From: Ken Alnwick

Subject: Hurlburt get-together

Date: August 5, 2003

Ace,

Here are some reworked pictures from the Hurlburt get-together. Also a picture of a little objet d'art I picked up for the apartment-- Judy hates it! Plus a picture of Mel on the night she won her two Emmies for investigative reporting (VA,MD,DC, NC viewing area). She will be going to NYC to compete for national honors.

Cheers,

Ken

[WEBMASTER'S NOTE: AT THE MARCH 26, 2003 PRACTICE MINI-REUNION IN DESTIN, FL, WE WERE A SELF-PROCLAIMED "GANG OF 8". AT KEN'S PARTY LAST MONTH, HE AND JOHN KUENZEL NOW MAKES IT THE "GANG OF 10".]

Get-together at Hurlburt

The Frog King

Regional winner - on to NYC

From:Frank Gorham

Subject: The whole works

Date: July 16, 2003

Ace,

I finally have the entire article, along with the cover - attached. The editor and art director did a wonderful job of making the mundane writing look very special. I especially like the 2 page sunrise centerfold.

Cheers, Frank

[WEBMASTERS NOTE: THE JULY ISSUE OF SPORT AEROBATICS MAGINE HAS FRANK ON THE COVER AND HE ALSO AUTHORS THE FEATURE ARTICLE. WITH THE ADOBE READER (SEE BELOW), YOU CAN SEE BOTH THE COVER AND ARTICLE IF YOU ZOOM IN WITH THE MAGNIFYING ICON. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE FREE ADOBE READER PROGRAM, YOU WILL NEED TODOWNLOAD IT FROM THE ADOBE SITE.

WAY TO GO, FRANK! YOU ARE 'NULI SECUNDUS'!!]

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From:Frank Gorham

Subject: Flying fun!

Date: July 8, 2003

Ace,

The EAA photo guys sent me several copyrighted slides from our April aerial shoot. I have attached one dramatic shot FYI.

Although the July cover article has been sent to the printers I have still not seen the final artwork selections so this one may not be included??

Having way too much fun!!! Smoke and Mirrors!

Cheers, Frank

From: Ken Alnwick

Subject: Off-season practice mini-reunion

Date: June 27, 2003

Ace,

Tried to call you, no joy. I hope all is well with you and yours. Will you and Weeze be able to join us on the 16th of July? Will you need a place to stay? I'm at the point where I will soon need to give the club a count.

I'll be contacting the others that I think are in a reasonable radius, and John Kunsel tells me that he will be attending as well. It might not even hurt if a 59er or two showed up. Nothing fancy, standard goodies on the patio--just a nice opportunity to watch the sun set and have a few drinks -- on Ken's nickle.

Here is a picture taken at a museum outside of Portland. The actual Spruce Goose is in the background.

Hope to see you soon.

Cheers,

Ken

From: Rich Trentman, AOG

Subject: USAFA AOG - Update

Date: June 20, 2003

Dear Graduates, Parents, and Friends of the Academy

The Report of the Working Group Concerning the Deterrence of and Response to Incidents of Sexual Assault at the U.S. Air Force Academy is on the AOG website-- www.aog-usafa.org. The report is the product of a committee of 52 senior Air Force officials led by the Air Force General Counsel, The Honorable Mary Walker. The Air Force Inspector General is reviewing specific cases and will issue a report in the future. The Defense Department Inspector General's Office is reviewing sexual assault and sexual harassment issues at all the service academies. The Secretary of Defense, in response to legislation, appointed a seven member committee to look at the sexual assault issue at the Air Force Academy. The committee will hold its first meetings the week of 23 June.

We encourage you to continue to check our website for updates and continuous coverage.

Association of Graduates (AOG)

USAF Academy

(719) 472-0300

From: Frank Gorham

Subject: July Issue of Sport Aerobatics

Date: June 6, 2003

Ace,

In the upcoming July Issue of Sport Aerobatics, magazine of the Int'l Aerobatics Club, the Cover Photo article author and featured formation pilot in the aerials is your current writer. Aerial photos shot in early April out of Lakeland Florida. Really fun dawn patrol flight to get the best lighting. The June issue is still not here so expect it out around mid-late July.

Messed up the usual easy stuff at the May contest in Atlanta. Once again happy not to finish last in class. There is SO much to learn!

Cheers, Frank

From: Ken Alnwick

Subject: Off-season practice mini-reunion

Date: May 27, 2003

Ace,

I'll be in FWB at our condo at SeaSpray with kids and their families from 12-19 July and plan to lay on a small party for classmates and a few others at the old Hurlburt O'Club on the 16th. Can you post this on the web site, mark it on your calendar and help me get a count of the probable attendees. I'll send out more details as the date gets closer and I have to give the club a count. The picture of the Group of Eight was pretty scary, but I think the old Commando club can handle just about anything--after all, that's where Judy and I held our wedding reception.

Update. Just finished the McLucas autobiography that became a biography following his death in December and my war gaming consulting business continues to keep me in beer and hot dogs. My Falls Church HS JV LaX team had its best season ever--two wins. Sigh!

FYI, I'm moving my e-mail address to kjalnwick@cox.net by the end of the month.

Hope y'all can make it to FWB/Destin and Hurlburt on the 16th.

Cheers,

Ken

From: George Lester

Subject: Thanks for the bios

Date: May 1, 2003

Hi, Ace

Please post this message on our class web site. I just wanted to thank Lew Price for telling me about the web site and inquiring about the bios I am receiving from members of the class. I have received approximately 10 bios - some were quite long, and I enjoyed reading them before I sent them on to Jock and asked him to see about getting them into the Academy library. As Lew mentioned in his comments, Tony B.'s was the shortest - but I'm not complaining. As a matter of fact, I would be grateful for even one page. I have heard that more bios are being written - and that I haven't gotten them because they are quite long and not finished.

I can understand that. My own bio is going to be very, very long. None of us knows what the other guys are doing - so let's not bother anyone or request anything of any of our classmates. If a man wants to write something, he will. But I hope that no one thinks that his bio will be "too short" or "too long." It can't be either one. Any bio, of any length, will be "absolutely perfect" - and appreciated not only by me and many others in the class of 1960, but cadets in other classes, and cadets not yet born who will read your bio 100 years from now.

Take care and God bless.

George Lester

From: Tony Burschnick

Subject: Visit to USAFA

Date: May 1, 2003

Dear fellow alumni and friends of USAFA,

The week prior to Easter I was contacted by the office of the CSAF, Gen. Jumper, and asked if I would go to the USAFA on the 28 and 29 of April to be on stage along with a grad from each Academy class and with the CSAF and the SECAF while they addressed the First and Secondclassmen and many faculty and staff officers on the recent sexual harassment incident. You all know there is no way to turn down that invitation. Fortunately the SECAF has access to airlift so I made the trip out and back on a C-40. That is the AF version of the new Boeing 737. It smelled just like a brand new car.

