July - September 2019
As Compiled by JT Smith
Andi Biancur sends this photo taken at Nels Delisanti's interment at USAFA on 16 November.
Greg Boyington, Ron Yates, Jim Glaza, Wayne Kendall, Sally & Dick Sexton, Denny Walsh, Jim Bujalski,
Connie Yates, Tony Bilello, Mary & Jim Waddle, Gordy Savage, Jack Brush, Andi Biancur, and Pete Roe
Andi adds, "Following the service, Ron hosted those who wished to his club at Flying Horse for some remembrances (war stories) and toasts to Nels - and, as it turned out, a few others."
Here's a brief update from Bob Odenweller: "I'm now looking at the possibility, more likelihood, of a full shoulder replacement. So far I've got all original equipment, but some of it has exceeded the 'Best by' date."
And Eve Mayberry sent the following: ". . . Frank was so proud to have been a graduate of the USAFA and with all the class of 1960 was most loyal and would have done anything for his classmates. If any of his class or family are in the area of Las Vegas, they would be most welcome to visit me."
Les Querry and Marty Hiatt hosted their annual "Roosting" for the DC gang et al. on Saturday, 27 October. The nineteen in attendance enjoyed another round of Les's signature Hoagies with soup and salad. For desert, there were pies, ice creme, and--courtesy of Bill and Cathe Hockenberry--a cake.
For more pictures, see DC in the Groups section.
Andi Biancur sends this unwelcome news: "Lt Col (Ret.) 600355 Neil (Nels) P. Delisanti passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood, WA. the evening of 27 October, 2018. He had been fighting cancer and was released from a care facility within the last two weeks. My understanding is that he wished to be buried at the Academy. I spoke with Chuck Diver and will get you more information in the next few days as it comes to me."
Here is a follow-up about Bill Hodson: A military burial will be held at Noon on 23 October at the United States Air Force Academy. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill’s name can be made to Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. His obituary may be viewed HERE
Unwelcome news from Fran: ". . . William Hodson passed early this morning, October 9. He will be buried at the AFA with full honors, and then a celebration of life will be conducted at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. Dates yet unknown. Thank you all for your kindness during his illness."
On a recent trip to Florida, I took the opportunity to visit with two Classmates: Syd Gurley and Jerry Farquhar. Syd and Ann live in a very nice retirement complex in Vero Beach. I got there just in time for dinner (impecable timing; right?), and they took me to an excellent restaurant within their building. We had a nice meal and great conversation to catch up on what we and our respective families are doing. They are both doing well and enjoying their current living situation very much. Here's a picture of the three of us taken in their home unit.
Syd, Ann and J.T.
The next day, I drove about 45 minutes westward to drop in on Jerry. He lives in an aviation community near Okeechobee. It has a 3000-ft strip where residents can keep and fly their aircraft. Jerry is not yet back on flight status following his heart-related problems a while back, but he expects to be soon. We spent several enjoyable hours talking about our flying careers, cars, and guns. He also showed me his impressive gun collection which includes some rare pieces (see pictures and a description in the Special Stories section of General Interest).
Jerry de la Cruz has provided an excellent article titled What to Know About Hospice. Read it in the Shared Messages section.
Just received this follow-up about Bill Hodson: "Bill is nearing 'end of life.' Please pass this on to his classmates.
Again, do not reply to this e-mail. Any responses should be directed to f.hodson@comcast.net or to my cell at 719-373-8280.
He fought long and hard and now it's time to claim his reward.