9 July 2009
Needless to say this was one of the best luncheons. Especially to be able to listen to each of us telling about that first day at the Academy. I have it all on tape and will forward the tape to you Andi in the next few days. It will be interesting to see how you use this historical information!!!!!!
Twelve of the DC '60 group were able to attend. Ken Alnwick was a no show, but we saved his seat til the end. Al Johnson never responded. Where are you Al??? Nobody knew how to contact you. Mike Loh was out in Colorado pinning a star on his son's shoulders. Mike Jr. is with the CO ANG. Higgins, Req, Goodyear, Hales and Fischer just could not make it.
Mike Clarke was able to attend thanks to the Haller taxi service. He is doing well. His vision is slowly returning and he is working with the VA visual experts to get him ready to get back to work. One knee is not doing so good but he is not up to having it operated on after the trouble he had with the first one. Cannot say I blame him. I am not doing too well and right now would " not" have another operation. I am very unsteady and need two canes or two of Jock Schwank sticks to get around. time will have to be the healer. Incidentally Mike's wife Nancy is publishing her book on thirty years of working in the White House. That should be a best seller. Norm Haller had some great news as he just returned from Annapolis, yes the US Naval Academy, where his grandson entered with the new class of Midshipmen. Ralph Lalime's daughter-in-law is an analyst at Navy Station Fallon. Same job as Kelly Mcgillis had in the movie TOP GUN. She even got to fly in the F-16. Ralph has a new used motor home we can use for the next USAFA/Navy game at Annapolis.
Norm Haller and Liz just celebrated their 50th wedding reunion as did Jerry and Betty de la Cruz. The Hallers have 15 grand children so that must be the class record. Leon Goodson was at the graduation of the Class of 2010 USAFA. He could not say enough good things about being able to hand new Lieutenant bars to two squadrons of cadet grads. There was no doubt in Leon's mind that the class of '60 did a good thing in sponsoring that event. Leon's son and his wife just had twins. He still has a long way to go to catch the Haller's or the Burke's. Bob Badger says there is a glimmer of hope that his book will get published. He meets with a publishing agent next week. Bill Carnegie has been given a clean bill of health from his cancer doctors. His hair has grown back and he has a flat top like we all had 54 years ago. Looks great, Bill!!!!
Les Querry gave a great run down on the reunion plans, the 50 year book status, and the state of the DVD he is preparing for the reunion. He also enthralled us all with a super collection of pictures of our first day at Lowry II. Les also said he is planning another festival at his mountain retreat the 4th weekend in Oct. Either the 23rd or the 24th. More to follow on that. Bill Hockenberry warned me that this e-mail has been picked up by some tell all sight. I hope I have not said anything that might embarass any of you. GJC Fries wants to know who may be headed to West Point this fall to see the AF/Army game. If you are going let him know.
Rosie, Ralph Lalime, Bob Badger and George Fries went to the Miss America contest in 1959. they will contact you with the details. Tom Burke had to leave early to get back to work so no new update other than his son had another baby a few months ago. Is that 13 now, Tom? By the way, thanks again for sponsoring our group at your Golf Club. A great place for our luncheons. Since we have the reunion and than Les's gathering at the ROOST we probably won"t get together at the club until January.
Again a great luncheon. You all have a good time at the reunion.
1 April 2009
Well it was just another great luncheon with 16 of our classmates present for good food and some wonderful war stories. ABSENTEES: Bill Goodyear had to regret since he and Linda had a previous trip to Montgomery, AL planned. Bob Fischer and Lucie were down in Fort Walton Beach to relive a few memories of Bob's training for Viet Nam. Ralph and Darlene Lalime were enjoying a few weeks in Sanabel, FL. Then there is Bob Odenweller. He took over as person of the month from Nancy Clarke. Bob just returned from Cleveland where he was presented with the Distinguished Philatelist Award from the US Philatelic Society. That is there highest award. Bob was also recently in Europe for other Philatelic awards and to talk about his award winning best seller Stamp Book. He also had to host other Europeans who came to NJ to talk about his book. So he was excused. By the way Nancy Clarke will end her thirty year career at the White House since she will retire on the 31st of May. Hales. Head, Holman, Hodson and Doug Req are just too far away for the short visit.
