Letters to the Class of 1960

Date: November 2007

Subject:  Association of Graduates Status

This is a very difficult letter to write.  It is generally based on my personal observations and opinions gained over several years.  You can understand that many of these thoughts may be tinged with emotion and, along with others, difficult to substantiate.  I believe that often perceptions become the facts we wish to see in events of this nature.  But, it is truly hard to sit by and watch an organization you trusted and supported for a number of years fall from a progressive forward leaning entity without either doing or saying something about it.  I ask you to use this letter as a starting point to get informed and form your own thoughts on the health of the AOG.  

In my opinion, the Association of Graduates (AOG) is entering a period of decline brought about by significant changes in its leadership.  This change resulted from a move to widen the scope of representation.  This move was based on a member perception that the previous Board of Directors (BOD) did not adequately represent the graduate community.  Hence the association bylaws were changed to allow popular election of the directors.  Previously, the directors were nominated by a committee that searched the graduate community and identified individuals with the skill sets and experience to direct a multi-million dollar organization with tens of thousands of members.  When located, the nominees were vetted, asked to serve at their own expense, presented to the board, and named on the ballot for election by the entire membership.  

Following the bylaw change, that process was sacrificed for a membership wide popular election.  The ballot then consisted of those members who expressed a desire to serve.  There was little or no consideration given to their skills or ability to perform in the corporate arena as dictated by the size and financial assets of the association. Consequently, following two regular elections under the current process, a majority of the sitting directors appear to have neither the skills nor the experience to further the aims of the organization.  This has caused severe turbulence in the AOG staff, affiliated fund raising organizations and the entire graduate community.

The majority of newly elected directors support the platform put forth by the Alumni Reunification Committee (ARC), an organization formed and endorsed by graduates who were displeased with the actions and decisions of previous boards.  They perceived the previous leadership to be autocratic, dictatorial, opposed to openness, and focused on fund raising in deference to graduate services.  They also believed the AOG leadership had been weak and unwilling to become involved in the running of the Academy.

Consequently these new directors came into office with a mandate of openness, change and reunification of the graduate community.  It is interesting to note that the first resolution the incoming BOD passed was to continue the directions of the outgoing board – so much for change.  Incidentally, in the four months they have been sitting, they have held more closed meetings than the previous board held in four years – so much for openness.  As for unification, since the most recent election there have been more personal attacks, back-biting, and name-calling across the graduate community then any time in memory.  A larger wedge has been driven through the graduate community than any time in the past – so much for unification.

The previously mentioned decline in BOD skills began after the 2005 general election when a large number of major donors began to question the management abilities of the elected directors.  That trend continues as those donors have withdrawn their support from the AOG and turned to an independent agency outside the purview of the association.  This group expressed a total lack of confidence in the AOG Board leadership.  The loss of their contribution is tantamount to setting the association back some 15 – 20 years.

Additionally, over the past year, the development offices of the AOG have been decimated by the loss of several key personnel in the major giving sector.  They found they could not perform under the circumstances resulting from that loss of confidence in leadership.  Consequently, without a real prospect of significant available funding, the BOD has revised the operating budget downward and instituted a hiring freeze.  Neither fact bodes well for future growth of the association and it annual financial support to the Academy and services to the graduate community.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AOG, Jim Shaw, has resigned from the AOG.  With his departure, the association has lost a significant asset and with his departure, we have lost access to the Superintendent’s Office.  As CEO, he was a regular guest at all senior staff meetings and often asked to provide input for the graduate community.  Based on recent BOD actions, the Superintendent has withdrawn that privilege and restricted his contact with the AOG.  Rumor has it this gulf has deepened since the BOD did not respond to the Supt’s annual needs list in time for the Academy to submit its annual budget to the Department of the Air Force.

