Class of ’73, please continue to send pictures and stories about your lives … families, careers, retirements, etc. VR, Joe Kahoe, CS-07
Two of our finest retired in June … Lt Gen John Regni and Lt Gen Jim Soligan … Congratulations to both for your outstanding service to our country!(Someone, please send me pics & words of Jim’s retirement!)
Klotz Gets Nuclear Nod: Defense Secretary Robert Gates yesterday nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz to be commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, the new nuclear-centric major command that the Air Force is standing up to oversee its nuclear-capable bombers and ICBMs. Klotz has been assistant vice chief of staff since August 2007. He has extensive experience with Minuteman ICBMs and nuclear matters, having served, for example, in posts such as director of nuclear policy and arms control on the National Security Council, commander of 20th Air Force (which has responsibility for the nation's ICBMs), and vice commander of Air Force Space Command. AFGSC is expected to stand up in September. BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, passes the Air Force Global Strike Command guidon to Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, commander, during the activation ceremony of the major command Aug. 7. The AFGSC organizational construct aligns Intercontinental ballistic missile and nuclear-capable bomber units and other deterrence capabilities under a single command and demonstrate a visible commitment to the strategic deterrence mission while taking full advantage of the existing Air Force field organizational structure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexandra M. Longfellow)
General Norty Schwartz and Lt General Frank Klotz at Global Strike Command stand up.
Mike Nishimuta reported that General Steve and Leslie Lorenz hosted a party on Saturday, June 27 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our entry to the Academy on June 23, 1969. 27 grads and spouses attended the party at the Commander's Residence at Randolph AFB. We had the honored presence of our ranking classmate, General Norton Schwartz and Suzie, and AOG President "T" Thompson. Local classmates included Chaplain Tom and Beth Blase (AFPC), John and Janet Collins, Jim and Mary Cropper, Larry and Carol Faber, Bill and Karen Fox, Dennis and Kathryn Geesaman, Bruce and Valerie Johnston, Chris and Lett Lauderdale, Scott and Denis McLauglin , Kent and Sara Magnusson, Mike and Catherine Nishimuta, Randy Putz, A.J and Andree Randft, David and Rebecca Schenk, Gordon and Kaia Schroeder, Kent and Cheryl Schwartz. From the Austin area came Frank and Kathy Childers, Herb and Elizabeth Huber, Bart and Barbara Noble. Dallas and out of state travelers included Bill Diffley, Carl and Diane Dofelmier, Jack McCalmont, Roger and Jackye Smith, and Charles and Mary Lynn Stewart. Many great photos available at www.usafa73.shutterfly.com.
Blase, Childers, Collins, Cropper, Diffley, Dofelmier, Faber, Fox, Geesaman, Huber, Johnston, Lauderdale, Lorenz, Magnusson, McCalmont, McLaughlin, Nishimuta, Noble, Putz, Randft, Schenk, Schroeder, Schwartz (Kent and Norton) Smith, Roger, Stewart, Thompson, T.
From Bob Munson: Forty years ago, on 23 Jun 1969, it all began for the Class of ’73. We are now the Legacy Class for the Doolies of 2013. The purpose of the Legacy Program is to “connect the current cadet classes with the classes that graduated forty years earlier.” This program is in its 10th year; other academies have been successfully doing this for quite a bit longer. Our purpose is to provide mentorship and support the Academy’s character building programs; our message to 2013 will be to “Look Forward, Give Back”…and we will serve as examples. The class officers, at a lunch meeting, decided that ’73 would actively sponsor 2013 as their Legacy Class. The AOG manages the program, and each Legacy Class can be as active or inactive as they choose. 1973 chose to be active sponsors. The purpose of the Legacy Program is to “connect the current cadet classes with the classes that graduated forty years earlier.” This program is in its 10th year; other academies have been successfully doing this for quite a bit longer. Our purpose is to provide mentorship and support the Academy’s character building programs; our message to 2013 will be to “Look Forward, Give Back”…and we will serve as examples.