A few guys, headed up by GJC Fries, remembered that the decision to put the Academy in Colorado Springs was made in the Officers Barber Shop in the DVQ at Scott AFB.
Charles Lindberg, Gen Spaatz, and Mr. Hancher, the President of U of Iowa were there for a trim after visiting the proposed site in Alton, Il. They told Leo the Barber about their visit and then told him they were turned off by officials in Alton and that the Academy would be built in Colorado Springs. I saw the picture of C. Lindberg in the chair, surrounded by the other two and Leo. Unfortunately Leo would not give me the picture and years later after his demise it just disappeared. So now you know the rest of the story. Just as an aside the USAFA Library could not verify my story.
Andi, I talked to the guys about those issues you mentioned. The consensus was that if a grad invites any of the former wives they should be allowed to come. The verdict on Libby Evans was mixed so you get to make that final decision. I would be interested in what Hardy Jr. has to say. I still have not talked to Don Wolfswinkle, but Carol has lots of friends. Good Luck!!!!! THE GUYS WERE TOLD TO CONTACT YOU WITH ANY OTHER INFO.
Ken Alnwick gave us some good info on the VA and how they are willing to work with us old vets to get well deserved benefits. It would pay to visit the VA if you are getting disability compensation. Ken is still working with the Naval Research folks and helping with high school lacrosse. He is also helping Norm Haller work on the AF Library at the Randolph Macon Academy in Front Royal, VA. If you have AF memorabilia you would like to see preserved get in touch with Norm. Joe Higgins is looking to sell his condo in Charlottesville, VA. Any one interested? Once it sells he and Sue will figure out where to move. Bill Carnegie is enjoying his brand new home in Shenandoah, VA. He just returned from visiting his son and grandkids in Guatemala. Bill Taylor is working his fanny off trying to help the AF decide on how much time to devote to flying sorties and how much time to spend in the simulators. Young AF pilots average just over four sorties a month. Not much!!! Bill's son has just been made a Maintenance Group Commander with the AZNG. Bob Badger had nothing but praise for Bob Odenweller and all the help Bob has given him to finish his novel. Bob's book may be published by the end of the year. Mike Loh gave us a rundown on how well the grandson was doing in hockey and hopefully will be selected for USAFA and some real hockey. Mike also told us what a great job the Academy hockey team did this year. Most people do not talk about that team when football is king. Al Johnson put his local house on sale on 1 April and is serious about moving to Maine. The mini ski and the Johnson Ski School held its 19th reunion this year. Lots of photos on the Class of '60 web site. The marginally magnificent award went to Gene Vosika this year. Al might have won it but he fell on his ski pole and damaged some ribs. Tough getting old, Al. Jerry de la Cruz wowed everyone again with his skiing talent. Jerry was also presented with an award from the National Gallery of Art today for ten years of dedicated service to the Gallery. Les Querry wants us to put 4 October on the calendar for the fall Falcon Roost. That is the day after the AF/Navy game. Tell any visitors that they are invited too. Bill Hockenberry is very busy, despite the economic issues, advising on plant closings, union issues and business in general. George Fries stays busy helping MOAA with ROTC at two colleges and Jr. ROTC at 11 high schools. Leon Goodson lives the good life, working when he wants and riding his motorcycle when he wants. This summer will bring a European vacation with his grandkids.
Thanks again to Tom Burke for setting up the club for us. It is a great place for a luncheon. Tom has already scheduled the club for our next luncheon on 9 July. In case you forgot that is the 53 anniversary of the day we entered the Academy.
The date has also been set for my operation, 20 May. More to follow.
January 13, 2009
Well, as always it was a great luncheon. Unfortunately only 12 of the stalwarts were able to make it. Sorry for those who could not make it since this was also one of my unannounced free luncheons. The half priced hamburgers, which were delicious, helped keep the cost down and allowed for the free lunch. those who missed will have to wait another year!!!!!!!!!.
