Air Force; a seven-time commander; and culminated his service as the superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy.
"Transitioning to the civilian arena, Gould serves on several boards to include Goodwill Industries Colorado, Children's Hospital Colorado, Friends of the McDermott Library, and the Falcon Foundation. He was a member of the inaugural College Football Playoff Selection Committee and most recently has been the CEO of the Air Force Academy Foundation. It was in this role that Gould and his team positively impacted Academy and graduate programs thanks to record fundraising successes.
"We were incredibly fortunate to have a strong slate of applicants for this important leadership role. Each candidate was a USAFA graduate who wished to selflessly serve the graduate community as CEO," said Col. (Ret.) Cathy McClain '82, AOG chair.
"As the single CEO for the Foundation and AOG, Gen. Gould will be tasked with increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the organizations as they continue to work closely together.
"He also will guide both organizations as staff members work to achieve their separate yet complementary missions. The AOG's mission is to provide lifelong support to our graduates; to celebrate and encourage graduates' service to their communities and nation; to support the Academy and cadets; and to honor our heritage. The Foundation's mission is to align donor passion and generosity to serve and support the Air Force Academy as well as the vital programs executed by five other supporting organizations.
"Jack Kucera '78, Foundation chair, and McClain said the AOG and Foundation Boards, as well as the organizations' employees, are now poised to serve the Academy and its graduates in new and increasingly impactful ways.
"'Mike has been a transformational leader in the Air Force and in the civilian world,' Kucera said. 'The Foundation and AOG board members are excited to welcome Mike Gould as our new president and CEO. We expect great things as he guides the organizations in their independent missions to support the Academy, cadets and the graduate community.'
"Even though the selection committee chose one of the incumbent leaders from among the field of five CEO finalists, McClain and Kucera assured the graduate community and Academy supporters it will not be business as usual at the AOG and Foundation.
"'We are convinced that Gen. Gould is the leader our organizations need to foster innovation and impactful change in the days ahead,' Kucera said.
"McClain agreed.
"'This will be the first time in either of our histories that we've had a leader, in a position of authority, with a foot in both camps and able to make transformative decisions that balance the best interests of the Academy, our graduates, our cadets and the supporting foundations,' she said."
This from Norm Haller who passes along news from Air Force Magazine: "The Air Force will graduate its Academy Class of 2020 on April 18, more than a month ahead of schedule, and loosen restrictions on the senior class, which has been on virtual lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic." The decision was made after two firsties were found dead (apparently not due to COVID-19 infection) within 3 days of one another. To read the full story, see www.airforcemag.com/usafa-class-of-20-to-graduate-early.