Messages of General Interest - PAGE 9

Bill Currier

Gone, But Not Forgotten

Dear Classmates

Charlotte and I and Tom and Carole Seebode attended Bill's funeral in Lexington, S.C. last Tuesday. He will be cremated and a memorial service will be held in Vermont the 7th of July. At his viewing a great deal of his memorabilia was displayed, to include photos of family-aircraft he flew and his flying jacket. Bill had a great number of friends at the airstrip where he lived, as well as the church he and Irma attended and another local church where he did volunteer work. He had a small kit acft (Ran-built in Kansas) and he crashed a similar plane belonging to a friend as they were doing taxi runs familiarizing the owner with the plane. Bill took off and flew only a few minutes when some sort of trouble caused the accident. I have no further particulars. I am glad we had the days together at the reunion, as I considered him a close friend.

Memorials to American Heart Fund or Lexington, SC, United Methodist Church building fund.

Fraternally,

Miles Kaspar

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

Dear Ace,

I must inform you of the death of William R. Currier, Class of 1960.

Bill died in a crash of his experimental aircraft in the vicinity of Gilbert, SC about noon on Thursday 23 June 2005. Details are unknown. Carole and I had just visited with them at our 45th USAFA Reunion.

I have talked with his wife Irma this Friday morning and have confirmed the report. Burial details are not yet complete.

Mrs. Irma Currier
384 Downwind Leg Road
Gilbert, SC 29054
(803) 657-6130

Godspeed,

Tom Seebode
seebodehome@sc.rr.com

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

Date: 6/23/2005

The following tragic news was communicated by "www.thestate.com", then search key word "Currier":

Posted on Fri, Jun. 24, 2005

METRO BRIEFS

Pilot dies in crash of homemade plane

AIKEN, SC

A Gilbert man died in a plane crash Thursday afternoon at Perry Airport in Aiken County. William Currier, 67, died when the homemade plane he was flying crashed at about noon near Perry Airport just outside of Wagener. Currier was the only person on board. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

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

We'll post details and arrangements when they become available.

Spoke to Irma Currier-plan right now-subject to change-viewing Mon. (6/27/05) Svce Tues. (6/28/05) This is not in stone as the family is getting together right now from various places. She sounded as well as could be expected, I guess. Will comm. more as facts are available. Miles

MILES KASPAR
makasparjr@earthlink.net

William Robert Currier

GILBERT--William Robert Currier, 67, left this earth on June 23, 2005. He was the son of the late Rev. Andrew B. and Leona Cameron Currier. He was a native of Proctor, Vermont, and graduated from Essex Junction High School. Bill attained the rank of Lt. Col. and was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard. He was a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, a member of the second graduating class in 1960. Bill also received a Master of Arts in Political Science...

Monday, June 27, 2005 (TheState.com)

From: Les Querry

Date: 6/20/2005 10:45 AM

Ace,

Thanks much for showing the CD at dinner. I really appreciate it. I'm looking forward to hearing from some "distant" classmates and sending them the CD. Too bad that the photos were somewhat limited to certain squadrons. I would like to have had a picture of every classmate.

Les

----- Original Message -----From: Charles Holman

To: 'LES QUERRY'

Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 2:21 PM

Subject: RE: Photo CD for the Class of '60

Les,

Thanks a bunch for the class CD. I brought my laptop and projector and played them while we ate Friday evening. I mixed in the 40th pictures that you and others contributed and a few of 45th that I took. Your CD was very, very well received. I looked around the room and marveled at our classmates rapt attention.

Good job.

Ace

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

From: LES QUERRY [mailto:lesquerry@starpower.net]

Sent: Friday, June 17, 2005 6:24 AM
To: Ace HOLMAN
Subject: Photo CD for the Class of '60

Hello Ace,

Would you please update my address data and post the following note on the Class website?