This time it was the "H" Brothers that did not show: Higgins, Hales, Head, Hodson, Holman and Haller. Joe got sick at the last moment and Norm had to teach school. It was too far for the others for a Jan. trip. Mike Clarke had business in California. Odenweller had an opera to go to, Bill Goodyear's wife, Linda, is having back problems and he had to take her to the Tampa Spine Center for treatment. Bill Taylor had hoped to stop by but he had to attend a rated requirements meeting with the AF/A30 group headed by MG Hoot Gibson. Bill recently went to Arizona to welcome his son back from a tour in Iraq where he was flying the F-16 ATARS with the Guard. Tony Billelo was just here so this was another too far to come for a winter meeting. Doug Req always tries but Iowa is a bit far too.
Rosie, nobody in the group has yet been to the US Capitol Visitors Center but whoever goes first will send you an update on the place. Andi we discussed the year book and the guys you mentioned will work at getting their inputs in ASAP. Norm, Ken Alnwick did a great job explaining the new AF library they will be working on for Randolph Macon. At the next meeting he will try to define exactly what you will need and then the rest of us will see if we can make a contribution.
I recently took still another MRI and am waiting for a meeting on Feb 17 with the neuro surgeon to see what is next. The neurologist who set up the MRI told me the MRI shows quite a bit of blockage in the lower lumbar area that will probably need another operation. The decision will be made after the 17 Feb meeting. Jerry de la Cruz is ready for the Al Johnson ski school next month and has been wearing his weight losing hat to get in shape. Ralph Lalime and his boys will be joining the group. Ken Alnwick is working with the Navy on some under sea surveillance stuff, still works with the lacrosse crowd and is helping Norm with his RM Library project. GJC Fries will be going back to work at the Busch Gardens this spring. He gave us a swell rundown on how those parks work. Bill Hockenberry is staying very busy resolving disputes between companies, unions and the banks. Les Querry gave us an update on the class web site and is still asking for pictures for the BOOK. If you have not sent him photos please go through your albums and get them to him. Al Johnson may soon put his Virginia house up for sale. His home in Maine is finished, ready for visitors, and you are all welcome. He still wants to find a warm weather port. Maybe Florida. Bob Fischer recently welcomed his sixth grandchild. He joins Ralph and me with under one year grandkids. How about the rest of you? Bill Carnegie's new house here in Virginia is finished and he and his wife are in the process of moving in. Bob Badger advised us that he had a note from Derry Adamson's wife and Derry is suffering from Alzheimer's. Take time and drop Derry a note. The Lalimes just got back from a visit to California where they welcomed their new granddaughter, Ryley. Mom and baby are doing well. Leon Goodson is working 70% of the time. When not working or riding his new Suzuki 168 horsepower, 368 pound bike he goes to visit the grand kids in Tennessee and Seattle. Finally, our host Tom Burke was called away at the last minute and he was in Boston. Al Johnson, Carnegie, Badger, Lalime and I stayed on at the Club and had a few drinks on Tom to celebrate his having to work on the luncheon day. Thanks Tom. One last note. Mike Loh was AWOL. He signed up to come and we had ordered him a hamburger but he was a no show. Hope all is well down your place, Mike.
Finally we decided that the next luncheon will be held on the first of April, which is Academy Founders Day Anniversary. Please put that date on you long range calendar. I will get a note off to you in late March and ask for an RSVP at that time.
Enjoy the rest of the winter.
9 July, 2008
It is hard to believe that 52 years ago we all met for the first time at Lowry AFB. Well yesterday we took the time to recount some of those memories and had just another great luncheon. However, the key to a great time was the appearance of CHARLEY "ACE" HOLMAN. Despite Ace being slowed down by Parkinson's he flew up from Alabama to help us celebrate this great event. We all had the chance to go one on one with Ace which was great. Ace also mentioned the five guys that helped get him through USAFA: Don Thurman, Mike Love, Ken Alnwick, Al Johnson and yours truly. It was an honor to be included in that illustrious group. Ace stayed with Ken while here and then had to return to Alabama last night. ACE we cannot thank you enough for taking time and making the effort to join us here in DC.
