Barbara Ann Vessels sends this update regarding Roy Jolly: "[Roy] had a blood infusion on Monday, and he is brighter and funnier. The surgery on his infected elbow last month did not infect his funny bone. He has not walked since Thanksgiving, but I think they will be giving his jazzy scooter back in the next 30 days, and today that would be like returning him to flying status. He is slow on the pickup of his phone since surgery was on his right arm, but conversion of voice mail to text is the best way to keep him connected, and I help him with all the replies and dialing. He loves talking to all his friends. So, leave a voicemail, and he can read it and call back, or have me send a text for him. His address is Roy Jolly, 8th Wing, Southern Utah Veterans Home, Ivins, UT 84738 Cell 435-231-9868."

Ken Alnwick passes along some Checkpoints NOTAMS that he couldn't fit into his Spring Checkpoints column HERE.

John McCullough sends the following regarding Roy Jolly:

"Classmates, friend Richard Graham of Colorado Springs has just returned from visiting our classmate Roy Jolly in the VA hospital near St George, UT. ... Roy's disease is MRSA. See link to Wikipedia.--John McCullough"

Here are Mr. Graham's comments (Richard was an F100 pilot in Vietnam Nam, a friend of Roy Jolly, and the falconer who captured and donated the first Gyrfalcon to USAFA): "My notes are haphazard. VA hospital is a very beautiful facility. Roy was in another hospital for about 3 weeks around Thanksgiving and has been at VA since Dec ... . Roy appreciates attention. Pappy Boyington to visit Monday 2/12/18. Operation last Thursday to remove fluids from right elbow. Extremely swollen. Noticeable atrophy of left leg. No walking. Mumbly speech, but more normal now."

We will follow-up as more information is available.

I just returned home from a trip to Florida to visit family and friends. On the way north on I-75, I met Jon McClure for lunch in Valdosta, on a rainy day in Georgia. Jon, who lives in Thomasville, GA, still works full time as an attorney. He heads the Public Defender's Office in the Colquitt County Courthouse in Moultrie. Jon says that he really enjoys the work and intends to continue for the forseeable future. We had a nice visit talking about old times and classmates, and we made tentative plans for similar visits whenever I'm passing through. I'm sure he would enjoy seeing Classmates making a pass through southern Georgia on I-75. Just let him know.--J.T.

Dave Reed relays the following from Diana Pupich:

"Words cannot express my gratitude for all of the love, care, and support that people have shown to both me and George over these past few months, culminating in his memorial service and the reception following. Both events powerfully celebrated George's life and were wonderfully done, from the prelude of the service to the shared slivo toast at the end.

"Even though many people could not make it, the number in attendance far exceeded the expectations of the "professionals" who "do this all the time." The attendance numbers alone were a testament not only to George's love, but to the quality of people who have surrounded us all these years.
Beyond and much deeper than the sheer numbers of people there were the words shared both publicly and privately. They reminded me, they reminded us all of the important part George has played in our lives and of the example he set of loyalty, generosity, humility, and love.

"As for me, I am feeling both a tiredness from the months of taking care of George, preparing for the funeral, and taking care of the estate. While I was exhausted after the service, I also experienced a sense of closure (at least to a point). I know that I have more grieving to do (and a LOT more legal details to attend to), but it feels that a page has been turned.

"As I recover from everything, I look forward to re-connecting with you, and, though adjusting to my "new normal," basking in the same constant friendship that has been so rich and sustaining for so long. You who have been through something similar understand that it takes a while to adjust. Doing things without George that I used to do with him is still somewhat uncomfortable, haunting. Moving on to new things is definitely on my horizon, but I am not there now. I appreciate the invitations to do things and will keep them on my list, but be aware that I am still not ready just yet. I will be, but not yet, so please continue to be patient.

"Once again, I thank you for all of your support and love and prayers."

[Note: The obituary written by Randy Cubero '61 for George is now available HERE.]

Andi Biancur sends the following recap of events attendant to the interment ceremony for George Pupich:

On Thursday evening, 01/11, the class met at Bourbon Brothers for dinner. Those attending were: (L to R) Jim Glaza, Jeanette, Brian Kaley, Greg Boyington, Pete Roe, John McCullough, Deanne, Andi Biancur, D.K. Johnson, Carol (Kaley) Sharon & Dick Schehr.
(Duck & Mary Waddle had to leave early and Carole Biancur took the photo)

On Friday10/12, after the ceremonies we met at the McCullough's for beer/wine & pizza.

On the left: (L to R) Jane Vosika, Connie Yates, Carol Kaley, Carole Biancur, Deanne McCullough

On the right: (L to R) Jane Vosika, Carol Kaley, Carole Biancur, Deanne McCullough, Connie Yates, Trix Miller, & Mary Waddle

(L to R) Ron Yates. Jim Waddle, John McCullough, Brian Kaley, Max Miller '59, and Gene Vosika '59 (Greg Boyington and D.K. Johnson had already left--Deke needed his beauty sleep, and Andi took the photos.)