Key events that we will participate in over the next four years will be In-processing, Acceptance Parade, Recognition, Exemplar Dinner, Commitment Dinner, Ring Dining Out, and Graduation. We will continue to sponsor and participate in NCLS annually. The Academy has invited us to participate in training such as Honor Classes in Jack’s Valley this summer, Associate AOCs who now do formal cadet professional military education, etc. The first big event is August 4th, the Acceptance Parade. We will present Contrails to the top 10 Basic Cadets. We need at least 10 of us to do this…applications are now open.
As the Legacy Class of 2013, you may be interested in the following events / milestones:
March 2010 - Recognition
October 2010 – Exemplar Dinner
August 2011 – Commitment Dinner
May 2012 – Ring Dining-Out/Dance
February 2013 – 100th Night
May/Jun 2013 - Graduation
CONTRAILS FORTY YEARS LATER … Classmate Don Rightmyer, historian, author, former head of the Cadet Heritage Committee, wrote the introduction to the Contrails for Class of 2013. Ten members of the Class of ’73 presented Contrails to ten members of the Class of 2013 on 5 Aug 2009. Those presenting included: LtGen(ret) Bruce Wright, LtGen(ret) Donald Wetekam, Mr William ‘T’ Thompson, Col(ret) Ronald Scott, Col(ret) Robert Allen, LtCol(ret) BJ Stanton, Sgt Rowe Stayton, USA, Mr William Gillin, Mr Dale Birch, Col(ret) William Trapper Carpenter. Standing by as back-up presenters: Col(ret) Michael Mosier, LtCol(ret) Chris Taravella, Dr Robert Mark Haman, Maj(ret) Tom Kroessig, Col(ret) Joseph Kahoe, Mr Paul Motley, Col(ret) Robert Munson. Dr. Bob Munson delivered a stirring speech to the Class of 2013 … none of them feel asleep.
Acceptance parade at Club 5 Aug 2009
Lunch at USAFA Club after Acceptance parade for our legacy class (2013). L to R Standing: Bruce “Orville” Wright and Kerri, Bill Gillin and Gerrie, Gregg Reinecke, Rowe Stayton with his fiancee, T. Thompson, Don Wetekam and Sheri, Paul Motley and Jana, Dale Birch, BJ Stanton and Donna, Pam Munson, Trapper Carpenter and Jennifer.
Left to Right Kneeling: Joe Kahoe, Chris Taravella, Tom Kroessig, Ron Scott and Mary, Bob Munson. Also attending the parade but unable to join the lunch (and/or picture) were: Bob Allen, Mike Mosier, Mark Haman, Randy Putz, Chris Taravella's son, John, a history major at Xavier University in Ohio, Joe MacIsaac, Ron Scott's brother-in-law.
Front L-R Dale Birch, Donna Felton, Dave Brown, Charlie Felton, Bill/Gerrie Gillin, John Regni, T Thompson, Trapper Carpenter, Pam Munson, Amy/Mike Smith. Back: Joe Kahoe, Eric Nickerson, Dennis/Virginia Haugh, Bob Munson
Class of 1973 Featured in Checkpoints Magazine … A ’77 grad wrote an article about our class which was featured in the Summer Checkpoints magazine. Download the article here.
Leftl to right: Al Kinback, Steve Harman, Stalker Reed (all CS-07) on Steve and Mary’s dock in Tampa Bay.
Al Kinback flew Stalker Reed in his C-172 to visit Steve Harman and Mary Cooper at their home in Tampa June 27. Steve received encouraging news just a few days prior when his doctor interrupted his first chemo with updated laboratory results indicating his stomach cancer (GIST) was a different strain that is much less aggressive. Not only will he be treated with oral medications, but the prognosis is for years instead of months -- plenty of time to take his buds on his beautiful new boat out on Tampa Bay. Way to go, Steve, we are all praying for you and hope the fishing beer will augment the oral meds.
Mike Nishimuta reports: “Roger and Sandy Winburg visited Mike and Catherine Nishimuta in San Antonio in May. Roger is one of 13 members of the AF Retiree Council representing several states around Ohio. He works with the local commanders and Retiree Activities Office directors, and visits installations to speak about issues concerning retirees and their dependents. Once a year they meet at AFPC at Randolph to consolidate retiree issues and brief the chain of command. Not a bad gig if you want to get paid to travel and listen to retirees talk! Check with your local RAO or read the Afterburner to see when these positions come open.”