Les Querry

371 Seltenhorst Lane

Bluemont, VA 20135

540-554-2416

lesquerry@starpower.net

___________________________________________________

For the CLASS of 1960 --- a USAFA 1956-1959 PHOTO CD

Before entering the Academy, I worked in college as a semi-professional photographer and after entering the Academy didn't stop taking pictures. I accumulated over 800 photographs of cadet life and have always enjoyed sharing them with others. But I never thought that I would be able to share them with all of you. Digital photography now lets it happen. I have prepared a CD containing over 650 photographs of the 1956-1959 period at USAFA, mostly of the Class of '60, as well as a few photos from later years.

The photos can be viewed on most computers with a photo program that typically comes with any digital camera or with Windows itself (XP version). In XP use "Windows Media Player". (Should anyone have any problems viewing the photos or have any questions (or corrections), please let me know.)

Copies of the CD are currently being distributed to attendees at our 45th reunion but are also available for any classmate (or spouse or children of a deceased classmate) by mail by e-mailing a request (with current address) to lesquerry@starpower.net. The CD is available at no cost and there are no commercial attachments. This is a gift to the Class of 1960.

Les Querry '60

From: Pete King

Date: Wed 5/25/2005 10:45 AM

H.E. (Pete) King's Opinion of the Referendum

Below are my views on the controversy. I emailed them to Andi Biancur, Jim Glaza, and Rosie Cler, all of whom have the '60 class roster email capability. Andi and Jim have sent emails opposing the ARC. I requested that my views be sent to the class, but have seen nothing. If you can share my views with the class of '60, it would be appreciated.

Amendment 1: Changing the Bylaws.

The ARC proposed amendment seems perfectly logical to me. Who but the members should have the power to change the bylaws? The basic argument by the BOD is that this amendment "would unnecessarily hamstring the organization." How is that? Is the organization hamstrung now under the present bylaws? What unilateral changes will they ever need to make unless they are to serve a particular pet project?

Another argument is that too few members would participate in a vote, making changes impossible. This objection is overcome by the proposed amendment 3.

Amendment 2: Nominations to the Board.

I think the 1% requirement presently in the Member Nomination process is reasonable. The requirement for just 25 signatures as proposed in the amendment is not unreasonable either. I'm on the fence on this issue.

Amendment 3: Votes required to pass

If anyone is for Amendment 1, they had better be for this amendment or there will be real problems.

Amendment 4 : Member proposed changes to the bylaws.

This ARC proposed amendment also seems very logical to me. Why shouldn?t the members be able to propose changes? The AOG exists for the members.

Amendment 5: Minor changes

This, too, seems reasonable.

Footnote:

For the liife of me, I don't see why there is so much controversy and rancor from both sides of what I see as simple issues. The AOG belongs to the membership.

//s//H. E. (Pete) King

From: Florian Meinhardt

Date: Wed 5/4/2005 10:45 AM

Dear Chuck,

New address:

500 W. Harbor Dr, #124
San Diego, CA 92101-7719

New Telephone Numbers:

(619) 696-5059, home
(619) 871-6250, cell

Please update on your class of '60 webpage. Looking forward to seeing you at the reunion!

Cheers, Phil

From: Jim Glaza

Date: Wed 5/4/2005 10:45 AM

Dear Classmates,

This is the first time I have e-mailed the class, simply because it is too important to ignore. I'm weighing in on the AOG issue with Andi, Jock, Wayne, Harry Pearce, et. al. Unlike them, however, I choose to cut to the chase.

POINT 1: The goal of the ARC, while couched in positive platitudes, is really very simple. They want to impose their unstated (but verbally discernible) agenda on the grads: the AOG should be an organization of confrontation! The ARC is convinced that confrontation will somehow result in modifying Academy administration and cadet behavior. In fact, confrontation will do nothing more than alienate the AOG from the very people truly able to affect the Academy and severely marginalize the limited effectiveness the AOG has developed through supportive cooperation.