I have no idea what the criteria was for the selection of the grads. We were, however approved by both the CSAF and the SECAF. I would say that about fifteen were from the DC area and were aboard the C-40. Carol Bobko was the attendee from the Class of '59. Two other astronauts MG Chilton & Col. Precourt were there. The former chiefs, Mike Ryan and Ron Fogelman were there as was former PACAF CC, John Lorber: Space Command and now Northern Defense Commander, Ed Eberhard and former AFLC/CC Gen. Butch Vicellio '62, LG. McNabb, LGLooney, LG Walters, MG Jayne were in the group of active or retired GO's., Former Commandants LG. Anderson "61, & LG. Hopper represented their class. Two Rhodes Scholars, Congresswoman Heather Wilson and Col. Michelle Johnson, & U-2 pilot and imbedded correspondent in Iraq, Cholene Espinoza lead the group of about 10 female grads. Former Dallas Cowboy, Chad Hennings and sprinter and double Gold Medal Olympic champion Alonzo Babers stood up for their classes. In all forty-three of us were seated on stage. Hard to believe we have graduated that many classes.

Monday night we all met for dinner at Dolittle Hall with the new Commandant and acting Superintendent, Brig. Gen. John Weida and the dean, Dave Wagey. Weida spoke for a very brief time since earlier he made available to us his Agenda for Change. You can review this if you wish at the AOG home page. The SECAF then welcomed us and thanked us for taking time to come to USAFA for this event. I am certain everyone there wanted only to thank him for including us. Gen. Jumper then gave us a quick rundown of what he expected from the Academy officials. He did not present a solution and expects Weida, Wagey and the new Superintendent to fix the problem. He then told us that he wanted all of us on stage with him and Mr. Roach because he wants to make the point to the cadets that the entire Air Force, and in particular the graduate community, expect them to uphold the highest standards of officership. He then opened the floor to discussion. You all know that I had my say at the AOG meeting here in DC so I was not quick to jump up. Two or three grads commented on the overemphasis on academics as opposed to officer training. Then Chad Hennings, followed by Gen. Lorber, got up to take exception to change that will be made to put the Director of Athletics under the Commandant. That was all I needed so I had to take the mike. I told the folks that I had more knowledge of events only because of my involvement with the Academy over the years. I immediately defended the change to put the DA under the Commandant by relating many of the stories I had told you at the DC '60 meeting and in my E-mail "Sex & Honor." It was obvious many in the room were shocked by how bad things had gotten. After I was finished a few more grads made some very good comments about needed changes. The female U-2 pilot came to the defense of the Academy and expressed concern why the Congress was putting so much credence on the statements of a few disgruntled female cadets. Butch Vicellio expressed concern that the excessive amount of academics caused cadets to learn by rote only enough to pass. (Everything over 2.0 is wasted!) In all it was a very good session lasting well into the night. I got lots of questions while we smoked cigars enroute to the Q. and even more on the trip home on Tuesday. There is no question in my mind that these 43 grads wanted to be part of the solution.

On Tuesday morning we met at Arnold Hall, were briefed on the ceremony, and then each of us, starting with the 2003 grad, was introduced with a short present duty assignment, flying hours, last job for us retirees and significant awards like Babers two Gold Olympic Medals. The Secretary then told the cadets about the respect people had for the AF Academy and its graduates. It was now up to them to repair the damage and be sure the respect and admiration would continue. It was a good talk and well received. Then the CSAF gave what I thought was perhaps the best talk on leadership, honor and integrity that I have ever heard. I only hope the AOG will include it in the AOG home page. I intend to write to Jim Shaw and request that he do that. Gen. Jumper praised the cadets, made them feel good about themselves and told them the great things awaiting them when they graduated and joined the team. He referred many time to those of us sitting on the stage he shared. In all it was a superb presentation.

After the session we all adjourned to the ball room and spent about one and a half hours talking to cadets. They are still an impressive group of young men and women. They are not apologetic yet at the same time they were embarrassed by the actions of a few. They say they will fix it. This we will just have to wait and see.

I was proud to represent the Class of 1960 and to have been included with all those other outstanding grads. Now we have to get behind the new Academy leadership and do what we can to help.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to call or send a e-mail.

TONY***

From: George Lester

Subject: This Side of Over There - from George Lester

Date: April 21, 2003

Hi, Charlie - I had a nice visit with Lew Price yesterday (Apr 17, 2003). He told me about the web site. Perhaps you would like to post this poem, written by Karen Young and Jim Woods. If you publish my email address, please use georgetlester@hotmail.com. That's my primary.

George Hines and Dick Ames have died. I always thought that, somehow, I'd see them again. Such shock. It can't be. The pain and grief that I feel at each death is not only because a classmate has died, but also because I will never see him again. As each one goes, those who are left become more precious.

The ALPA union's magazine publishes an obituary every month. I always scan them to see who has passed on - from both Pan Am and United. I see more and more names of men that I flew with and knew well. Most of those whose names I read were much older than I. With you it's different. We are still young. We should all be able to see each other at each reunion. And I think that "someday" I will see each of you again. George and Dick have died. Sam and others have died. I will never see them again. As I say those words, I still can't believe it.

ALPA always publishes a famous anonymous quote at the head of the obituaries each month:

     "To fly west, my friend, is a trip we all must take - for a final check."

Thanks, Charlie - I hope I can see you, and everyone, again - "soon."

- George

From: Lew Price

Subject: Bios

Date: April 21, 2003

Hi Ace,

Per your request, I sent a letter to George regarding bios. He was on vacation when the letter arrived. He called since and mentioned the following.

1. He is still quite interested in the bios. In fact, if we give him our bios at the next reunion, he will read them all before he leaves. If one of us bothers him, he will tell that person to go away because he (George) is reading that person's bio.

2. Several bios have been submitted and George says they are great. However, he did have a complaint about Tony Burschnick's which is extremely short. We need to bother Tony about this until he gives us more. Tony, consider this my personal request for more information.

3. George's new e-mail address is georgetlester@hotmail.com I haven't tested it yet. His postal address is in the book we get (whatever the name - this senility is such an inconvenience).

4. Apparently, bios are being sent in everything from notebooks (binders with papers with holes punched in them), to CDs. Looks like some will be three volumes long. This is great - just more interesting reading.

5. George should be placing something on the class website (I think). So far, Dick Sexton has agreed to help and Jock Schwank has some of the bios for the Academy Library archives. George still would like a way to be sure he and others of us are afforded the chance to read them. Maybe electronic mail, CD's via postal mail, and similar means would be appropriate. The cost of reproducing them all on paper in sufficient volume to give to the whole class is stupendous. Anyone have any suggestions?

6. The bios are important for posterity (whoever that is).

Lew

From: Roger Lent

Subject: Old MATS..er..MAC guys will smile

Date: April 21, 2003

Explanation for the attached pic is below. Thankfully we're all retired, so they can't blame this one on '60.

Subject: Where Should I park This Thing?

NORFOLK -- One of the military's largest transports was stuck on a runway atop the I-564 overpass for more than 16 hours today, unable to turn around at the west end of Chambers Field at the Norfolk Naval Station. The incident, starting about 1 a.m., forced the closing of the field for most of the day to all but helicopter traffic and made for a dramatic sight to hundreds of motorists passing beneath it during the morning rush hour.

"That thing's like a big building sitting there,' said some motorists. The aircraft's nose was so far over the end of the ramp, the crew was unable to see the runway where it was supposed to turn around. The pilot stopped the aircraft and prevented it from running off the ramp. They also stated that it was too tight of a turn to turn the aircraft around. The Air Force C-5 Galaxy, largest airplane in the free world, is almost as long as a football field and as high as a six-story building. At 420 tons with a full load, it uses a system of 28 wheels to distribute its weight. The aircraft spent most of the day waiting for a specially made tow bar to be trucked to the base from Dover, Del. The tow bar arrived about noon and was used to hook the C-5 to a tractor so the aircraft could be turned around. The plane was moved off the runway by 4:30 p.m., No one was hurt, and the plane was not damaged.