Caption: Roger and Sandy Winburg and Mike and Catherine Nishimuta
From Stephens McCauley: I am pleased to help son Shane McCauley and Ms Danielle Sexton announce their plans to run-off together for a three year tour at Hickam AFB, Hawaii in mid-August. In anticipation of that blessed event, they have planned a wedding on 27 Jun in Auburn, Ca (Helo-pad lift distance from Travis AFB). Please do offer best wishes for the bride-to-be, "Danielle." (I already wished her my own hopes for the best; as I am well-acquainted with her "intended"). (daniellesexton@hotmail.com).
Additionally, there is photo-evidence that Shane was actually "pinned-on" as a newly-minted Major last week. He hauled-away solid gold leaves worn by his Great-Great Grandfather, plus his Grandfather's, and a set from General Don Wetekam. (I was able to provide some re-re-painted messdress boards, one plastic flightsuit tab, and a hug of relief that he can continue with his own car payments). If you want to collect on that drink he owes at the bar, his secret email might be (shanenmcc@gmail.com). He owes me one for easily noting he still wears my retirement Class-A uniform jacket; lucky he's marrying a Dietician who can help him avoid future replacement uniform expenses... (yet, he called me "cheap" over the re-recycled shoulder boards!) 
Stephens McCauley pins Major leafs on his son Shane, while Nikki (Shane’s wife) watches
Nikki McCauley, Danielle Sexton, Major Shane McCauley, and Stephens McCauley at Shane’s Pin-On
Of course, daughter Nikki was also in the picture (and Pictures) at promotion. Her latest is Kissing Cousins (a funny and clever flick). visit www.NikkiMcCauley.com, only if you dare. Nikki did inherit her brother's college.car ('91 Camry) and still bounces it along LA freeways (stubbornly refusing to replace those original shocks). One of her passions this year has been acquisition of "Some older-looking car." She scouted dozens of 61-64 Ford Falcons. In fact, she tricked me into a test-drive of one squeaky relic with her in Sacramento...(I was grateful for her brother's stern admonishments from back seat.) It is now clear why Lee installed an actual motor when Falcon frame was reloaded with the Mustang body.) Thus, we always wish Nikki luck; though she somehow finds it on her own..most of the time. Send wisdom to (Niquita9@aol.com) So perhaps you haven't Totally "lost it" yet, as long as your kids occasionally flatter you with actual requests for advice....especially when you might yet have something plausible to offer.
So, The Lovely Miss Mary Maranto (of Upper LA....deep in Baton Rouge) and I are off to the "Weddin" in a few weeks. We will probably assault the Golden-Gate by camera while my brother Cley and wife Jean challenge it on bikes (w/ pedals!). Plus, I might surprise my "in-processing week" roommate from the Academy when we arrive in Auburn. I fore-warned him of a "hospitality-check", but that is all....he may be challenged to recognize me from the added pounds...of hair; on head).
And it will be interesting to continue the Journey with Kids. My "word-count limit" has run-out for rest of the year by now..... Best to all. Stephens F. McCauley (aka, "Shane and Nikki's dad")
Later footnote from Stephens McCauley: Maj Shane McCauley successfully wed Ms Daniel Sexton last week near Travis AFB last week. (A young MD '98 grad on AD was in the wedding party to escort my daughter, Nikki...and he recalled being personally "career counseled" by one BG Stephens R. Lorenz.). Classmate Al Saavedra was present to brief bride's maids on wine-list selections. Despite wedding photographer hesitancy, Shane and bride carefully sliced their wedding cake, wielding his Great-Great Grandfather "Cleyburn"s Marine sword. Later, I transferred custody of that sword to my brother to safeguard at his home. The heirloom was momentarily lost by airlines, but finally arrived in Norfolk. Upon entering his homestead with the sword, my brother Cley discovered the ancient portrait of Great Great Grandfather Cleyburn had mysteriously broken wires attached to the wall and fallen to the floor ! */...I am so glad to finally be rid of that sword ! /* (with one less "haunt" to evade, superstition can take a back seat) Stevie
More from Stephens McCauley … "73Stories.com" offers a window to our class legacy, and is our "no-cost" Class Gift to future graduating classes. Additionally, we share our own post-graduate histories for mutual inspiration (and entertainment.) So, Nish and I look forward to more stories and wisdoms from classmates to post on "73Stories.com".
