2006 Silver Falcons Reunion

Left to Right:
Kirk Brown, Gordon Palmer, Gaye Palmer, Bill Shields, Jean Shields,
Chuck Foster, Carol Foster, Hilda Dodge, Stan Keck, Robert Dodge.

Even though small in number, the 2006 Silver Falcons Convention was enjoyed by all.  Attendees were: Kirk and Jill Brown-Colorado Springs, CO; Bob and Hilda Dodge-San Diego, CA;  Chuck and Carol Foster-Albert Lea, MN; Stan and Delene Keck-Nipomo, CA; Gordon and Gaye Palmer-Anaheim, CA; Bill and Jean Shields-Red Oak, IA.  In addition, group was joined by Karen Foster-Jorgensen, Chuck and Carol’s daughter, and Mary Lane, fiancé of Cadet Hans Foster-Jorgensen.  Ruth Whitaker was unable to attend due to arthritis. This years’ convention kicked-off Thursday morning as the group met for breakfast at Morgan’s in the SilverWood Hotel (the old Park Plaza) to go over the agenda for the next couple of days.  Then is was off to the Academy where we began with a tour of Doolittle Hall, AOG Headquarters, and an excellent briefing from Marty Marcolongo, Director, Constituent Liaison.  Following the briefing, the group went to Harmon Hall where we met Lt Col Greg Lloyd, Admissions Reserve Adviser, who escorted us to Mitchell Hall where we watched the cadet wing noon meal formation and ate on the Staff Tower during the cadet noon meal.  Afterwards, Lt Col Lloyd escorted us back to Harmon Hall for an Admissions update briefing.  Before the briefing, the group heard welcome remarks from Col “Trapper” Carpenter, Director of Admissions.  Dick Able joined us for the briefing since he was at the Academy on business.  Following the briefing, the group received a tour of the renovated Admissions area in Harmon Hall.  Then it was off to the new athletic building where we were met by Jim Bowman, Associate Athletic Director, Recruiting Support.  Bo gave us an excellent tour of the new building as well as the rest of the cadet athletic areas. The it was back to the SilverWood Hotel for happy hour before departing for the Golden Bee Restaurant at the Broadmoor Hotel.  Friday morning it was off to the USAFA Library for a tour of the library and Special Exhibits by Dr Ed Scott, Head Liberian. Like last year, he kept us all entertained and informed.  Then it was off to the Falcon Stadium Press Box for the Football Luncheon.  After lunch, it was down to Arnold Hall, were we received briefings from the Supt, Com, Dean, and Athletic Director.  Then back to the hotel to get ready to go to the Peterson AFB O’Club for dinner.   Saturday afternoon didn’t fare so well for the Falcons as they were defeated by Navy but everybody attending the game had a good time.  That evening, the group went to the Flying W Ranch.  Food was great as usual as were the Flying W Wranglers with their western stage show.  This concluded the 2006 Silver Falcon Convention. Plans are already under way for the 2007 Silver Falcons Convention.  Tentative time frame is sometime in late September or early October depending upon the Falcon’s home football schedule.  So keep that time frame open for next year.  Hope to see more of you there!