From: Tony Burschnick

Subject: USAFA

Date: Mar 27, 2003

DC '60 ET.AL.

JUST IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT READ THE NY TIMES THIS MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS THE SOLUTION THE CONGRESS AND THE SECRETARY HAVE COME UP WITH.

TONY***

New York Times
March 26, 2003

4 Top Officers At Air Force Academy Are Replaced

By Diana Jean Schemo

WASHINGTON, March 25 - The Air Force is replacing the four top officers in charge of its academy in Colorado Springs, officials announced today, after a scandal in which dozens of women attending the academy said they were raped and accused the institution of systematically punishing victims who came forward.

Those who are to leave are the Air Force Academy's superintendent, Gen. John R. Dallager, and its second-in-command, Brig. Gen. S. Taco Gilbert III, along with the vice commandant, Col. Robert D. Eskridge, and the commander of cadet training, Col. Laurie S. Slavec.

Air Force officials also ordered an array of steps intended to change the culture of the academy, which many women who are cadets said was deeply hostile to them.

The dismissals were initially revealed by Air Force Secretary James G. Roche and the Air Force chief of staff, Gen. John P. Jumper, in a closed-door session of the Senate Armed Services Committee at midday. By late this afternoon, as word of the dismissals and the names of senior officers who would replace them leaked out, the Air Force moved up the formal announcement of the changes, which had been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

The decision to remove the academy's top officers so publicly surprised even critics of the Air Force, who have been watching as accusations accumulated that the academy failed to protect women from sexual assault and instead investigated the victims for wrongdoing. Three military investigations of the academy are being held, and the response to the women who said they were raped is to come under public scrutiny in Congressional hearings.

Maj. Gen. John W. Rosa Jr., who is serving as the deputy director of current operations on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is to become the new superintendent, subject to Senate confirmation, Air Force officials said.

They named Brig. Gen.-select Johnny A. Weida, a 1978 graduate of the academy, to become the new commandant of cadets and acting superintendent. Col. Debra A. Gray, now serving with the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon and a graduate of the first Air Force Academy class to admit women, is to take over as vice commandant of cadets. Col. Clada A. Monteith, who is serving as deputy director for security forces at the American air base in Ramstein, Germany, is to become commander in charge of training of cadets.

Last weekend, Senator John W. Warner, Republican of Virginia and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senator Wayne Allard, Republican of Colorado, also a member of the committee, demanded that the academy's leaders be removed. Senator Allard's office has received complaints from 39 women who said they were raped while at the academy.

The announcement today represents a big turnaround by Air Force officials, who had maintained that the problems at the academy were systemic and not the fault of the leadership there.

General Dallager, the top official at the academy, will be permitted to stay in the Air Force until his retirement in June but will leave the academy, officials said. His responsibilities will be handed over to General Weida, who will serve as commandant of cadets and acting superintendent until General Rosa is confirmed by the Senate, Congressional sources said.

General Gilbert is to be reassigned to the Pentagon, where he will be named a special assistant to the Air Force's deputy undersecretary for international affairs.

With the academy's credibility and authority eroding, the El Paso County district attorney's office, which had ceded jurisdiction to the academy in an agreement, announced last weekend that it would break precedent to investigate one cadet's complaint of sexual assault.

The Air Force also revealed changes in practices and policies today, saying it was seeking to change a culture that appeared to accept violence against women and placed a higher premium on protecting friends than on upholding decency.

"We will not tolerate criminals, nor will we tolerate their behavior," the statement said. "We will not tolerate any individual who shuns alleged victims of criminal activity, nor will we tolerate retribution against these victims."

Officials told senators at the closed briefing today that the academy would offer a "blanket amnesty" to encourage women who have been the victims of sexual assault to come forward without fear of punishment. The only people who would be excluded from the amnesty would be sexual assailants, senior cadets who may have witnessed sexual assaults but did nothing and cadets who may have obstructed investigations.

The Air Force also promised to remove immediately the tall metal letters on a wall on the academy grounds, saying "Bring Me Men." The sign has become a symbol of what critics say is the academy's lack of regard for cadet women. Officials promised that the phrase would be replaced by a sign that "more suitably represents the aspirations of the entire cadet wing and the core values of the Air Force."

Air Force officials backed away from proposals they had announced earlier to segregate women in the dormitories, saying they would instead cluster them closer to the women's washrooms in a way that did not compromise squadron cohesion. The women had expressed dismay at the proposal, saying it would isolate them from their units.

Representative Tom Tancredo, Republican of Colorado, who had also called for the removal of the academy's leadership, said he welcomed the changes, but had hoped that General Gilbert would not be reassigned but forced to retire.

"If in fact he's the problem, as both he and Dallager are, you aren't solving anything by putting him in another place," Representative Tancredo said. "Retirement would also be a testament of how serious the Air Force is about dealing with this issue."

Perhaps because the promises of change came only after intense pressure, some women cadets said they were unconvinced, because the disdain for women ran deeper than any specific policies or people.

"It's the entire place," said Andrea Prasse, a cadet who said she became a target of General Gilbert, after accusing a fellow cadet of sexual harassment. `It's the entire belief system, that women are inferior, and that's not so easy to change.`

From: Gerard de la Cruz

Subject: Andi's Picture

Date: Mar 27, 2003

Ace,

Here's Andi's picture.

Our Washington area '60 group is having another luncheon on 1 Apr. I'll have lots to tell them about our mini-ski week.

Jerry de la Cruz

From: Frank Gorham

Subject: Some mini-reunion pics

Date: Mar 26, 2003

What a wonderful afternoon/evening! And EVERYBODY made it. Thanks Jon and Linda for the long drive. Chuck and Weese for getting there on time. Aaron for sacrificing some baseball fever. Ed for sparking the whole thing by coming over from Pensacola. Bill for bringing the ENTIRE crew. Tony/Loma and Don/daughter for tying the shortest distance traveled record. And of course my lovely driver, Faye.

The important news from the event is that a vote was held by all assembled and the event's name was offcially upgraded from Practice Mini-Reunion, to Mini-Reunion. This resolution introduced by the current Honorable High Mayor of Ilwaco after several rounds of the home-brewed honey/wheat Irish Pub Ale. It seems that anything over 5 potential votes brings out the politician in Ed!

Looking forward to next year's real official 1960 mini !

The attached pics were taken at high resolution for better options in reproduction. Therefore only two group photos are included. The group pic including wives and daughters needs some editing as our volunteer photog apparently obscured at least a part of the flash - it will follow.

Cheers, Frank

From: Jim Thomasson

Subject: New email address

Date: Mar 25, 2003

Charlie, please change my eMail address on the Class of 60 web-site to Thomassonj@bellsouth.net.

Best Regards,
Jim T.

From: Frank Gorham

To: Ed Leonard
Ace Holman
Donald Stevens
Aaron Thrush
Tony Jones
Jon McClure

Bill Gillis

Subject: Practice Mini Reunion

Date: Mar 24, 2003

This will be your first, and perhaps only, reminder for Tuesday afternoon's "practice" mini-reunion since Ed is convinced we could never get it right the first time without practice. Bill Gillis called to say he is bringing his wife and ALL of their kids - some kind of logistics problem!!