He seems willing to personally mail autographed copies to Classmates who use Paypal. He really is a gifted writer. To find his book, go to: http://www.nitwonline.com/DiZhen.html
Our class entered USAFA in 1969, and we count among us all those who entered, despite their graduation ranking. Gary Hall lives in Auburn (near Sacramento). I remember Gary as an "in-processing roommate" though he may deny the accusation. However, after tracking him down through our Playboy 19 Forum, an actual photograph of the elusive Gary Hall is attached. (Gary is on the right of photo)
From Geoff Michael … since you are looking for stuff on John Regni, I thought I would send along something that no one else has. The enclosed photo was taken by my father the night it all started, at a meeting of future NH cadets in the spring of 1969. This may be the last photo of him taken with that much hair! It appeared in the Manchester Union Leader.
Geoffry Michael, John Regni, Robert Fraser, Peter Gibson, and Steve Jordon in 1969 prior to Doolie summer.
CS-31: Over the last weekend of June, Tom and Betty Kennedy traveled to Charleston SC to visit with son, TJ, a Coast Guard Academy third classman and to tour the Coast Guard Academy’s tall ship, EAGLE which was part of Charleston’s Harborfest, 
http://www.charlestonharborfest.org/index2.html. While there, they enjoyed the hospitality and “B&B” at the home of Rich and Connie Hayes. It was a great weekend in Charleston for all including cadets.
In photo: Scott Clemson, Rich & Connie Hayes in Hayes’ backyard, Tom, TJ (US Coast Guard Academy) & Betty Kennedy
From Bill Heely...working for the Joint Warfighting Center, I took part in NUWAIX 09 at F.E. Warren AFB, which was the largest, most complex NUclear Weapon Accident/Incident eXercise to date. The exercise was part of Ardent Sentry 09 which was a US Northern Command exercise with a lot of moving parts. (in the attached pic, I'm the guy in the white shirt at the top of the stairs). Also worked Unified Endeavor 09-2 at Ft Bragg in February, Cooperative Focus 09-1 in Helsinki in March, and Terminal Fury at Suffolk, VA in May. The summer and fall look to be fairly busy with work at Ft Richardson, Alaska, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and back at Peterson AFB in time for the TCU game.
Craig Lady sends some old factoids from our September 08 reunion. “Along with attending reunion activities, I did something I never imagined doing, getting married in the Cadet Chapel. My fiancé, Ann, and I could not decide on a fall '08 date so I suggested comparing the AF and Penn State football schedules to find a weekend free of alumni football games so we could maybe have a wedding. I had jokingly mentioned getting married during our '73 reunion. Well, in July, Ann decided she liked that idea so we put together an ops plan with the assistance of Nancy (Johnny) Whitaker, Joan (Don) Sutula, and Geri (Wild Bill) Gillin.
1st row: Willy Culbertson, Rich Fazio, Don Sutula, John Lauten, Ann and Craig Lady, Mike Koser, John Pretz
2nd row: Peter Lanz ( Geno's neighbor from Germany), Bill Gillin, Bruce Meyer, Gregg Reinecke, Geno Ogilvie, Ed Heisey, Wayne Maricle, Tom Mayberry, Pete Penta, Dave Floyd, Ken Bonn
On 19 Sep, at 1200, our wedding ceremony was officiated by Chaplain/Doctor/Colonel(ret) Robert A. Browning (Class of ’59 and Chaplain at USAFA while we were there). Dr Joseph Galema was the organist with the Gillin kids, Jon and Trish, for guitar and vocals. The cadet saber drill team volunteered an outstanding service in performing the saber arch. Ann was quite surprised with her 'Welcome to the Air Force, Ma'am' saber rump smack. Tom 'Corvette' Mayberry supplied the getaway car. All the 16th Squadron Chickenhawk reunion attendees were witnesses along with Ken Bonn, John Pretz and Dave Floyd from Sq 6 and Ed Heisey from 37th and their spouses. Sharing this day with great friends and classmates made the day one of the finest of my life and a truly special reunion.” Craig Lady
1st row: Jenn, Mike and Angela Martin (Ann's children), Craig and Ann Lady, Gerry, Elizabeth and Nedette Otterbein (best man and family). 2nd row: (Classmates and spouses) Rich and Teresa Fazio, John and Diane Lauten, Don and Joan Sutula 3rd row: Bruce and Janet Meyer, Bill and Geri Gillin, Wayne and Barbara Maricle, Mike and Marilyn Koser. 4th row: Tom and Sally Mayberry, Gregg Reinecke, Pete Penta, Gene and Barbara Ogilvie, Willy Culbertson, Ed and Kathleen Heisey. 5th row: Peter and Joanna Lanz (Ogilvie's neighbors from Germany), Ken and Laurie Bonn, John and Joanne Pretz, Dave and Cheri Floyd.