We had a nice turnout, fourteen stalwarts. Doug Req would have a hard time getting from Sioux City with his medical problems, but he wanted us to know his earthquake prediction project went well. He had success with the radar he was testing down in the Carolinas but still no buyers for the WSJ and BBC. Doug what do those abbreviations stand for? Bob Odenweller also sent his regrets. His big problem was recovering from a root canal on an abscessed tooth. He was also sweating out a rash that looks like lime disease. Hope not, Bob. He also did lots of work in the stamp world in Bucharest, got cross credited as a literature judge and of course represents the USA with his stamp work. Busy man. Work got the best of Haller, Clarke, Loh and Taylor. Bill Hales could not make it up this time since he had family with him in Carolina. Bill Carnegie has just changed his residence from New Jersey to here in VA. He is having a house built in Lake Frederick and will take up temporary residence west of DC until the house is done. Meanwhile he is in California waiting for a new grand daughter to arrive for his daughter, Karen.
Well, guys we missed you and you all missed one of our best luncheons.
Joe and Sue Higgins came up from SW Virginia so Karen, Betty de la Cruz, Gail Johnson, and Liliane Badger joined Sue for lunch. All reports said they had a great time while we men conducted our meeting.
Speaking of business: Ken Alnwick gave a nice pitch on the Air Force Historical Foundation. This organization, based here in the DC area, is working hard to preserve the AF heritage. Ken encourages us all to join the organization to get a feel for the work they do. If you need more info give Ken a call or send him an e-mail. GJC Fries has been working hard on the Distinguished Graduate nomination but has been getting the run a round from the AOG. But you all know George, he won't give up until the job is done. Leon Goodson is working about 70% of the time. Tough to quit, right Leon? Leon and Maryn lend their singing talents to his church choir and they recently traveled to Europe to perform concerts in Latvia, Estonia, Sweden and St Petersburg. Joe Higgins is becoming a life style change expert. He has moved every couple of years to different type houses. So if you are contemplating a change check with Joe first. He knows all the pit falls. By the way Joe's dad is now 101 years old. Great genes. Ralph Lalime will soon be welcoming his second grand daughter. Ralph and Darlene will head to CA for the blessed event this fall. Meanwhile his son is still garnering the awards with his work on computer graphics and animation for the Hollywood crowd. Al Johnson got carried away and told of a rickshaw race he won against the Navy back in the RVN days. I hope he writes that story up for the BOOK. His house in Maine is finished and you are all welcome to head North for a visit. Bob Badger will be working full time at least until August. He has finished his first book. Ralph and I have both read it and I must say it is fantastic. Now Bob has to get it published. Tom Burke's wife, Mary just underwent a quadruple heart by pass surgery. She is still in the hospital in Alexandria, but is recovering nicely. It appears the operation was a complete success. Our prayers are with you and Mary, Tom. Les Querry gave us a reminder that the Falcon Roost is on for the 18th of October, so mark you calendars. Bob Fischer's daughter is expecting grandchild number 7 in October. The little feller will be named Henry. Bill Hockenberry says all is going well with his family. He contributed a pin to our DC "60 NULLI SECUNDUS flag from his first Army unit the 12th Cav. He also gave us a very moving account of the unit. Well said, Bill. GJC is another traveler having recently come back from Hawaii. He will get to both the Army and Navy games when the season starts. He also told us the Dean Bristow's wife died. GJC and Dean were roomies at AFA. Jerry de la Cruz was not to be outdone on the traveling. He and Betty have been to Green Bay and will soon head to Texas for a visit. One final note on grandkids. Our daughter, Kris, presented us with grand daughter LILY in early June. That is number two for her. Son, Joe, an ART has just transferred to Dobbins AFB, GA to serve with the 22nd AF Reserve. He also just checked out in the C-17 and will fly out of Charleston AFB.