Looking forward to seeing all of you in Destin for the afternoon and evening!

Meanwhile we are getting the plane ready for static display for this weekend's Open House at Tyndall. If you are there make sure to look for me or my son, Kevin with the plane, (attached)

OK here tis.

Ed, Ace, Don, Tony, Bill, Frank, Jon?, and Aaron?

- will officially mutually convene the 2003/1960 practice mini-mini reunion at McGuire's Irish Pub at the Destin Pass Bridge, Destin, Florida at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 25th. Wives invited unless somebody is in the midst of an affair, a nasty divorce, or needs a baby sitter (Bill Gillis has a 7 and a 10 year old, not to mention his 9 year old grandson).

I don't have Bill or Jon's e-mail addresses so somebody enlighten me please.

Bill will be riding with Faye and me from PC. Aaron has a date with Spring Training in Sarasota and may not get cut in time to get back. Ed is on his own from Pensacola NAS and happy to be out of the grips of their docs for the afternoon/evening. Ace and Weese coming from Mobile. Jon McClure from Valdosta - maybe. Tony Jones from the Ft Walton/Eglin vicinity. Don will be fighting his way for 8 miles West along Hwy 98 thru Destin.

I'm thinking we make it a stand up, walk around, hospitality suite, snack tray kind of a gathering if McGuire's can loan us a corner or room. Dinner to follow at cheap talk promoting venue to be determined. Ed needs to return to Pensacola that evening after dinner. Any better ideas, let me know.

If my PC goes down, and so do you, you can call me at (850) 747-0514.

Cheers, Frank

FOLLOW UP EMAIL FROM ED LEONARD:

"Interesting bird, Frank. Where do you hang the bombs 'n' stuff?

Ed"

From: Lew Price

Subject: Bios

Date: Mar 17, 2003

Hi Ace,

Is George Lester still interested in accumulating biographies? I seem to have lost his phone number and never knew his email address. Do you have either.

Before he made his request for bio's, I had already done a part of one for my kids (about 5 years worth). The way things are going I don't know if I will have time to do the rest or not, but George may want this part regardless.

Hope you are both well. We are fine but never seem to have enough time.

Lew

LEW,

I REMEMBER GEORGE LESTER'S CALL FOR BIOS. AND I THOUGHT SURE I HAD POSTED HIS REQUEST ON ONE OF THE SHARED MESSAGES PAGES. BUT I WENT THROUGH ALL OF THEM AND COULDN'T FIND. IF YOU TRACK HIM DOWN (MAYBE THROUGH AOG EMAIL), LET ME KNOW SO I CAN UPDATE THE ROSTER.

THANKS, ACE

From: Robert Badger

Subject: Change of address

Date: Mar 14, 2003

Hi Ace:

Are you still changing info on the class page, or is that being done through the Academy home page? If you are still inputing the information, here are some changes:
Email goes to a new ISP - ldcreb@adelphia.net
address - 945 Browntown Road
Bentonville, VA 22610-1844
540-631-0855

We are having a DC Class of '60 luncheon on 1 April for Founders' Day (to be held at the Ft. Meyer Officers Club) and there will undoubtedly be a good bit of discussion on the recent sex abuse issues. Apparently, Tony Burshnick has just spoken to Jumper and Roche, so, hopefully, he will have a lot more information for us then.

Best regards. NULLI SECUNDUS. Bob Badger

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: USAFA/Wyoming tonight on ESPN

Date: Feb 17, 2003

It was a bit lonely watching the Falcons shoot the lights out against CSU on Saturday afternoon, but very enjoyable. You can watch them take on the Wyoming Cowboys tonight at 11:00 p.m. CST on ESPN. While I sincerely doubt that they will make over 71% of their field goal attempts or 79% of their free throws again as they did against CSU, the Falcons should have a good shot at defeating Wyoming. Check out the stats from Saturday's CSU game:

CSU Stats:
FG 1stH: 10-20 50.0% 2ndH: 19-29 65.5% OT: 0-0 00.0%
Game: 59.2% Deadbl
3pt-FG 1stH: 3-8 37.5% 2ndH: 7-10 70.0% OT: 0-0 00.0%
Game: 55.6% Rebs
FThrow 1stH: 5-7 71.4% 2ndH: 2-3 66.7% OT: 0-0 00.0%
Game: 70.0% 1

---------------------------------------------------

HOME TEAM: Air Force 11-10, 2-6 MWC
TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS
No. N A M E FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
10 KUHLE, A.J. f 4-6 1-2 1-2 0 1 1 2 10 4 3 0 2 37
33 GERLACH, Joel f 0-0 0-0 2-2 0 0 0 4 2 0 1 1 2 15
32 BELLAIRS, Tom c 1-2 0-1 4-4 0 2 2 4 6 3 0 0 0 21
11 KELLER, Tim g 8-10 3-4 7-8 0 2 2 0 26 2 4 0 3 40
15 HOOD, Antoine g 8-11 3-4 11-14 0 4 4 2 30 0 0 0 1 37
35 HOLUM, Marc 1-1 0-0 0-2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 8
40 PETERSON, David 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 18
45 WELCH, Nick 1-2 0-1 2-2 0 1 1 1 4 4 3 0 2 24
TEAM ........................................ 0 0 0 2
TOTALS 23-32 7-12 27-34 0 11 11 15 80 13 15 1 13 200

TOT-FG 1stH: 13-15 86.7% 2ndH: 10-17 58.8% OT: 0-0 00.0%
Game: 71.9% Deadbl
3pt-FG 1stH: 1-3 33.3% 2ndH: 6-9 66.7% OT: 0-0 00.0%
Game: 58.3% Rebs
FThrow 1stH: 9-12 75.0% 2ndH: 18-22 81.8% OT: 0-0 00.0%
Game: 79.4% 3
=================================================

The following story excerpt is from Sunday's Denver Post:
Sunday, February 16, 2003 - AIR FORCE ACADEMY - Soon after the Air Force men's basketball team shattered a bevy of school records Saturday in an 80-75 dismantling of Colorado State, the Falcons started talking about one of the biggest home games in school history.

Wyoming comes to Clune Arena for a 10 p.m. Monday game televised by ESPN.The Falcons tuned up when guards Tim Keller and Antoine Hood led a school-record 86.7 percent first-half shooting effort and a school-conference game record 71.9 percent overall against CSU. Air Force broke the CSU opponent shooting percentage record set by BYU in 1979.In a Mountain West Conference contest that involved little effective defense, CSU put up numbers that would ordinarily produce a win - 59.2 percent shooting for the game, including 10-of-18 from 3-point range. But with Air Force in front or tied from the time Keller took the opening tipoff for a layup three seconds into the game, CSU's 3-point revival wasn't nearly good enough. "This really sets the tone for the biggest game of the year," said Hood, a 6-foot-4 freshman from Sugar Land, Texas, who scored 30 points in his second start. "You couldn't ask for a better stage for our program than to come out on national TV on Monday and defend our home court. "This is just a start. This is the tone we're trying to set here. "Considering the Falcons have been held to fewer than 50 points in four MWC games, shooting so well was a significant statement. It was textbook execution of the Falcons' Princeton offense. AFA coach Joe Scott had joked that a recent Sports Illustrated article about the offense couldn't jinx the Falcons because they had played so poorly during a three- game losing streak. They couldn't have played any better this time. "Playing Colorado State helps us get ready for Wyoming because they both have so much talent and size," Scott said. Hood, the AFA Prep School's leading scorer last season, made a start because senior point guard Vernard Jenkins sprained an ankle Friday in practice. Scott had vowed to shake up the lineup and planned to bench senior center Tom Bellairs, a Mullen graduate. But Scott didn't want both seniors out of the starting lineup. So Bellairs kept his job and contributed heavily to the offensive flow. Hood and Keller combined to go 16-of-21 from the field. Hood didn't miss in the first half. The Falcons (11-10, 2-6 MWC) would have gone the whole first half with just one miss by Keller if not for A.J. Kuhle drawing a blank with a shot at the intermission buzzer. CSU (14-9, 3-5) suffered its fourth consecutive loss.