Work performed under the current board has slowed considerably.  For example; the Alumni Relations Committee, under the chair of one of the ARC directors, has been unable to reach even one of its self-stated goals and has yet to move a single issue out of committee for a vote of the full board.   Granted, the number of Directors was reduced over that period but non directors have stepped up to fully man that committee as well as several others.  It is unclear to many observers where the board is focused and how they spend their time.  

Communications from the BOD to the graduate community have not improved much under the new Board of Directors.  The best method for graduates to stay abreast of the Boards deliberations through the AOG website and the minutes posted there after each BOD meeting.  As an example, the provisional minutes posted following the 27 October, 2007 meetings contain information of BOD deliberations concerning their personal reimbursement. This is interesting in light of past precedent. For the first time in history the BOD wants to be reimbursed for expenses.  We have now gone from a BOD that gave time, treasure, and talent to a board that wants to take treasure from an already strapped AOG budget and yet to show little talent in solving the financial problems they created.

It is imperative that each of us read those minutes and if questions or concerns arise, you need to bring them directly to the attention of the Board and our Class Senate Representative – Dick Sexton.

Respectfully,

Andi Biancur

Date: November 2007

Subject: Status of Fund Raising within the Association of Graduates

It is no secret to anyone that the Association of Graduates (AOG) has entered a period of turmoil.  It is also a fact that this has been coming on for more than two years.  It all started with a portion of the graduate community feeling that the Board of Directors (BOD) was not representative of the community of graduates as a whole.  An active minority formed an organization called the Alumni Reunification Committee (ARC) in an effort to bring about changes in the direction and goals of the AOG.  Their primary concept was to replace the sitting board which was largely composed of members selected by a nominating committee with members selected through open election by the general membership.  

History has repeatedly shown that it is possible to run an organization of a few hundred members and a financial corpus of a few hundred thousand dollars with leaders selected by a popularity contest.  History also has shown that it is folly to run an organization – like the AOG, with several thousand members and a financial corpus in excess of $25 million in the same manner.  Organizations, the size of our AOG, require leadership equipped with certain specific and well proven skill sets to effectively and efficiently keep it viable.  Often, the only method of acquiring those talents is to recruit senior corporate and military managers willing to donate their time and skills on a pro bono basis simply because they feel connected to the organization and it goals.

Such a skilled and dedicated BOD has been replaced over the past two elections by the current members most of whom have neither the skill sets nor the talents to provide effective vision and guidance for the AOG.  They do not possess the experience, contacts, or project the confidence to further the goals of the AOG.  Where past boards have met the changing needs of the institution, the membership, and the organization, this board will be forced to struggle to keep the AOG a viable Academy organization.  

In the fund raising arena, for the past 15 years, there has been a concerted effort by the leadership of the AOG to bring under one umbrella, all of the fund-raising entities affiliated with The Academy.  That goal was very near completion when the current board took over. Within the last few months, the process has fractured and been set back several years. Unfortunately the current BOD appears to be unable to come to grips with determining what the role of the AOG should be in terms of seeking major donations and soliciting annual donations. Several of those fund raising agents have expressed a profound lack of confidence in the present AOG Board and its leadership and withdrawn their corporate and financial support.  Frankly, the large donors just don’t trust the present AOG Board with the management of their donated monies. Consequently, many of the large donors have formed a separate foundation outside the purview of the AOG – taking with them a major share of the funds the AOG had planned on acquiring in the near future.

That lack of confidence has permeated throughout the graduate community.  AFA Annual fund revenues, to include Sabre Society funds have shown a marked downward trend over the last two quarters as have the number of significant contributions. Budget projections by the AOG staff have also been revised downward to reflect less than optimistic expectations in both annual giving and major gift contributions.  

The lack of confidence in the current board has had a major impact on the AOG staff.  Within the last several months, the entire senior development (major gifts) staff has departed, leaving a significant void in the major gift fund raising capability of the AOG.  They will not be easily nor quickly replaced as budgets have had to be reduced to meet lower revenue expectations.

