9 October 2012
Seated LtoR: BobBadger, Tony Burshnick, Mike Clarke and Les Querry
As expected, another great DC '60 luncheon," wrote Tony Burshnick. "Thanks to Tom Burke for having his Club prepare a delicious meal. Twelve of the stalworths showed up. We had sent GJC Fries and Mike Loh out to USAFA to help win the AF/ Navy game, but they blew that and did not make it back for the luncheon. Ralph Lalime is stuck in Okinawa trying to get a Space-A flight back to Virginia, but so far, no luck. We may see him in a couple of weeks. Norm Haller is tied up taking care of his daughter who is fighting a bout with soft tissue sarcoma. So far no operation. Don't know where Doug Rekenthaler was. Jack Schira was a maybe, but he did not make it either.
"Bill Carnegie is doing fine. With all the road-name changes here in Virginia, he had a few problems getting here. Ken Alnwick watched the AF Academy lacrosse team play here in the local area this weekend. They did very well. Ken still coaches the local high school in lacrosse. He will soon be headed to Portland to see his son. Leon Goodson accompanied his grand daughter and her choir on a tour through England and then played tourist in Italy and Paris. He also went to Oklahoma for Maryn's 55th high school reunion. He also bragged about the Bentonville Museum that they visited in a neighboring state. Forgot which one. Al Johnson is a bit iffy on the mini ski this year. He hurt his back by lifting too much and falling on his back. Bob Badger's latest book is coming along. After you read it you might consider critiquing it on Amazon. Some of your comments may appear on the cover when the hardback version comes out. Les Querry and Marty are wrapped up in elder care for Marty's mom and dad. The big black bear still hangs around his house. Les also covered some of the changes he is making on the class page. Be sure to review it and note the wonderful additions he made. Bob Fischer is really wrapped up with the air museum his friends and neighbors are running at the old Willow Grove Naval Station. Pitcairn Aviation gave them a fantastic old mail plane that is on exhibit there. Bill Hockenberry is busy as ever working with the unions and industry in the aviation world. He also had his daughter on a great cruise on the Mediterranean Sea and its many ports. Mike Clarke is doing pretty good. He sold two of his houses and is now getting settled in another house he bought and lives there with his daughter and her family. He does not plan on any further surgery. Time will tell. Jerry de la Cruz is taking a fused-glass class with Ken Alnwick. He was not pleased with his first efforts, but it will come along. Ken turns out some beautiful cut glass. Tom Burke no longer works for the AF but still has another company he spends time with. As for me, no improvement, but I can get along with the canes. As Mike Clarke says, no more operations.
"We have not set a date for the next luncheon, but it will be some time next year." (Tony's Email: abursh@aol.com)
9 July 2012
Well, we managed to get 11 stalwarts who beat the heat and made it to the luncheon to celebrate the arrival of 317 DOOLIES at Lowry to meet the ATOs. It was another great luncheon with lots of good war stories. First off those who could not make it. de la Cruz was with the extended family; Goodson was on a trip with his grandkids; Al Johnson was staying cool in Maine; Bill Carnegie was in California enjoying his new granddaughter, Quin Robinson who was born on 3 July; Joe Higgins was staying down South to cool off. We passed on the news that one of our former classmates, Pete Burton, was buried at USAFA recently, having passed away last year.