POINT 2: A "popularly" elected Board, says the ARC, is the only way to go. I, too, served on the Board for several years. As you might expect, 30% of the "popularly elected" members did 100% of the work. Most members, if they attended meetings at all, were there on an ego trip. The current "shaped" board, on the other hand, can select skills, availability, and, yes, even contribution capability in the selection process. 100% "popular elections" will surely weaken the board and diminish the AOG's influence.

I have learned that at least 55 of you have initially supported the ARC. I will assume it was strictly because you had heard only one (skewed) side of the story. By now you should know both, resulting in rejection of the ARC's agenda. VOTE! (See you at the 45th!)

Jim

From: Aaron Thrush

Date: Fri 4/29/2005 1:34 AM

Subject: Rocky Mountain News Article

I'm forwarding an article that appeared in the April 27 edition of the Rocky Mountain News for your information to read and compare with Harry Pearce's letter that we all received in the past couple of days. Both sides have some valid points, and I'm sure that we will hear even more in the next six weeks from other sources as well. What-ever your decision as to which side convinces you of their position, I would urge you to vote. The outcome will have a significant impact on the AOG.

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

AFA alumni association Critics' concerns over operations, exec pay lead to referendum

By Joanne Kelley, Rocky Mountain News
April 27, 2005

COLORADO SPRINGS - Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy have mounted a challenge to their alumni association, questioning the way the organization operates and the salaries it pays executives.

The small but vocal group has grown in ranks, enlisting support from enough fellow graduates to force the roughly 22,000-member association to hold a referendum next month on whether changes are needed.

In the process, the two sides landed in court. And the 27-year-old nonprofit association has found itself at the center of controversy as it launches a $100 million fundraising campaign on behalf of the academy.

"We're going to take the high road," said James Shaw, a 1967 graduate who is president and CEO of the academy's Association of Graduates, known as the AOG. "I don't think it solves any problems at all to get down in the dirt."

But Shaw, speaking from his office overlooking the grounds of the academy, maintained that the "fundamental direction" of the association is at stake.

And he said the association, which has a staff of 45 to handle alumni relations and raise money to support the academy, already has made changes to its governance structure.

He cautioned that the proposed changes would allow "a small group of people to throw an organization into chaos."

The group behind the referendum, which calls itself the AOG reunification committee, says it only wants to give control of the alumni association back to dues-paying members, who account for about 55 percent of the academy's almost 36,000 living graduates. Members pay $50 annual dues to the association.

The association's 17-member board, which includes a range of corporate executives and generals among others, can make changes without the approval of graduates. The committee wants alumni to have the ability to propose and approve changes to bylaws.

"They've created a lot of this controversy themselves by being very insular and not being willing to open themselves up for scrutiny," said Jim Wheeler, a 1964 graduate who once served as executive director of the AOG and now is leading the effort to change the bylaws.

When the association decided to post its latest IRS filing on its Web site, it initially left out information on executive pay.

It also removed the footnoted reference to the salary information that normally would follow the main portion of the filing.

Shaw later said that the association posted only a partial filing online because the entire form takes so long to download. The reference to the extra information was removed to avoid confusion, he said.

"It was an honest mistake," he said. "We provide more information than I bet you 75 percent of the nonprofits out there."

But the episode only fueled more criticism.

Wheeler called the association "naive to misjudge the audience they're dealing with. It's a smart group and an involved group that's been trained for leadership and to be analytic."

He said his group's aim is not to take over the AOG, but he also said he hopes the election results will lead to changes that include the replacement of the current board of directors in future elections.

"It isn't a personal thing at all," said Wheeler, who runs a nonprofit research group in San Antonio. "We want to fix the process."

The controversy comes at a time when nonprofit groups are under increased pressure to be more open and accountable about their finances and other activities.

Wheeler and his committee have struck a chord among alumni - almost 5,000 graduates signed the petition calling for a referendum.

The recently created committee has raised other concerns, which include questions about why IRS filings show that Shaw's compensation has jumped by an average $44,000 in each of the past three years.