From: Ralph Lalime

Subject: Reply to Head Count for MiniSki

Date: Feb 6, 2003

Andi, thanks for the good work. I can't make those dates this year. Maybe next year.

Ralph

From: Charles Holman

Subject: Reply to Head Count for MiniSki

Date: Feb 6, 2003

Andi,

Weese and I will arrive 2/28 and depart 3/5. Since I missed last year, you and Pappy will have a challenge giving instruction that gets me back on the black. Maybe I'll just cruise the greens for the first 3 days.

Ace

From: Jerry de la Cruz

Subject: Reply to Head Count for MiniSki

Date: Feb 6, 2003

I'm older, slower, and more wobbly than ever, but I'll be there. Will arrive on 2 Mar and depart on the 8th. My son, Greg, will also be there. We'll stay together, but I don't have his dates yet. I'm looking forward to the great skiing, story-telling, diet-busting eating, maybe a beer or two, and seeing everyone again. I'm hoping for an even larger group this year.

See you then, and thank you, Andi.

Jerry de la Cruz

From: Andi Biancur

Subject: Head Count for MiniSki

Date: Feb 5, 2003

Guys,

This is just a reminder and a shot at a head count. If you get this please just send a reply to let me know if you are coming to Utah or not. And if you are coming what days you are arriving and departing.

Thanks,

Andi

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: Schlegel leaving USAFA

Date: Jan. 27, 2003

Given the softer schedule that the Football Falcon's have next fall, some of us may have had visions of a 10-1 season or so. Anything is possible, but losing Anthony Schlegel will not help. The assumption would seem to be that perhaps Mr. Schlegel may be having some visions of his own, such as playing in the NFL after a tidy signing bonus when he finishes his collegiate career. I would be the last to criticize him. His talents would seem to make him a likely candidate for a big payday if he plays another year or more at a high profile Division I program before turning pro. Let us hope that his decision will be an isolated one rather than the first of several. The story off the USAFA website follows:

Air Force's Schlegel to Transfer from Academy

Sophomore Football Standout Leaves School Jan. 22, 2003

Air Force sophomore football standout Anthony Schlegel is transferring from the Academy for personal reasons. The Highland Park, Texas, product has begun the out-processing paperwork and will be leaving the Academy this week. Schlegel is unsure about where he'll transfer to at this time. "The Academy and a career in the military is not for everyone," Schlegel said. "It just comes down to doing what is my best interests. I realized that a career in the military is not what I want right now. It's tough to leave the Academy because of my brothers (teammates) and the coaches, but this is what is best for me right now." Schlegel became the first Air Force sophomore to earn first-team all-conference honors this season. He finished third in the conference in tackles with 118, including a game-high 12 in the Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl where he earned defensive player of the game honors. Schlegel earned Mountain West Conference defensive player of the week honors earlier this season with a game-high 17 tackles at Utah. He later recorded a career-high 19 tackles against Notre Dame which is the most by a Falcon since 1997. He started the final six games of last season as a freshman and earned The Sporting News third-team freshman All-American honors. "I hate to see Anthony leave," said Air Force head coach Fisher DeBerry. "This is a big blow to our football team. He possesses a tremendous passion for the game and we're very proud of what he accomplished while he was a part of Falcon football. We have some very, very outstanding players waiting for the opportunity to step in his place. His brothers (teammates) and the coaching staff wish him well."

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: 2003 Falcon Football Schedule

I promise that this is the last message, gang. It's way past my bedtime. Just thought you may not have seen the football schedule for next fall. It follows with kudos to the Rocky Mountain News:

AFA in 2003 - January 2, 2003

A look at Air Force's schedule for next season.

Dates and times to be determined.

(*Mountain West Conference games.):

• HOME Army

North Texas

Wofford

*Nevada-Las Vegas

*Utah

*Wyoming

● AWAY Navy

Northwestern

*Brigham Young

*Colorado State

*New Mexico

*San Diego State

Date Opponent Result

Aug. 31 Northwestern W, 52-3

Sept. 7 New Mexico W, 38-31*

Sept. 21 at California W, 23-21

Sept. 28 at Utah W, 30-26

Oct. 5 Navy W, 48-7

Oct. 12 Brigham Young W, 52-9

Oct. 19 Notre Dame L, 21-14

Oct. 26 at Wyoming L, 34-26

Oct. 31 Colorado State L, 31-12

Nov. 9 at Army W, 49-30

Nov. 16 at Nev.-Las Vegas W, 49-32

Nov. 23 San Diego State L, 38-34

Dec. 31 **Virginia Tech L, 20-13

* Overtime.

** San Francisco Bowl.

From: From: Bill Goodyear

Subject: Email address

Date: Jan. 20, 2003

Ace,

My e-mail address is billgoodyear@att.net. Not what is listed on our class of 60 web page. None of the other data listed there is correct. It should all be deleted. What else would you like to know? Thanks for your good service.

Bill Goodyear
(703) 516-9710

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: Rough Start In MWC For Falcon BB'ers

Date: Jan. 21, 2003

Trying to keep this relatively short, let's recognize that an 0-3 start could be worse. Obviously, it could have been much better. The 0-3 start could have been worse in that the Falcons lost tonight to Wyoming 46-44 at Wyoming. Two days ago, they lost to CSU 51-49 at Ft. Collins. Both games were winnable, but close doesn't count. Their third MWC defeat was to San Diego State by 63-48 at USAFA on January 11. The Falcons are being beaten on rebounds in every game so far. SDSU had a 29-13 rebound advantage; CSU had 34-23. No complete box score on the Wyoming game yet, but I'm sure the Cowboys easily outrebounded the Falcons. Of more concern are the stats on Falcon 3 point FG's so far against MWC opponents. Against SDSU, they were only 7 of 26. Against CSU, they were 8 of 24. Against Wyoming tonight, they were 5 of 15. When you know you are likely to be beaten on the boards every game and you live and die by back door layups and 3 pointers, you have to make almost all the layups and be able to make close to 40% of the 3 pointers. It is certain that 33% or less on the 3 pointers normally is not going to get the victory. It is an improvement to be beaten by a couple of points as opposed to be crushed by 5-15 or more, but this Falcon team should be doing better than they are so far.