What does this mean to every member of the graduate community?  Well, now you can expect to receive many more individual solicitations from any number of organizations.  Most fund raising activities affiliated with The Academy have access to the same graduate rosters and you can bet they will be contacting each and every one of us with requests. In previous years this intrusiveness by other  Academy-oriented organizations was held to a minimum because of the cooperative relationships established by past Boards and Jim Shaw (AOG President/CEO).

How about us in the Class of 1960?  Rest assured, we saw this coming and took steps to protect our funds.  Both our Class Fund and our 50th Reunion Gift Fund are secure.  I ask you to continue to support the class in your commitments to those two funds.  How and to what extent you wish to support any other Academy oriented fund raising effort is solely up to you.

If you have any thoughts or need clarification on any of these points, please contact me and I will do my best to supply answers or more data.

Respectfully,

Andi Biancur

Date: November 2007

Subject: Academy Status

Just from talking to some of our classmates, I know that you are interested in how the Academy is fairing with regards to the leadership and the cadets themselves.  I serve as a Graduate Associate for the 14th Cadet Squadron and Carole and I sponsor cadets from the classes of 2010 and 2011.  I am not as well versed on the academic regimen as some but I do maintain a working knowledge of how the management and the cadets are getting along.

First, let me say that Lt.Gen. Regni, as superintendent, is the best thing that has happened around here in a long time.  He has an excellent handle on the place and is an insightful and dynamic leader.  As a grad, he has done a super job of separating the wheat from the chaff.  The cadets have a great deal of respect for him and he is setting a great example and providing a good role model. The Superintendent’s vision and leadership will continue to have significant influence on the Commandant and Dean in their areas of responsibility.

DGen Susan Desjardins, the Cmdt., may not be Ben Cassidy or Moose Stillman but she does have the wing marching with more precision and improved their conduct and behavior.  They still have a long way to go but there is progress.  

The Dean, BGen Dana Born, has introduced a number of new educational techniques.  Much of the education is being delivered by computer and there is far less face time with the instructors.  And the proxy servers often become overloaded and go down, thereby interfering with the cadets’ ability to complete their assignments on time. This is a major departure from what we knew and what today’s incoming cadets are used to. However, the cadets are sharp and are adjusting to the change.

The Director of Athletics, Dr. Hans Mueh has his eyes set on improving the financial status of the department.  He has been forced into a very dynamic situation with the loss of several major intercollegiate team coaches.  But, if the football, basketball, and hockey teams keep winning, he might come off looking like a genius.

Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of traditional role models for the cadets.  Not one of the senior leaders has experience in combat and only the Cmdt. is rated.  This anomaly extends all the way into the squadrons as many of the AOCs come with specialties other than flying.  In this era of terrorism, maybe combat leadership in the skies does take second place to technical skills.

The powered flight training program at the Academy airfield has been eliminated.  Now the only flight training is composed of soaring and the jump program.  The powered flight training assets have been transferred to a contract operation at the Pueblo airport.  There a program has been installed screen all officers (Academy and ROTC) headed for pilot training.  Of course, the aero club is still available for some of the cadets to train during their off time.

On the plus side, marching tours and Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) are back.  In September punishment tours were re introduced for violations involving alcohol.  One of our cadets mentioned that up to 99 tours were awarded for such offenses along with “Community Service”.  The guilty cadet must stand at the cadet area entrance gates and distribute hand-outs concerning alcohol abuse.  SERE training will be re installed as mandatory instruction for all cadets starting in the summer of 2008.  I notice the other day that quite a few cadets were marching.

Honor is still an issue with the Wing.  The honor code and system is not the one we are familiar with.  True, the basic elements of the code are the same but the ways in which it is administered vary from the black and white model we experienced. There are incidents where consideration is allowed according to class, and seriousness of offense.  The Supt has begun to return the Honor Code to the Cadet Wing and back officer management out of it.  This appears to be working but it will require more time to completely take hold.