In its fiscal year ended June 30, 2001, Shaw's salary and benefits stood at $86,100. By 2004, his compensation had topped $218,000. Shaw said his 2004 compensation figures included 2003 and 2004 bonuses paid in the same year.

The annual payroll for the association's staff is $2.18 million, according to AOG's IRS 990 filing.

Other association salaries, particularly those of its fundraisers, also have climbed in recent years, in large part because of the impact of a study conducted for the association by consultants Washburn & McGoldrick of Latham, N.Y.

"I found him (Shaw) making grossly below market," said Bill McGoldrick, whose firm's main business is to advise educational institutions on their fundraising campaigns.

When association board members questioned why Shaw and other staffers should be paid more, McGoldrick said he told them: "If they're not worth that much, find someone who is. That's the level of performance you're going to need."

McGoldrick's firm did the salary evaluation at no charge, but it has been paid by the association for providing fundraising guidance.

The consulting work involved the association's first major campaign, which has raised still more questions from alumni who want to know why a federally funded institution needs to raise $100 million from private donations.

"It's no different from the University of Colorado," Shaw said. "If we want to bring in the best of the best, we've got to go beyond the government-funded."

But opponents complain that alumni had no say in the decision to launch such a massive fundraising effort.

Also, they maintain that the campaign has added to the size and salaries of the association and boosted its expenses to levels that are eating up revenues in the initial phases of the campaign.

Academy officials say the campaign's theme is "building leaders of character for the nation" and will support key needs of the academy.

In its fiscal 2004 financial statement, the association reported $7.7 million in revenues and $5.7 million in expenses. Net assets stood at almost $22 million.

The referendum has proved costly for both sides. Wheeler's committee has spent almost $40,000 on its efforts so far. A legal dispute has contributed to the expense. A judge recently ruled that the association must provide Wheeler's group with e-mail addresses for all its members.

The association said it has hired an independent audit firm to count the votes in the referendum.

"It's been an expensive proposition," Shaw said.

The latest:

About 22,000 graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy will start voting next month in a controversial election to decide whether members of the alumni association gain control of its policies, rather than the nonprofit group's board of directors.

• At issue: A committee of graduates has raised questions about the academy's alumni association, including the salaries it pays executives, policies governing board nominations and decisions made about a major fundraising campaign.

• The alumni association says the proposed changes would allow small groups of alumni to trigger expensive membershipwide votes regularly.

• Timing: The ballots will be mailed Monday and must be returned by June 17.

kelleyj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-5068

From: Jim Brown

Date: Fri 4/29/2005 1:21 AM

Subject: Jim Brown

Charlie:

Just a short note to let you know how much I have appreciated Andi including me in the mailings for the mini-ski and other events. I feel that a large part of my heart and soul still lives at the base of the Rockies at USAFA, although I departed from The Class of 1960 prematurely. Those 2-1/2 years were the best of my life.

I was diagnosed with AML last 25 July. AML is Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. One of the first statements my Oncologist made was that it is curable so I said, "Let's get started." I was in chemo 2 days later and have had two more sessions since, the last one ending this past Sunday. I'm now in remission, feeling fine, and I look forward to a complete recovery to the point that I want to attend the next mini-ski, especially if I can plan on Howie & Fuller being there!

Best wishes to my old classmates and I trust they don't mind a non-graduate taking up space on your website.

Best Wishes,

Jim Brown

SEE YOU AT THE NEXT MINI-SKI. GREAT NEWS!

From: Walt Futch

Date: Mon 4/25/2005 4:55 PM

Subject: Summer of '56 class photo

Ace,

I am in the front row between James Morton and Ben Furuta. I like the new home page.

Walt Futch

THANKS FOR THE INPUT, WALT. WE'VE UPDATED THE SUMMER OF '56 PHOTO. YOU'VE SET AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW SUIT... ESPECIALLY WITH THE 45TH REUNION LOOMING SHORTLY.