The next game is with UNLV at USAFA next Saturday on 1/25. If they hit closer to 40% on their 3 pointers, the Falcons can get their first conference victory so long as they can continue their tough defense and deliberate tempo. After the UNLV game, the Falcons go on the road to Utah on 2/1, BYU on 2/3 and New Mexico on 2/8 to finish their first swing through the league. Following the road games, the next contest is at USAFA versus CSU on Saturday, 2/15. This game will be broadcast at 2:00 p.m. CST and for those interested, Angler's on the Island will have the game available for viewing via ESPN Plus. The next game will be with Wyoming the following Monday, 2/17, (also at USAFA) and will be on ESPN which you can catch at home at the delightful hour of 11:00 p.m. CST. Both games are opportunities for revenge for the 2 point losses to CSU and Wyoming in the past few days.

The bottom line to the above is that all hope is not lost, but this Falcon basketball team still needs to learn how to win close games. There is plenty of hope for progress and success, but this team is still a work in progress.

From: From: Conita J. Lyle

Subject: James W. Anderson, III

Date: Jan. 16, 2003

Roster said, he passed away June 3, 1973. Do you have any information on his family, or where he was buried? Thanks. cjl777@mindspring.com

From: From: Hector Negroni

Subject: Nulli Secundus

Date: Jan. 15, 2003

Dear friends in the Class of 1960:

Once in a while I navigate through the different Class Web sites and I rejoice in learning new things. For example, the 16Sep02 e-mail from Chaley Liggett points out that the British built a semi-rigid airship in the 1900's and named it Nulli Secundus. As I looked at the accompanying photo of the airship I could not overlook the uncanny resemblance it has with the suppositories that I use to bring relief to my many hours of pulling g's. If you want, I will send you a photo of the suppository or I can send you a slightly used one. Everytime I insert one, I will think of all my friends in the Class of 1960. Let me tell you that these suppositories are also "Second to None." As Charley clearly pointed out "...this is only the tip of the iceberg but it's all I have time for now. Perhaps it will spark an interest in one of you to venture back in time and explore the wonders of it all."

Very Respectfully,

Hector Negroni

Class of 1961

From: Charlie Liggett Charles.Liggett@lmco.com

Date: Monday, Sep 16, 2002

Subject: Nulli Secundus

A few months ago I was reading an article in the Air and Space Magazine that mentioned the British had built an airship in the early 1900's and named it 'Nulli Secundus'. I thought that was an interesting bit of information and wondered about the origin of our class motto; who was involved in the naming and what events in the history of aviation were considered - if any. It was one of those things that makes you more curious as you consider the many possibilities. I was going to clip the article and forward it as a bit of trivia but didn't get around to it and then when I looked for the magazine I couldn't find it. So what to do? Simple - log onto the web and use Google to locate the article.

Well, I didn't find that particular article but I did find quite a bit of information (trivia if you will) about the first use of the words 'Nulli Secundus' that relate to aviation. If the facts are correct 'Nulli Secundus' was the name given to a semi-rigid airship constructed at the Farnborough balloon factory by Colonel Capper, R.E. and S. F. Cody (yes that's right Buffalo Bill himself). The motive power was a 50 hp Antoninette engine driving two metal bladed propellers. September 1907 was the first flight followed by a flight in October 1907 that set a world 's record by staying airborne for 3 hours and 25 minutes. It was flown over London and landed at the Crystal Palace. Unfortunately the airship was covered with 15 thicknesses of goldbeaters' skin (don't ask - I don't know) that is an absorbent material. It was caught in a rain shower that proved to be its undoing. A second airship 'Nulli Secundus II' which was 42 feet in diameter, versus the 25 foot diameter of 'Nulli Secundus' was constructed, this time with fabric covering the goldbeaters' skin. Unfortunately it logged only one flight before it broke from its mooring lines and was wrecked.

This is only the tip of the iceberg but it's all I have time for now. Perhaps it will spark an interest in one of you to venture back in time and explore the wonders of it all.

From: From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: Football Wrap-up & Basketball Optimism

Date: Jan. 6, 2003

It was close but no cigarillo at San Francisco on New Year's Eve for the Falcons. You have to admire Chance Harridge's heart and determination even if he did complete only 4 of 19 passing attempts while throwing 2 interceptions. Without him and a lot of other hard charging players, the Falcons would have likely finished 6th in the MWC as predicted by the Sporting News in the preseason. Others saw them finishing last. Ironically, both SDSU and Wyoming were predicted to finish lower than the Falcons preseason, and both defeated USAFA along with CSU which caused the Falcons to finish 4-3 and third in the MWC. With only 10 or so seniors that had any playing time graduating, it is safe to say that the Falcons will be seen as more deserving of respect in the fall of 2003 when Mr. Harridge returns for his second full season at QB along with many other talented returnees. If anyone has any surefire techniques as to how to improve a QB's passing consistency, address your ideas to Fisher DeBerry. I'm sure he will be appreciative.

Speaking of respect, the Falcon Basketball Team has been working hard and successfully to gain a greater amount of respect from all concerned. Going into today's game against Navy (4-8 entering today's game) that is to start in less than 30 minutes, the Falcons are ranked #1 in the nation as to 3-point FG percentage (46.4%, 122 of 263), #2 in the nation for FGs made per game (11.1) and #4 in the nation as regards defensive points allowed (55.5 ppg). Those rankings are #1, #2 and #4 out of 327 Division I basketball programs this year. Not bad at all. Of course, they will still struggle somewhat to finish at .500 in the MWC this season, but that is because the MWC is much improved overall as well. Utah at 9-3 upset then #1 ranked (by the AP) Alabama 51-49 at Utah on 12/30. Sagarin in USA Today ranked Utah as #39 nationally. He has BYU (10-2) at #15, Wyoming (9-2) at #53, UNLV (9-2) at #60, CSU (9-3) at #96, USAFA (7-4) at #127, SDSU (7-3) at #132, and New Mexico (4-6) at #271. As points of reference, Sagarine ranks Duke (8-0, weaker early season schedule) at #9 and UCLA (3-5, just plain weak early in season) at #205. The Falcons (7-4, #127) play Navy today (4-8, #246), Savannah State (0-8, # 327 yes, dead last in nation) on Monday, and SDSU (7-3, #132) next Saturday in their first MWC game. All three of these games are at home and should allow the Falcons to continue on with the rest of their MWC schedule in Jan-Mar with momentum and a starting 10-4 record.

When the Falcons are hitting their 3 pointers and keeping their turnovers to a minimum, they will give MWC opponents all they can handle this season. Look for them to win at least 5 of 14 conference games and perhaps even go 7-7. Remember, they will be on ESPN in February and on ESPN Plus and Sports West that Anglers can receive via satellite in February and March as well. Their disciplined Princeton offense and 3 point shooting along with a sticky defense will make them a fun, scrappy team to watch. We'll update you on times and opponents for the televised games later this month. If you want more detail about the team and their exploits check out their website at:

http://airforcesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-baskbl/afa-m-baskbl-body.html

I just checked the Gametracker on the USAFA/Navy game and the Falcons are leading 28-18 at the half. There were no stats on 3 pointers, etc. Keller was the leading scorer at the half with 7 points.

GO FALCONS!