Mike Loh told us about his grandson being sworn in at USAFA last week. Mike and Norm Haller now have grandchildren at the Academy and Annapolis. Norm has the first of fifteen granchildren getting married this Saturday. Mike also talked alot about the problems getting into the Academy because of downsizing and concentration on diversity. He also lead the discussion on the recent honor problems and a need for the new Leadership program. Ralph Lalime just got back from a nice vacation on the Boston shore and some extended work at his sons new/old house in Western New York. Ralph is also staying proficient on fixing up his RV!!!!! Les Querry is looking at the 13th of October for the fall get together. Put the date on you calendar. He will lock it in as we get closer to the date. Bob Fischer and Luci are enjoying working at the James Michner Museum in Doylstown, PA and Bob still stays active with the Delaware Valley Historical Aircraft Museum. Bill Hockenberry is still working hard hard hard. GJC Fries will be heading to Colorado for the Navy/AF game and then drive to West Point to watch USAFA beat Army. Ken Alnwick and Jerry de la Cruz are now in the stained/fused glass making business. Ken also helps out with junior lacross. Bob Badger regaled us with a great rendition of America on his coronet. He was really good. Bob is also working on another book that will be on the internet at Amazon.com and the Kindal book system. more to follow on that. Tom Burke is cutting back on work with the Air Force but still has another job. Norm Haller tells us there are now two Falcon Scholars at Randolph Macon Academy. Mike Loh and he worked on that project. I'm not getting any better with the back but I am going to try to make it to Georgia this week by auto to see the Kids and their families.
That is about all to report. If I forgot anything guys send an update, please. PICTURES WILL FOLLOW WHEN LES GETS HOME!!!
2 April 2012
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What a great luncheon. Made even greater because the wives were there. Thirteen guys and twelve lovely ladies, to include Chris Warack's wife, Pat, enjoyed the super lunch and great comraderie. You will be able to see this magnificent group when Les Querry sends us the pictures. Jerry de la Cruz used his special camera to record our special toast to the Classmates who have gone before us as we all sang the third verse of the Air Force Song ( Here's a toast to the host-----) Ralph Lalime I hope you appreciate the magnificent voices.
Ralph and Darlene were vacationing in Sanibel, FL. Doug Rek was down in Hilton Head, Bob Odenweller had a last minute conflict, Jack Shira had a time issue. Sorry you missed us Jack but mark down the 9th of July when we will hold a stag luncheon to mark the 56th anniversary of our entering the Academy. Mike Loh was absent and Mike Clarke had a transportation issue which we will solve for the July luncheon.
Norm Haller is still taking good care of Randolph Macon Academy. He will have the Secretary of the Air Force speak at the next meeting of the RMA., Mike Clarke and his daughter are working at buying a new home near Richmond where Mike will be staying. Al Johnson came through the annual "Al Johnson Ski and Lawn Mower Repair School" without any injuries, They gave the annual Marginally Magnificent Performance award to Jane and Gene Vosika. Al can tell you that story. Al took his Mount Vernon home off the market so will be fortunate to have him here in the area for awhile. Leon Goodson and Maryn will be headed to Europe this summer with his choir. He is a fantastic singer as he showed today!!!! Bob Badger needs for all of us to get involved in picking our outstanding classmate for the 50th Reunion award. Check in with Bob if you are nominating someone. Coach Ken Alnwicks high school lacross team is now 6 & 0. Ken is working hard at giving books away. Need some? Call Ken. Bill Carnegie did not bring his bag pipes as we had hoped. Maybe next time. He did regale us with the story of his and Ann's trip to Turkey. Les Querry has not given up on his bear but he is now watching a couple of bald eagles. We may see them at the next Falcon's Roost this October. Bob Fischer's back problem is really improved thanks to some great physical therapists. As usual Bill Hockenberry is TOO busy with his business venture. But he likes the work. George Fries was awarded a Leadership Award from MOAA for the great work he does with cadet candidates in his home area. Well done GJC. Jerry de la Cruz is expanding his artistic abilities and is taking a theatre appreciation course from his local college. He will soon star in a future production called "THE HOUSE". Tom Burke is now the proud grandfather of his 13th grandchild--a son born to son John and his wife. Finally I get no better with all the aches and pains. The doc now has me on blood thinner to control an arterial flutter that is causing blood clots in the ankles. Always a challenge when you pass 75.