From: Dave Sweigart

Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2005 4:19 PM

Subject: Address update

This message is being sent to you from a user at the Association of Graduates U.S. Air Force Academy Web site (http://www.usafa.org). At no time was your e-mail address revealed to this user. Here's another attempt to give you my email address (sweigart@nctv.com). It appears that the automatic click positions on our class website use cholman@atn.org and that address keeps rejecting back to me.

Dave,

A couple of months ago, my mailbox filled up from a virus (?), setup (?) or whatever... It looks like your software put me on a black list so that I wouldn't mess you up. My address (cholman@atn.org) is working OK now, so you should be able to communicate to this address (assuming you'll be able to take my address off your black list. Also, I have a backup address you can feel free to try (cholman1234@hotmail.com) if you're of a mind. Sorry for the problem. Will we see you at the 45th? Regards, Ace

From: Charles Thompson

Date: Thu 4/21/2005 5:59 PM

Subject: Address update

Hi, Ace

You've done a great job w/ our Class page. Hope to see you at the 45th Reunion.

s/ Charlie

Charles Thompson
chrlythompsn@earthlink.net

From: John Kuenzel

Date: Friday, January 28, 2005 10:40 AM

Subject: Address update

Ace, We missed the mini reunion this year at Hurlburt as Son David whom you met and his family have relocated to Arlington nearby. Not hurricane Ivan related. His company Hibbetts Sports is expanding West. My email needs updating--jkuen@comcast.net.

Best regards, John K.

From: Ed Haerter

Date: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 5:20 PM

Subject: Address update

Ace

Great page. Very nice to see so many old faces.

Other than normal aches, pains and arterial blockages, Nancy and I are doing well. See you all at the reunion

Ed

From: Karl Jones

Date: Wed 4/6/2005 11:21 AM

Subject: Address update

chuck...

noticed that my roster info was out of date...

email: f1951@cox.net tel/fax: 850-897-5805

cheers,
Karl Jones

From: Tom Burke

Date: Mon 3/28/2005 10:09 PM

Subject: Address update

Ace,

Update roster to reflect:

Address
6301 Tisbury Drive
Burke, VA 22015-4058

Phone

Home 703-451-0647
Work 703-963-7028
Fax 703-451-0660

Thanks,

Tom

COME ON, TOM. WOULD YOU HAVE US BELIEVE THEY NAMED THE TOWN AFTER YOU.

From: Bill Hales

Date: Tue 3/29/2005 9:36 AM

Subject: Address update

Hi Ace,

Just checked our class web site and looked up my address. I had better update it or I'll not hear much from the class.

Barb and I moved to the Greenville, SC area last summer.

It came highly recommended by Chuck & Edie Diver as the best place to be. I didn't believe them until we visited the area a year ago. We became convinced (also with the help of Jim & Martha Alexander) so we sold our house in Pittsford, NY and moved.

Address:
415 Wennington Place
Greer, SC 29651

E-mail:
whales1@charter.net

Ace, many thanks for keeping the "class connection" so well!

Bill

From: Dave Wiest

Date: Tue 3/8/2005 2:28 PM

Ace,

Andi said I could forward this to you for posting on the 1960 Class site. Thanks

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: David Wiest [mailto:dlw@signalpeak.net]

Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2005 1:48 PM
To: '2biancurs@adelphia.net'
Subject: RE: Letter from USAFA 1960 Class President

Dear Andi,

I appreciate your thoughts. I disagree with the notion that by law approval by the membership is too cumbersome. USAA is an example. Also my wife belongs to Business and Professional Women (BPW) and they have their by laws approves by the members. Now we can argue the point, but the fact is some organizations have member approval and others do not. At least 4000+ of graduate members of the AOG want the power to approve or disapprove by laws. So, let us have a vote, in accordance with the laws of Colorado.