Pins are important!!!!!!!! I still need a pin from L. Goodson, Bill Hales, Doug Req and George Elsea. George how are you doing? Send us a note.
Our final order of business was a recap on the status of the 50 th reunion BOOK. George and Andi I gave the guys a rundown on your messages to me. Joe Higgins and Bob Fischer also provided some encouragement to those of us who have not sent all our stuff in. For those of you that missed the luncheon. WE NEED STATISTICS FOR JOCK, WAR STORIES FOR KEN ALNWICK, WAR PICTURES, CADET PICTURES, FAMILY PICTURES FOR LES QUERRY, STORIES ON AIRLINE PARTICIPATION, HONORS, THEN AND NOW, WAR TIME HISTORY AND MONEY IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID YET. THOSE OF YOU THAT ARE DELINQUENT NEED TO GET THIS DONE ASAP. Best bet is to contact Joe Higgins.
Ralph Lalime advised that efforts to get ads from industry have been futile. If any of you are interested in purchasing an ad for whatever reason, please get in touch with Ralph.
Well, that is it. Another great lunch with some super guys. See you in October.
1 April, 2008
Well it was another great luncheon get together of the DC '60 stalwarts. We had 14 in attendance telling lots of good war stories. First off the guys who could not make it. Dick Head let us know that Carol had a successful operation and is doing well. They are enjoying racing sailboats down in San Diego. Bob Odenweller's mom just passed away and was buried Monday next to her husband at West Point. Bob is still very business with speaking engagements in the UK and the US about his stamp collecting. He is also busy with his stamp books and various magazine articles. Doug Rekenthaler was down at Hilton Head testing a new w. band radar on a Gulf Stream. Mike Loh was off to Dallas on a business trip. Goodyear was tied up down South. Norm Haller was getting ready for a trip to SOCOM at McDill AFB for the National Academy of Science. Mike Clarke is on the same trip but managed to get to the luncheon. Ralph Lalime is vacationing at Sanibel Island in Florida. He should be back in VA in a few weeks. The Hodsons were vacationing down in NM. They may get back to DC for a visit later in the summer. Little far for Bill Hales to come but he too may be up this summer. Joe Higgins was headed this way but woke up with a bad tooth ache and was headed for the dentist's office instead.
Joe wanted us to know that he is getting a pretty good response for the 50th year book. Some of you still need to provide Joe with the money, bio's and pictures. We passed the first deadline of 31 March so we need the rest of you to get those items to Joe.
Al Johnson and Jerry De la Cruz brought us up to date on the mini ski. Sounds like they had a great time. Pictures of that event are on the Class of "60 web site. Check them out. Rosie and Les Querry did a super job putting all the photos on line. Al Johnson's new home in Camden, Maine is coming along really well, almost finished. Al will probably still spend time here and up in Maine. Bill Taylor is still helping the AF solve all their Tactical Air problems. The key word is that we need more money. Bill Carnegie is contemplating leaving NJ and taking up residence here in VA just outside of Front Royal. Bill told us he now has two 300 games in his favorite past time bowling. His daughter will become the new Director of the Simpson's TV show. Bob Badger has finished his book (only took four years) and is now looking for a publisher. He is starting on book number two. The books are fictional but Bob says we may recognize some of the characters who have a little resemblance to some of us in '60. Mike Clarke also echoed Bill Taylor's words that the AF is in a world of hurt. But he is working the problem at the National Academy. Ken Alnwick is still working with the Navy on Maritime Domain Awareness. The Navy insists on trying to know where every ship is and what it is doing. Just like the AF is trying to do with all its planes and everybody else's. When he is not doing that he still coaches lacrosse. Tom Burke had the misfortune of losing his brother, John, a few weeks ago. Tom is still working on AF issues and the problems of the aviation industry. Leon is working when ever he feels like it, but it is still a couple of days each week. He is soon going to vacation a bit in Tennessee and Seattle. And yes he still rides the motor cycle. GJC Fries is recovering quite well from the hip surgery. He is now the proud grandpa of 11grand kids. He has a daughter getting married in Saturday and will spend some time in Hawaii in May. Bill Hockenberry's wife had the misfortune of breaking her leg and will be in a cast for some time to come. We are happy that Bill has found us and is enjoying the DC '60 group. Bob Fisher and Lutzi will be heading on a cruise of the Caribbean this summer. He also told us he had a nice conversation with Charlie Sands. Now there was a name out of the past. Les Querry gave us a good run down of all the improvements to the Class web site. Again he and Rosie are doing a super job with it. On his latest trip down south he did see Hales and Goodyear. He also told us Jim O'Rourke checked in so we found another lost soul. You can see we had a lot to talk about. Oh, just a quick update on me. I get no better and still have a hard time getting around even with a cane. I guess I should go buy a walker. In an attempt to see if I can be fixed I spent time with a vascular surgeon last week and meet with a cardiologist next week and then with my neurologist. He will give me another BOTOX treatment and will probably send me for another MRI since it appears the stenosis is coming back with a vengeance. Like they say getting old is not for sissies.