As I mentioned earlier mark your calendars for the next luncheon on 9 July. Also if you plan to attend the dinner honoring the Academy Football Team for winning the Commander-in--Chief Trophy which will be held on the 22nd of April at the Marriott Metro Center here in DC let Rosie know and get some pictures.
11 January 2012
What a great luncheon to kick off the new year. 14 stalwarts were able to challenge the rain and the heat to meet at the Tom Burke Golf Club. Of those who could not make it: Doug Req was down in Hilton Head looking to buy a summer house; It was too cold for Bill Hales & Joe Higgins. Bob Odenweller was busy with his stamp business and Bob Fischer stayed up in Pennsylvania trying to recover from back injuries he suffered cleaning the trees and snow in his yard from an earlier snow and wind storm. Epidural treatment and physical therapy seem to be working but he needed the rest. Then Mike Clarke. As most of you know on Saturday evening, the 14th, his wife Nancy passed away from heart failure caused by respatory problems. Norm Haller will be forwarding items about Nancy that appeared on the Washington internet . As more details become available I will pass them on. Right now Mike is staying in Mechanicsville, VA with his daughter Suzanne.
Andi Biancur, we reviewed the articles that you and Jock sent us earlier. After we all reviewed them there were no objections to your plans for the class heritage fund. Mike Loh did have a question as to how many people are honorary members of the AOG?? Do you have that info?
Mike Loh did attend the USAFA /Toledo bowl game and was probably the only class member there. He also gave us a good rundown on the efforts he is making to show folks the value of airpower. He has had numerous article published most recently in the NY Times and the Airpower Magazine. Mike's son is now a BG in the National Guard. Mike left us with one bit of philosophy. "IT IS BETTER TO BE OVER THE HILL THAN UNDER THE HILL". Norm Haller is soon traveling to Ohio to celebrate his Mothers 100th birthday anniversary. All is well with the rest of his family. Ken Alnwick is still working the laser issues with the Navy. Bill Carnegie just got back form attending the Rose bowl parade and then visiting with his out West family members. He has another test to check on his lymphoma and if that turns out well he will be good for another year. Ralph Lalime had son, Jay, and family here in VA for the holidays. They are back in western Mass. now. Tomorrow Ralph and Jerry de la Cruz will go on a ski vacation in Massanuten , VA . I guess they are getting ready for the Al Johnson ski school trip to Utah in late February. Ralph also wanted to recommend a book written by a former USAFA history professor, Pau Ringenbalk, that is about Dean McDermott and all he did for the Academy. I would recommend it too. Great Book. Leon Goodson had a nice family get together in Seattle a few months ago. That is to get him and Marin ready for a summer European trip. Besides the ski trip Jerry and Betty de la Cruz are doing well. Betty is recovering nicely from her knee surgery. Even plays tennis. Bob Badger told us he recently bought a coronet and is now playing in a local church. Al Johnson just finished the guest apartment in his Maine home so you are all invited to spend a winter or two with him and Gale. He gets to spend some time with Don Stevens who is doing well. Al is also ready to sell you his old house here in VA. Les Querry had a nice conversation with Ace Holman. Ace is doing OK. Les also encouraged us to check the class internet for some good articles about out NW gang and the boys in Colo. Spgs. Bill Hockenberry shared some highlights of Bill Goodyear's career at USAF. Bill's grandkids are doing well and he is still working hard on all the union issues. George Fries had some back problems too but his epidural seems to be working. Tom Burke is still working two or three jobs. His wife, Mary, is having some dental problems but she is grinding it out. I get no better. I have a visit with the docs at Ft. Belvoir next week so there may be help out there somewhere. My good news is that our grand daughter lettered in volleyball after her first semester at Indiana University. Scholarships are great.
We decided that we will meet again on the 2nd of April for a Founders Day Luncheon. We also will have the wives join us for this event. So get the date on your wife's calendar.
Oh! About the bear in the above photo. Since Les Querry has so many bear visits on the mountain, one of the stalwarts brought one to join us for lunch.