A "shaped" board is just one way of running the AOG. There are other ways. Let the members decide. Personally, having the AOG BoD say that they are making every effort to let the membership have more voice is putting the cart before the horse. It should really be up to the members. As it stands, the BoD can do what it deems best without answering to the membership. Well intentioned or not, such a way of governance is putting the fox in residence in the hen house. I believe the AOG BoD suffers from "Inside the beltway" syndrome. Fresh blood and other than 0-6 and above and CEO of this and that needs the addition of ordinary grads willing to work for the good of the AOG. The folks on the board need to run in the circles other than what they are used to.

As for the "truth" of each side, well, there is the AOG website and USAFA Today website. Everyone can read all the postings and decide for themselves. We grads are not that easily influenced and I know for a fact that both sides of this issue have dissent in the ranks. So be it. Let the issue be decided by a consensus of the members and not just a consensus of the BoD.

Your figure of 37,000 members put me off at first as I thought the grad membership was more like 22 or 24,000, Then I remembered "associate members". If there truly are some 13,000 non-grad members with voting rights, this needs to be changed. Only graduate members should have the vote in the AOG. But this is another issue for later.

Thanks for your view. Now you have mine.

Good luck on the election.

Dave Wiest

Class of 1960

From:

Date: Saturday, January 29, 2005 10:23 PM

Ace,

Subject: Reunion Merchandise

Hi Ace,

As I believe Andi told you, I am sending you three photos of our reunion merchandise to put on our reunion page. It will give folks a chance to see what we are offering and what the color choices are. Appreciate all of your work on this.

Photo one, the oxford shirt, is attached.

Jock

Attached is the picture of the polo shirt.

Attached is the final photo, the windbreaker.

Take care, Jock

From: Andi Biancur

Date: Tue 2/22/2005 7:57 PM

Ace,

I need you to get this on the web ASAP. I don't know how many guys will read it but I feel obligated to, at least, keep the class informed about things that are happening. The AOG expects to have this issue on their web by 6 March and that does not leave much time. I do not know how this petition will impact the regular elections planned for completion in the May timeframe.

Let me know when you have it up on the site if you can.

Thanks for your work, I'll see you in a few days.

Andi

POSTED ON TOP NAVIGATION BAR AS "OPEN LETTER RE: AOG". SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.

From: Miles Kaspar

Date: Mon 2/14/2005 7:45 PM

Weese-Ace I guess we won't make the ski weekend as we'd hoped. We've been on the road a little too much-including this week down south of Tampa, so we decided the 45th will have to do. If'n you go, give all our best and we'll see you in June, if not before. Miles and Char

SORRY YOU'LL MISS MINISKI... SEE YOU AT THE 45th.

From: Dale Thompson

Subject: Bios

Date: Tue 2/8/2005 9:32 PM

Ace,

Sometime last year it was mentioned that someone in our class was going to compile a "Book" of our class, and we were invited to submit a summary of our careers. Is this still in work, and, if so, who is doing it?

Thanks,
Dale

DALE, GEORGE LESTER IS DOING THAT PER THE FOLLOWING POSTING A YEAR OR SO AGO. IF YOU GET AN UPDATE FROM GEORGE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I'LL POST IT HERE.

REGARDS, ACE

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

From: George Lester georgetlester@hotmail.com

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: Syd Gurley

Subject: Bio Update

Date: 2/4/2005

I need to update my data as I just moved to Orlando Florida

New Address:

7903 Saint Andrews Circle
Orlando, Florida 32835
Home Phone: 407-445-7201
Cell Phone: 561-827-4678

I plan to attend the June Reunion --- Is there anything I can do to help??

Regards: Syd Gurley

THANKS FOR THE OFFER TO HELP, SYD. CONTACT ANDI, JOCK, JACK OR ROSIE AND ASK THEM.

From: Bob Fischer

Subject: Bio Update

Date: 1/17/2005

Hi Ace,

Sorry for the long delay in coming aboard. You're doing a great job and we all appreciate it. Here's some current info for me. Pls post it with my photo, etc.