A subsidiary issue revolves around the belief by some grads that they should have a say in the running of the Academy.  This came to a head as a result of letters sent to Gen Regni following the last honor incident.  Those letters purportedly told the Supt how he should address the situation.  Since neither the AOG nor the graduate community is shown in the Superintendent’s chain of command chart, he rightfully did not feel bound to respond.  That act should not be interpreted to mean that graduates have no say in the functioning of the Academy; but any advice graduates are asked to give, should be given respectfully and with the understanding that the military leaders are solely responsible for managing the Academy.

 Every one of the present senior leaders is an active member of the AOG.  As grads with the latest information on every subject related to Academy issues, they are clearly in a position to respond to any and all arising situations.  Their actions may not always sit well with every graduate but they do have the best interests of both the Academy and the nation in their decisions.   

Respectfully,

Andi Biancur

Date: November 2007

Subject:  Communications

Over the past few years the communications capability of the individual has significantly increased.  This increase has provided the individual to express his thoughts and positions directly to a wide spectrum of decision makers.  It has resulted in individual power and given each of us the capability of taking a greater part in determining the directions of our Association of Graduates (AOG) and Class Leadership.  But, to work, the individual must be informed, involved, and take the time to supply response.

Recently several electronic platforms have emerged to assist you in learning the facts, positions and directions of both the class and the AOG.  I have listed some of the relevant websites that have joined the class website as resources that supply information for discussion of subjects of possible interest to you as an alumnus and classmate.  There may be others but these are a start.  Of course there is our class website; www.usafa.net/1960/.  The Association of Graduates has: www.usafa.org, and www.zoomienation.usafa.org.  The AOG has recently added the ability to directly contact the BOD through the “Contact U” feature.  Additionally the site now has the capability to forward individual e-mails.  (see ZoomieNation, dtd. 11/01/2007).  There are two other sites primarily addressing AOG issues.  They are www.usafa2day.com and www.usafatoday.com. I am sure there are others but this list will provide a wealth of knowledge to keep you informed and aware of most of the current controversial items.

I urge you to take the effort to become informed of the topical issues and get involved.  We all have opinions and do need to make the effort to let those in leadership positions know how we feel.  As you well know, it is easier to sit back and complain than to speak up and become part of a solution.

Another aspect of our class communication concerns internal communication across the class.  Thanks in large part to the efforts of Ace Holman, Les Querry, Jock Schwank, Jim Glaza, and Rosie Cler, we have developed a fairly extensive class roster.  It contains current e-mail addresses of grads, alums, and next of kin for our deceased classmates.  As you can imagine, keeping it current is a bear.  The only way we can retain usefulness of such a roster is by your efforts to insure we have current data on you.  Please let either Jock (Jock@schwank.com) or Rosie (RCtherose@aol.com) know of any changes you make to your address, e-mail or phone number.  They will do the rest

Thank you for your time.  I hope this helps.

Respectfully,

Andi Biancur

6 June, 2007

Dear Classmate,

I want to update you on several items of interest to you and the class. As you may know there has been talk across the graduate community about communication between classes and classmates. Two-way communication between and within our class is crucial to insuring that we maintain the close ties we have enjoyed over the years. And as we all age, our memory tends to go flat at times. With that in mind and knowing that many of us are not wholly computer literate, “snail mail” is still the best way to communicate. This letter lists ongoing and contemplated items which may be relevant to the Class.

First, let me emphasize the need to keep our class roster is as up to date as possible by sending us timely changes to your mailing and e-mail addresses. The AOG, Rosie, and I attempt to maintain a current and complete roster. You can help by sending any changes to Andi: (719) 488-4317 or Bacfly60@msn.com ; Rosie: (505) 897-4420 or RCtherose@aol.com .

