July - September 2018
As Compiled by JT Smith
Just received some unwelcome news about Bill Hodson: "Bill has taken a turn for the worse. Hospice has been ordered and called and I am working with them to assess his situation. . . .Pls e-mail me directly at f.hodson@comcast.net or call at 719-373-8280
Fran Hodson"
Here's a tip from Goose Gulbransen: "I was buying a microwave online from Lowes. Opening a free account they said military veterans get 10% off. You do not have to be retired just a vet. So I signed up. To complete the process I sent them a pdf of my DD241 'Report of Transfer or Discharge'...within minutes I was approved and completed my purchase less 10%. My completion of military service was in 1965 so that piece of paper was worth keeping."
I recently talked with Barbara Ann on the phone to get an update on Roy Jolly. She said that he was still at the VA home awaiting some follow-up surgery on his elbow and an esophageal dilation procedure to alleviate some difficulty he's been having with swallowing. When he recuperates from these procedures, she expects him to come home. He remains in good spirits and maintains his dauntless positive attitude.
"The Association of Graduates has recently learned of the death of Mr. William H. "Bill" Leninger, CS-10 class of 1960. Mr. Leninger passed away on 7 Sep 2018 in Rio Rancho, NM. A funeral service will be held on 15 Sep 2018 at 1400 hours at Albuquerque's First Baptist Church; 4101 Paseo del Norte NW; Albuquerque, NM 87114; (505) 247-3611. His obituary can be viewed [HERE]. The Leninger family has suggested that memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Brazos Canyon Volunteer Fire Department; PO Box 92; Chama, NM 87520; (505) 588-0014. Condolences may be left online at the funeral home website listed above or they may be sent to his family in care of his son, Tony, or daughter Dorene: Mr. Tony Leninger; 6521 Dove Ct NE; Rio Rancho, NM 87144 Mrs. Dorene DiNaro; 800 Zimina Dr NW; Albuquerque, NM 87120 "
Here's an update to the 12 August posting below regarding Cade Martin's Over War Presentation: We have sought and received permission from Mr. Martin to include a permanent copy of his presentation on the website. It now resides as a Special Addendum in the War Stories section. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out, and while you're in the neighborhood reread Ron Patchett's related story.
Charlie Liggett sends this in response to Lew Price's Ushers memory: "I just read Lew Price's South Pacific adventure in Denver, and that led me to recall my own Denver theater experience. I attended a live performance of "No Time for Sergeants" in a Denver theater in 57 or 58. One of the main actors was Myron McCormick, a friend of one of my aunts. After the performance, I went back stage and introduced myself and chatted with him for some time. An interesting observation: on his dressing table was a bottle of whiskey, but I don't recall him offering me a drink. It was a good performance; he also appeared in the film version, with Andy Griffith. We were lucky to have these cultural experiences close at hand."
Lew Price sends this memory of an experience while we were still Cadets: "Last night on the Turner Classic Movie channel, they mentioned that South Pacific (the musical) was having its 60th anniversary. This made me remember the first time I saw it back in 1958 ... . This is something that may have happened to other cadets as well after we started wearing our new rocky mountain blue uniforms. The little story follows. Lew.
Ushers
"In 1958, two of our classmates and I attended a new movie (South Pacific) in Todd AO (widescreen) at the Tabor Theater in Denver. We were wearing our new blue class A uniforms. We entered the theater and found our numbered seats. The theater was becoming packed rather rapidly, and I wanted to get some popcorn. So I left the other guys in their seats (I forgot who they were or how many wanted popcorn) and started back toward the lobby.
"When I neared the lobby, a little old lady and her lady friend were there in the aisle looking pointedly at me and holding up some tickets. "Young man! Young man!" she said loudly. I realized what she wanted and looked at the letters and numbers on the tickets. Then I escorted the ladies to their seats. They thanked me, and I went on to get the popcorn.
"I have often wondered how many of us experienced similar reactions to our new uniforms as we mingled with the people of Denver in those early years."
Anyone else remember something like that from back in the day? If so, send it along. In fact, the good news spigot has slowed to a drip, drip, drip. You guys must be doing something interesting and/or fun. How about sharing?
"Thud' drivers should see the Shared Messages section for an informative presentation documenting F-105 operations during Rolling Thunder.
Charlie Folkart has sent another message extending his thoughts relative to our Class Motto. This sequel has been added to the Shared Messages section.
Charlie Folkart has sent a message giving his thoughts relative to our Class Motto. It has been posted to the Shared Messages section.