Robert H. Fischer

P.O.Box 488

3959 Lower Mountain Road

Forest Grove, Pa 18922

Home 215-794-2396

Cell 215-778-6047

Fax 215-794-9178

email address bobman55@comcast.net

I'll be writing to you from time to time if that's OK.

Have a Merry Christmas and we'll see you in '05 at the 45th.

Best wishes,

Bob

From: Norm Alexander

Subject: Bivouac Area, 1956

Date: 1/16/2005

Do you know, or can you forward this to the Military Training Department or _____. What are the coordinates for the bivouac area that we used in the summer of 1956 ?

My daughter and my Grandkids now live in Centennial City (Aurora) and I am curious as to how close they are to our old slit trenches. ;-)

Rosie, Andi Biancr and Jock Schwank did not know.

I appreciate your help.

Norm Alexander, '60

NORM, I HAVEN'T A CLUE. CAN ANYBODY OUT THERE THINK OF A TRACK TO RUN ON...

From: Andi Biancur

Subject: MiniSki XV

Date: 1/16/2005

Folks,

Here is the first attempt to send the info electronically. Let me know how it comes out. There are a few of the attendees whose e-mail I do not have so will send them snail mail.

Les, Does this answer any of your questions?

2005 Mini-ski Reunion

Snow Bwana
2biancurs@adelphia.net

MiniSki XV

From: Miles Kaspar

Subject: Updates

Date: 1/15/05

Ace-Weese...Happy New Year to youse.

I finally got on the '60 web site. Computer problems plus my ignorance of electronic devices. To update my personal info, however, the following is presented.

Wife: Charlotte (but you already knew that)

Add: PO box 6622,
Fullerton, CA, 92834

Residence: 1471 Skyline Drive,
Fullerton, 92831

Phone: 714-525-7743 FAX : 714-773-0727

E-Mail: makasparjr@earthlink.net.

Weight: increasing Hair: receding Memory: Failing etc...

Hey, are we anywhere near a date(s) for the 45th, or have you seen any particulars on the ski thing. Hope to see you again wunadezedaze.

Miles

From: Lew Price

Subject: Art Lewis

Date: Fri 12/3/2004 6:00 PM

Hi Ace,

Art Lewis is at the address now shown in the AOG directory - although his address was not in it for a long time. He would very much like to hear from any of us as he is now retired and not having quite so many demands on his time - yet.

His phone number is (972)242-2420 and his e-mail address is artlewis@mindspring.com .

Perhaps you might place this message on the class website so others can get in touch with Art.

Thanks,
Lew

From: Ben Furuta

Subject: New E-mail address

Date: Sat 11/27/2004 11:05 PM

Ace: thanks for keeping up the class web page. I check it often! I did notice my e-mail address is incorrect. It is now bfuruta396@earthlink.net Thanks

--
Ben Furuta

bfuruta396@earthlink.net
626-403-7706

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: AF Wins First Game of Season

Date: Mon 11/15/2004 2:37 AM

The Air Force Basketball Falcons started their 2004-5 season with a victory Sunday at the BCA Classic in Milwaukee.

Jacksonville State University vs Air Force Academy

11-14-02 2:00 p.m. at Bradley Center

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: For the Basketball Fans

Date: Fri 11/12/2004 5:42 AM

The Air Force Basketball Falcons started their 2004-5 season with a victory Sunday at the BCA Classic in Milwaukee.

Yes, the college football season is winding down and college basketball is already starting. For those who have possibly forgotten, the Falcon BB team had a pretty successful season last year when they went to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1964. This was after they surprised everyone by winning the MWC regular season championship with 12-2 record. They finished with an overall record of 22-7 after being knocked out of the NCAA Tournament in the first round by no less than the North Carolina Tarheels.