Aaron

From: From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: Football and Basketball

Date: Dec. 30, 2002

Mea Culpa! An odd thing happened regarding that USAFA/Boston College game I predicted 3 weeks ago at the San Francisco Bowl. Notre Dame was invited to the Gator Bowl which knocked West Virginia down to the new bowl in Charlotte, NC; and Virginia Tech ended up playing the Falcons on New Year's Eve. If you want to watch Boston College, they are playing Toledo in an hour or so in the Motor City Bowl today. Enough of that. If you want your Virginia Tech info officially, you might want to check outwww.hokiesports.com and wander through the website. As most of you know, Virginia Tech is favored by 12 points over USAFA. They are a running team that uses the option at times, so they should have an easier time than many defending the Falcon option attack. CBS Sportsline rates the Virginia Tech strength of schedule (SOS) at 30 and the USAFA SOS at 92 as well as ranking Tech as 17th best of 117 Division I teams whereas USAFA is ranked as 52 of 117. All that helps to explain the 12 point underdog role for the Falcons. My guess would be that Coach DeBerry might try a few more passes while relying on the ball control offense that has been the Falcons' bread and butter when successful. Palmer is almost certain to try a pass or two from his halfback position when the time is right. If all goes well and no Air Force turnovers occur, the Falcons could eke out a close 34-31 win. If all doesn't go well......it could be a ver-r-r-ry long, cold night in San Francisco.

Now, about the USAFA basketball team that currently has a 5-3 record (all three losses were on the road) and is preparing to do battle with UAB (Alabama at Birmingham) at the tournament in El Paso, TX, tomorrow night at 10 p.m. CST. This is a team worthy of your attention as Coach Joe Scott tries to establish a niche for the Falcons with a disciplined, ball-hawking, sharpshooting approach that he learned at Princeton. He has had some success as the Falcons currently are averaging 11 three-pointers per game (2nd in the nation) and set a new school and conference record with 18 of them against Texas Pan American. UAB is currently boasting a record of 6-2 and ranked 132 out of 326 Division I basketball teams with an SOS of 265. That compares to the USAFA ranking of 207 with a strength of schedule of 301. Thus, UAB will be favored; but the Falcons can win if their three-pointers are dropping and if they can rebound reasonably well. Rebounding has been their biggest weakness. Texas El Paso (1-5, ranked 279 with an SOS of 139) and Columbia (1-7, ranked 306 with an SOS of 205) are the other 2 tournament teams. The consolation and championship games are to be played Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. CST respectively. This is a great chance for the Falcons to win a tournament and go into a 3 game homestand with lots of momentum. It is not a stretch to expect them to start the MWC schedule on January 18 at CSU with a 10-3 record!

GO FALCONS!

Aaron

From: Chris Hines

Subject: Request for Information

Date: Dec. 30, 2002

I am looking for information concerning my father, George Hines. If any classmates or friends that might share some experiences while at the academy, I would appreciate any information possible.

Thank You!

Chris Hines

From: Phil Meinhardt

Subject: Change of Data for usafa.net/1960

Date: Dec. 15, 2002

Dear Ace,

New address: 350 K St, #317, San Diego, CA 92101-6994

New email address: boomer34usaf@cox.net

New phone numbers: Home: 619-702-4183

Cell: 858-204-7109 FAX is unhooked for the present.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Phil

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: Bowl Game, Basketball, Lies and Videotape(?)

Date: Dec. 5, 2002

So, it is old news that the Falcons (8-4) will be playing in the inaugural Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl in California at 7:30 p.m.CST on New Year's Eve, Tuesday, 12/31. My assumption is that the Boston College Eagles (also 8-4) from the Big East will be the opposition. Boston College defeated Notre Dame 14-7 in South Bend just two games after Notre Dame beat the Falcons 21-14 in Colorado. You have to figure the Eagles will be at least 7 point favorites for the bowl game. We all know that Coach DeBerry loves the underdog role. He'll get some injured players back by then; so, I'll go out on a limb and predict a close victory for the Falcons in the area of 34-31 (obviously with no guarantees). The following is a Denver Post article about the bowl game:So, it is old news that the Falcons (8-4) will be playing in the inaugural Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl in California at 7:30 p.m.CST on New Year's Eve, Tuesday, 12/31. My assumption is that the Boston College Eagles (also 8-4) from the Big East will be the opposition. Boston College defeated Notre Dame 14-7 in South Bend just two games after Notre Dame beat the Falcons 21-14 in Colorado. You have to figure the Eagles will be at least 7 point favorites for the bowl game. We all know that Coach DeBerry loves the underdog role. He'll get some injured players back by then; so, I'll go out on a limb and predict a close victory for the Falcons in the area of 34-31 (obviously with no guarantees). The following is a Denver Post article about the bowl game:

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%7E87%7E1026352%7E,00.html

If you want to read about Boston College football, try the following official BC sports website:

http://bceagles.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/bc-m-footbl-body.html

Angler's has indicated an interest in having us on New Year's Eve. The game should be over by 10:30 p.m. CST or so, leaving time to celebrate the New Year at Angler's or wherever you would like. We'll get word out via another message similar to this when the opponent and plans are firmer after this next weekend. Feel free to send me directly (or better, use the group website) any ideas you may have about watching the game and/or any ideas about a New Year's Party after the game. I looked into attending the game and found airline tickets from NW Florida to be $700 (plus) roundtrip to San Francisco. Going to Atlanta could save a minimum of $400 since big city to big city has cheaper tickets; I didn't check New Orleans or elsewhere. Hotel/motel rooms might be as little as $70 if you have wheels and up to $200 and beyond if you get downtown and/or fancy. It's a bit rich for my taste to sit in Pac Bell next to the water at night on New Year's Eve and freeze my brass ones, but I've never heard anyone say that they couldn't have one heck of a time in San Fran even without trying hard.

On to basketball for those who may be interested. The Falcon BB team is much more competitive than it has been for several years. This is Coach Joe Scott's second year and my preseason BB magazine rates them 173 out of 327 Division I teams. Not exactly Duke/Indiana/UCLA/Maryland/UNC status, but a big improvement over recent years. Scott was a Princeton assistant for some seven years and brought the deliberate concept complete with tough defense, back door cuts and discipline with him. They are 2-2 currently and could develop into a very interesting team capable of causing chaos with some good Mountain West teams this year. They play Univ. of Texas-Pan American tonight (Thursday, 12/5) at 8:05 CST at USAFA. The Falcons should win, but it will be close. Check the following USAFA BB website and you can follow the game with "Gametracker" if you would like:

http://airforcesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-baskbl/sched/afa-m-baskbl-sched.html

Note on the schedule that 4 games are planned to be telecast this next February and March. The ESPN, ESPN Plus and Sports West games should be available at Angler's if we have several fans interested in watching. You might want to read about some of the BB games so far at the following site:

http://airforcesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-baskbl/afa-m-baskbl-body.html

I hope all the above has been of interest and informative. Keep 'em flying and check six,

Aaron

From: Aaron Thrush

Date: Nov. 20, 2002

Hello Gang,

The bad news is that the game this Saturday, 11/23, at 11:00 a.m. CST in Colorado Springs is the last game of the 2002 regular football season. The good news is that the Falcons' record going in is 8-3, they will be big favorites, they will be going to a bowl game (see story below) and the Falcons' basketball team has its first game that counts for the 2002 season on Saturday also (at 6:30 CST in Louisville Vs Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals, see more below). Angler's will have our blue tablecloths at the ready. We only had about 17 vocal fans last week for UNLV; let's come out and watch the Falcons whip the Aztecs again. For those too lazy or with too little time to check out the USAFA Sports Website at www.airforcesports.com here are some excerpts:

THE RECORDS: Air Force is 8-3 overall and 4-2 in the Mountain West Conference. San Diego State is 3-8 overall and 3-3 in the MWC.

