19 June 2019

The COS '60 gang moved their June luncheon to The Depot in Palmer Lake CO with a view of the lake activity and the attraction of long southbound freight trains. Pete Roe did a presentation on the historical development of space operations.

Pete's talk provided insight into the Army - Air Force mission battles of the 1950s. Had the AF not prevailed, the ICBM mission as well as all subsequent various space operations missions would belong to the Army. The Air Force would be a much different organization today. Computers at the start of space operations were gargantuan. Space operations needs drove size and capacity of the first 20 years of main frame military computer improvements. Pete reviewed the several component functions of space operations: flying satellites, operating satellite tracking networks, operating satellite control networks, maintaining the catalog of all objects in space, detecting threat satellites, detecting analyzing and warning of missile launches, controlling missile attack warning networks. Pete also addressed the early years of NORAD space and missile warning operations inside the granet NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex. Finally, he addressed the defense aspects of NORAD's space defense mission.

Attendees at Lunch: Tony Bilello, Jim Bujalski, Wayne Kendall, Fred Porter, Pete Roe, Gordon Savage, Dick Schehr, Ron Yates, Dick Sexton, Jim Waddle, and Andi Biancur

15 May 2019

The COS ’60 gang had their monthly luncheon at the Falcon Club on May 15th. Jim Glaza had program duty and introduced retired AF Colonel Gene Pfeffer who is the Curator and Historian of The National Museum of World War II Aviation here in Colorado Springs.

Gene’s talk reviewed the museum history, current exhibits and plans for the future illustrated with a slide presentation. The museum is one of only a few that have been given the National Museum designation by congress. It is in the company with the Smithsonian and the Aviation Museum at Wright-Patterson. Most interesting is the affiliation with WestPac Restorations, a privately owned WWII aircraft restoration facility. Many of the aircraft on display at the museum have been completely restored and are in flying condition. Gene had many stories about the history of exhibit aircraft including an airworthy P-38 that flew in the Pacific theater. I encourage everyone to take a look at the website. www.worldwariiaviation.org The museum is one of the options that we have for our 1960 60th reunion. We will have our own personalized tour. Be on the lookout for an interim reunion questionnaire which is being finalized by JT.

Attendees: Tony Bilello, Jim Bujalski, Jim Glaza, Wayne Kendall, Fred Porter, Pete Roe, Gordon Savage, Dick Schehr, Dick Sexton, Jim Waddle, Denis Walsh

April 2019

The COS group held a really nice gathering recently. A total of 24 Classmates and Ladies enjoyed a great meal and a really enjoyable visit at the Marigold Cafe and Bakery. Thanks to Jim and Jenny Glaza for coordinating the event. It was great seeing all who could attend.