From Dave Muckley: “I am forwarding a picture of six of us from the class of '73 and our spouses, taken in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on July 3rd, 2009. We got together via a mini-reunion for the 27th Squadron. Ken Vargas and his wife, Hermila, served as our Calgary hosts, since they are long-time residents in the area. Ken was one of our foreign national students from Mexico and my roommate for several years at AFA. CS-27 '73 Participants included: Ken Vargas, and wife Hermila; Charlie Quinnell, and his wife Denise; Bill Wilson, and his wife Patty; Bill Fox, and his wife Karen; Bob Ticknor, and his wife Jenny; Dave Muckley, and my wife Natalie. We had a great time checking out the Calgary Stampede as well as the beautiful area of Banff. Dave Muckley, 1561 10th Street, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Home: 310-798-5113 Cell: 310-920-0850 Fax: 310-374-7342.
Bottom row l to r: Bill Fox, Karen Fox, Patty Wilson, Bill Wilson
Second row l to r: Bob Ticknor, Jenny Ticknor, Natalie Muckley, Charlie Quinnell, Denise Quinnell
Third row l to r: Ken Vargas, Hermila Vargas, Dave MuckleyFrom Charlie Quinnell: I thought you would like two of the hundreds of pictures that were taken during our gathering this month (the girls shot was around the campfire - Jacks Valley Type --- the boys shot was outside of Earls in Calgary - Jack Daniels Type). (303) 521-3083 Cellular(303) 660-9048 Home CharlieQ73@hotmail.com Insert photo: “the Boys Best Shot”
Caption from left to right - Bill Wilson, Charlie Quinnell, Dave Muckley, Bill Fox, Ken Vargas, & Bob Ticknor
Left to right - Natalie Muckley, Karen Fox, Denise Quinnell, Hermila Vargas, Patty Wilson, & Jenny Ticknor
Steve McCauley: My Brother in Norfolk sent these "reenactment" photos of the Marine Wedding Cake Sword and the Great Great Grandfather Maj McCauley formal photo, fallen to the floor...on the day following the newest Maj McCauley marriage near Travis AFB, and transfer of "sword custody" from me. (Airlines lost it in transit, but it was found). (BTW....my own affairs seem to have mysteriously improved here in Texas since sword-removal operation!) Steve
Great story from Carl Baillie, who lives in Hawaii
CBatKula@aol.com // (808) 878 6744
The Ring
In May of 1972, shortly after getting his USAF Academy Class Ring, Carl Baillie lost it in the S. Platte river near Deckers, Colorado. On Memorial Day 2009, Simon Dagger ( who lives in Littleton, Colorado ) found the ring about 5 miles north of Deckers. Simon was able to track down Carl who now lives in Kula on the Island of Maui.
The ring which had been in the S. Platte river for 37 years and traveled approximately 5miles didn’t have a scratch on it. “We all had our names engraved on the inside of our rings and Simon was able to track me down using the internet.”
“It is great to have my ring back, but I think more importantly it is nice to know there are still honest and honorable people in the world. Simon didn’t have to take the time to find me and then return my ring. He could have just as easily pawned it and spent the dollars. Mahalo and Aloha.” (The Maui News printed an article and a picture on Labor Day.www.mauinews.com and scroll down a little and there is a link to the article and Pic)
Great Pic from May 2009:
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T Thompson, Sully Sullenberger, and John Regni_Jabara Award May 2009 |