TELEVISION: ESPN2 national. Jeff Hullinger (play-by-play), Todd Christensen (color) and Heather Cox (sidelines) will call the action. This game marks Air Force's fifth nationally televised game this season. The other four were Northwestern (ABC), BYU (ESPN2), Notre Dame (ESPN) and Colorado State (ESPN). The Falcons are 2-2 on national television this season. ...

LAST WEEK: Air Force defeated UNLV, 49-32, in Las Vegas, Nev., to snap a two-game MWC losing streak. Colorado State defeated San Diego State, 49-21, in San Diego. STREAKS: Air Force has a two-game winning streak overall. The Falcons have a one-game MWC winning streak. San Diego State has lost three straight overall and in the MWC. NEXT WEEK: Air Force is idle. San Diego State closes the regular season at Hawaii on Saturday, Dec. 7. THE SERIES: Air Force leads the series, 15-5, overall. The Falcons are 8-2 at home, 6-3 at San Diego State and 1-0 in neutral site games. AFA has won four straight and seven of the last nine games. THE LAST MEETING: Air Force defeated San Diego State, 45-21, in San Diego last season. The Falcons won the last game played in Falcon Stadium, 45-24, in 2000. THE COACHES: Air Force is coached by Fisher DeBerry (Wofford, 1960), who is in his 19th season. He has a 149-81-1 career record at the Academy. San Diego State is coached by Tom Craft (San Diego State, 1977), who is in his first year. This is also Craft's first-year as a Division I head coach. He has led the Aztecs to a 3-8 record. MORE ON THE AIR FORCE / SDSU SERIES: Air Force and San Diego State meet for the 21st time overall. All 20 previous meetings have been as conference foes. The Falcons hold a 15-5 overall series lead. AFA is 8-2 at home, 6-3 in San Diego and 1-0 in neutral site games. Air Force's longest winning streak in the series is seven games (1981-87), while the Aztecs have never won consecutive games. Air Force has won four straight and seven of the last nine in the series. AFA leads the series, 12-4, during the Fisher DeBerry era. Prior to the last two meetings, the last seven meetings had been decided by a touchdown or less, with the average margin of 3.4 points per game. The teams first played in 1980 in Falcon Stadium. The Aztecs won the game, 13-10. The following year the two teams played in Tokyo, Japan, in the Mirage Bowl. The Falcons won the game, 21-16, in front of 80,000 fans. A closer look at the series follows: LAST YEAR VS. SDSU: Air Force defeated San Diego State, 45-21, in San Diego to win its conference opener. ...

SDSU CONNECTION: Air Force junior safety Larry Duncan is a native of San Diego, Calif. Duncan is a 1999 graduate of Mira Mesa High School in San Diego where he lettered three years in football and two each in track and baseball. DEBERRY GOES FOR NO. 150: Air Force head coach Fisher DeBerry is going for career win No. 150 this week when San Diego State comes to town. DeBerry has a 149-81-1 career record in his 19th season as a head coach, all at the Academy. DeBerry is the winningest coach in service academy football history. His .648 winning percentage is the best in Air Force history and his 149 wins at Air Force is more than the other four head coaches in school history combined (134-151-12).

===================================================================

OK, enough of that. For those wanting a review of the USAFA victory over UNLV from the Denver Post, see:

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%7E87%7E996362,00.html

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%7E87%7E996365%7E,00.html

The following deal with C1C attitudes toward their last regular season game and Falcon Bowl possibilities:

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%7E87%7E997971%7E,00.html

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%7E87%7E996363%7E,00.html

Bowl possibilities can become confusing. If New Mexico were to defeat CSU this week and Wyoming next week they would be 7-5 overall and 6-1 in the MWC (same as CSU) and become the MWC Champion, thus going to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis to play TCU. CSU likely would be offered the Las Vegas Bowl on 12/25 Vs the Pac-10 #5 team. This could leave the Falcons a choice at San Francisco Vs the Big East #4 or 5 team on 12/31 or the Seattle Bowl Vs the ACC #6 team on 12/31. Personally, San Francisco Vs Boston College/West Virginia/Pittsburgh or Seattle Vs Georgia Tech/Clemson would both look better for USAFA as regards a victory and for recruiting purposes than going to Las Vegas and getting creamed by a Pac-10 team. I'm not too sure about attendance being good or the payouts being as good as Las Vegas.

On to Falcon Basketball. You can follow the game on the internet via Gametracker on the USAFA Website:

http://airforcesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111802aaa.html

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%7E87%7E998026%7E,00.html

Wow, lots of info and reading; but, you didn't have to read all of it. Angler's is interested in putting more Falcon gear on their wall and in doing something special for the Falcon bowl game whenever it may turn out to be. Anyone with extra gear to donate for the wall at Angler's or with ideas for the bowl game telecast, please let me know.

C'ya Saturday at 11,

Aaron

From: Aaron Thrush

Date: Nov. 9, 2002

Subject: AFA vs USMA

Feels good to have another win and the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy safely in the trophy case once again, doesn't it. Let's keep in mind the Falcons were forecast to be 6-6 or less in the preseason by most experts. They still have a chance at a 9-3 season, and UNLV will be a challenge in the game in Las Vegas this Saturday, 11/16 at 2:00 p.m. CST. The blue tablecloths will be in place at Angler's once again, so come if you can to watch a close contest. The Rebels beat BYU at Provo (24-3) and Wyoming at Las Vegas (49-48 in OT); so we know that they can play both offense and defense, even if they have been inconsistent this season.

You may want to check out some of the stories on USAFA and UNLV below:

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%7E87%7E983168%7E,00.html

From: Aaron Thrush

Date: 11/08/02

Subject: AFA vs USMA

It's time to wrap up the Commander-in-Chief's trophy by knocking off Army this Saturday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. CST. Come on out to Angler's and watch a hard-fought game with the Black Knights on the Hudson. They may be the only Division 1A team without a win this year, but they've had a week off to get healthy and try to find a way to pull off a huge upset. As Wyoming proved, upsets can occur. That having been said, the Falcons should win this game going away and be on their way to achieving a 9-3 record and an invitation to Las Vegas on December 25 against the Pac-10 #5 team. Of course, that assumes the Falcons beat UNLV at home on 11/16 and SDSU at San Diego on 11/23. Neither of those games will be easy.

The USAFA/UNLV is scheduled as an ESPN Regional game starting at 2:00 p.m. on 11/16; we'll be at Angler's for that game as well. No word on the SDSU game being televised on 11/23 at this point.

For your further info, be aware that the MWC #2 team goes to Las Vegas, the #3 team is scheduled for the San Francisco Bowl on 12/31 against the Big East #4 or 5 team, and the MWC #4 team is to go to the Seattle Bowl on 12/30 to play the ACC #6 team. It's much too early to put team ID's with those bowl opponent numbers, but I thought you might want to know the possibilities. As an aside, players from both CSU and BYU were quoted in preseason football magazines as being reluctant to go to Memphis as MWC champs to play the C-USA champs (TCU?) on 12/31 since it's been frigid there 3 of the last 4 years. BYU doesn't have to worry about Memphis (tsk, tsk, that's a dirty shame); and I doubt that CSU is so eager to avoid New Year's Eve in Memphis so badly that they will lose any of their games against SDSU, New Mexico and UNLV as they close out their season.

GO FALCONS, BEAT ARMY!