We have decided that July 9th will be a good time for the next luncheon at the Country Club. Then Les told us he will host another Falcon Roost at his home on the 18th of October. So put those two dates on your calendars and we will hope to see you all there.
Enjoy the summer.
15 January, 2008
Without question, another great luncheon for the DC '60. We had a good turnout, 15 stalwarts. Bill Carnegie and Bob Odenweiler had to cancel at the last moment, I guess the weather in North Jersey was a bit bleak. Al Johnson was coming until an unexpected meeting with his builders required his presence in Maine. Since the weather was a bit shaky it was good to see that the guys from SE Virginia, Loh, Fries and Taylor braved the weather and were here. Even Joe Higgins got up from SW Virginia. Bob Badger had the hardest time getting here from Front Royal, VA. Lots of snow and some bad accidents but Bob doesn't let those small details bother him.
Joe Higgins lead off a great discussion on the proposed 50th Year Book. He made his points and everyone at the session agreed to participate and will provide the necessary documents to Joe ASAP. Those of you who missed the luncheon be sure to get the info and money to Joe in the next few weeks.
Ken Alnwick lead a good discussion on just where we are going with the Heritage Trail that is part of a Class of 60 gift. In the end we all felt that we do not have knowledge of the entire plan. Are we just building a sidewalk? We need some more info on what the entire trail entails. Andi, can you help us??? Ken also is in charge of war stories for the yearbook. He needs the kind of stories that would be of interest to all of our classmates and not necessarily those about how we won the Viet Nam War. He needs real "WAR STORIES". Take some time and see if you would like to share tales about what you really did in the war.
Mike Loh lead a good discussion on the problems with the AOG. It is all about money and fund raising. He gave us a lot to think about. Now we have got to send our thoughts to the AOG Board or to Dick Sexton so he can use the Senate to express our thoughts.
I m glad to report that Bill Taylor is doing fine with his hip replacements, as is our latest patient, GJC Fries. George is walking three miles at a clip and seems well on the way to recovery. Bill got to see the USAFA/CaL game and was impressed by the Falcons even if they lost.
We were glad to have a former classmate, Bill Hockenberry, join us for lunch, Bill left us in 1957, went on to get a degree at Gettysburg College and joined the Army as an armor officer. He then worked at Ford and eventually went back to school and got a law degree. Worked for the government and is now a private lawyer here in VA. We welcome him as a part of the DC '60.
Since Ace Holman is a little under the weather Les Querry has been working the web site and I have to say he is doing a fabulous job. He and Rosie are sure giving us some quality information about our class. Tom Burke is working hard at becoming the most prolific grandfather, he now has 13 grandchildren. I think Norm Haller is still two ahead of him.
Well, again a great time was had by all. Right now we are looking at 1 April for a DC '60 Founders Day Luncheon. If anyone has a better date for the next meeting let me know.