Our class website has been a great communication tool and we thank Charlie Holman for his efforts in making it one of the best the class websites. (Although at present experiencing some problems, efforts are underway to get it functional). You can access the resurrected site through http://76.162.4.145/afa60.html  or by going to the "Class Pages" page on the AOG site and clicking "1960".  The AOG will change their page to link to this new address.  (To get to "Class Pages", click "AOG Services" and then "Constituent/Public Services" and then "Class Websites") Charlie would welcome some help in continuing management of the site. Any of you that are enjoying retirement, looking for some diversion, have the skill sets, and would be willing to help out (or know a classmate who might), please let me know. You can contact Charlie “Ace” at: (251) 660-8732 or cholman1234@hotmail.com .

The AOG has brought a new feature online. ZoomieNation is an interactive site designed to serve the graduate community. It contains many features including the capability to form chat rooms addressing subjects of individual concerns. It is part of the association's drive for more robust communication across the membership. You can access the site at: zoomienation.usafa.org/.

Our Class Historian is now Ralph Lalime. As you scale your lifestyle back and come across any “junk” from your ancient foot locker, contact Ralph before you put it on Ebay or consign it to the garbage can. (If anyone has the early “Newsletters' produced by the AOG prior to the initial CHECKPOINTS, let me know.) Any questions or thoughts, contact Ralph: (703) 569-7187 or trlalime@yahoo.com .

Those of you who attended the 45 th reunion recall a photo CD from Les Querry containing hundreds of photos taken by him from 1956-1959.  Les is now deep into a project to digitize photos, video clips and text provided by other members of the Class.  Send him any photos or clips (period 1956-2007) that are relevant worth sharing.  He will digitize them, return them and then produce a DVD for each of us (or relatives of deceased classmates), having them available at the 50 th reunion. Contact Les' at (540) 554-2416 or lesquerry@wave2net.com . 

George Lester had asked each of us at an earlier reunion to write our personal biography and send it to him to preserve in a common collection. Some of us have already done it. And I have spoken to several others who have completed theirs but not forwarded them or are working on them. If you haven't made the attempt, this is another useful way to spend some time doing something productive. They don't have to be works of art but more importantly, just your story. George can be contacted at: (249) 404-1933 or GeorgeTLester@hotmail.com .

The annual Inter Service Weekend will occur this autumn in conjunction with the AF – Army football game played on 3 November, 2007. This year Bruce Mosier is the point guy for the weekend. Contact with the Embassy Suites has established it as the probable housing site. Remaining details will be finalized within the next two months. Bruce will get them on the wire. If you have any questions, thoughts, concerns, contact Bruce at: (719) 481-5813 or mosiermanor@myway.com .

A European River Cruise (Eastern Europe to the Black Sea ) is being planned for 11-23 August of next year.  The intention is to co-celebrate our 70th birthdays with classmates, family and friends. Details will be sent to you by Jim Glaza. Please contact Jim at (719) 481-9222 or jimglaza@comcast.net ASAP as space may be limited.

The annual meeting of the Utah Chapter of the Al Johnson Ski & Lawn Mower Repair School is again on the books for 2008. MiniSki XVIII will take place around the end of February and the first week in March 2008. The exact timing and details have yet to be worked out but it is anticipated they will not vary much from past years. Each year more of our younger generation relatives have been attending. And each year the fun factor has increased as they lend their enthusiasm and energy to the mix.

The 50th Reunion Class Gift Fund raising effort is showing great progress. The received cash and pledges have exceeded our goal, a very encouraging sign. To date, of the 173 classmates that we could solicit, 134 or 77.45% have responded with either a pledge or cash. Now, the focus will shift to honoring those pledges over the remaining years and hoping that we can achieve a higher percentage of participation across the class. We are nearing the age when our IRAs are maturing and there is a tax advantage in designating a portion of your minimum distributions to charitable causes. Questions? Contact: Al Johnson: (703) 549-0383 or AJohnson1960@cox.net .

The Heritage Trail Construction Project (50 th Class Gift Project) is proceeding. We have accumulated enough cash to issue a Request for Proposal this summer. The Good Earth Company has tendered a bid which is now being reviewed. If accepted, Good Earth will begin moving dirt in late June 2007. By 2010 our portion will have been completed. If you have questions contact Andi: (719) 488-4317 or Bacfly60@msn.com .

The AOG Bylaws adopted in 2006 established a Class Advisory Senate as a two way channel of communication between the AOG leadership and the graduate community. The concept was for the AOG Board of Directors to consult the Senate on major issues and the Senate to advise the Board based on member inputs. Each class selected a representative and Dick Sexton volunteered to represent our class. The Bylaws are vague on just how the Senate was supposed to operate. Dick got together with me, Jock, Duck and Dick Coppock ('61) to draft a set of operating procedures. Those procedures were approved by the AOG Board and Dick was elected President of the Senate. The Senate is up and running thanks in large part to Dick's efforts. There are a number of major issues facing the AOG this year on which the Senate will be seeking member input. Among those are the establishment of a foundation and addressing the results of the member survey. Dick will keep us informed and look for input on these and any other issues that you want the Senate to bring to the attention of the Board. More information is available on the AOG website – click on About the AOG and go to Class Advisory Senate or contact Dick: (719) 481-2936 or sextonrch@aol.com .

We conducted a survey following the 45 th class reunion to determine the agenda for the 50 th Reunion in 2010. Of the 178 forms distributed, we received 76 replies. The result indicated that we hold the reunion in September on a home football weekend, and that the reunion last four days in Colorado Springs using a reasonably priced hotel (Embassy Suites). In addition to the football game, events requested were: a hospitality suite, an informal dinner, lots of free time, golf, a memorial service, lunch at Mitch's, a tour of the Academy, a State of the Wing discussion, and class meeting. The exact date will be determined when the 2010 USAFA football schedule is firm. We will, of course, inaugurate our portion of the Heritage Trail. There was little interest in any merchandise other than ball caps and T-shirts or Sweaters. There was a strong desire indicated to invite widows, former AOCs and ATOs. Questions -- contact: Andi; (719) 488-4317 or Bacfly60@msn.com . (There has been some thought that a Reunion Book might be appropriate. If you have thoughts or wish to assist in this project contact George Luck; (425) 337-2128 or george.luck@verizon.net .)

The Class of 1964 has committed to a Mall of Heroes as a class gift. The Mall will be located just below the “Bring Me Men” ramp (in front of the old Cadet Dispensary). The mall will initially contain full-size bronze statues of Richter, Sijan, and Bourque. Richter and Sijan are modeled in flight suits and stand on corners of the central square. Val is modeled in his cadet parade dress, in the center of the square, with a saber at “present arms”. The concept is that as squadrons march past the mall en route to the parade ground, they will go to “eyes right-present arms,” to honor the fallen and return Val's salute. It will be a fitting tribute that we can all share. I will assure that Rod Wells (Class President) and the Class of 1964 know of our appreciation for their efforts.

On 11 May, 2007 the AOG and the Academy dedicated the Memorial Pavilion and Directory Kiosk on the grounds of the cemetery. The Memorial Pavilion is intended for the conduct of funerals and memorial services. It is designed to be heated or cooled on demand relieving all the hours folks have had to brave the fickle Colorado temperatures and winds during interment services. It comfortably seats 100-150 people with facilities to accommodate reflection and viewings. Adjacent to the east wall there is a columbarium appropriate for interment of urns. In conjunction with the pavilion, a kiosk replaces the cemetery directory. It contains an interactive system to locate burial plots and provide some information on the individual. All in all, this is an extremely fine upgrade to the cemetery and will play a major role in dignifying future funeral services

Class Rings . If you lose or have lost a class ring, notify the AOG. They maintain a lost and found list of class rings. Contact don.mccarthy@aogusafa.org .

Thanks for your time and interest. If you have any thoughts, concerns, suggestions, questions, complaints, or whatever, please contact me; (719) 488-4317, bacfly60@msn.com , Duck; (719) 633-6534, af60duck@msn.com or Jock, (719) 594-0860, jock@schwanks.net .

Respectfully,

Andi Biancur

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