Both F Joel Gerlach and F/G A.J. Kuhle have graduated and Coach Joe Scott left as well to take over the head coaching job at his alma mater, Princeton. Another Princeton grad, Chris Mooney, is the new Falcon head coach. He served as the chief assistant to Coach Scott as they rebuilt the Air Force basketball program over the past three years, so he knows the Princeton system as played at USAFA and the returning players know him. Two Doolies could get some playing time as they arrive from the Prep School and have already become used to the Princeton system of slowing down the pace, shooting 3-pointers accurately and taking backdoor layups when possible. The two newcomers are 6' 9" F/C Jon Black and 6' 8" Keith Maren; as the season wears on and they perhaps garner more playing time, their height could give the Falcons a different look than the traditional smaller-sized teams that we have had.

The five starters should be returnees 6' 8" C Nick Welch, 6' 3" G Tim Keller, and 6' 5" G Antoine Hood along with 6' 6" F Jacob Burtschi and either 6' 2" G Matt McCraw or 6' 4" G Jared Dillinger. Air Force has been picked preseason to finish third in the MWC this year behind Utah and UNLV.

The season starts this Sunday, November 14, as the Falcons take part in the 2004 Black Coaches Association Classic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to be hosted by Marquette University. The BCA Classic will feature eight teams which include Air Force, Marquette, Mississippi, Penn State, Jacksonville State, Illinois State, South Carolina State and Western Carolina. Air Force will start on Nov 14 by playing Jacksonville State at 2:00 p.m.; if they should win as expected, they will probably play Mississippi on Nov 15 at 5:30 p.m. Assuming the Falcons win that game they will likely play Marquette for the BCA Classic Championship on Nov 16 at 7:30 p.m. If all goes as predicted, Air Force should begin their season at 3-0 and be ready to open their season at home on Nov 21 against Alcorn State located in Lorman, MS.

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: Update on Colorado Happenings

Date: Mon 11/15/2004 2:52 AM

I realize some of you may not know of the background of proposals to name the football field at Falcon Stadium for Ben Martin and to name the parade ground after Val Bourque. If you want more background let me know and I'll tell what little I know. Tony Burshnick is the organizing force for a group of Class of 1960 grads in the Washington, DC area that meets irregularly for social purposes and to discuss Academy issues.

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DC '60 et.al.

THANKS TO BILL GOODYEAR, WHO FORWARDED MY RECAP OF THE VETERANS DAY LUNCHEON TO RON YATES, WE HAVE AN EXCELLENT EXPLANATION OF THE HERITAGE COMMITTEE AND HOW IT WORKS. RON HAS ANSWERED JUST ABOUT EVERY QUESTION I HAD. HE ALSO CONVINCED ME THAT THE BY-LAWS ARE BEING CHANGED IN A PROPER MANNER.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR RON PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT HIM DIRECTLY AND IF YOU DONT MIND SEND THE REST OF US A COPY.

RON, THANKS FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE. I WILL GET BACK TO YOU IF I HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS.

DC '60 THOSE OF YOU WHO DID NOT GIVE ME A PIN AT THE LUNCHEON CAN JUST PUT IT IN THE SNAIL MAIL. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT.

TONY***

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Forwarded Message:

Subj: Heritage Committee

Date: 11/13/04 10:48:28 AM Central Standard Time

From: roncon@adelphia.net

To: ABURSH@aol.com

CC: billgoodyear@att.net

Sent from the Internet (Details)

Tony,

I read your synopsis of your Veterans Day Luncheon as it was forwarded to me by Bill Goodyear. He asked that I explain the Heritage Committee to you. Here goes:The Heritage Committee is a committee of the AOG Board of Directors. Currently, I am the Chairman. The Committee is composed of members of the Board and AOG staff. We do have some subcommittees that include non-Board members. We welcome outside advice and usually have several non-Board members in attendance at each meeting. In general, we are responsible for all AOG efforts regarding heritage and traditions. Some of our major current projects are: the Heritage Trail; the Memorial Pavilion (interment facility to be located at the cemetery); the Memorial Park (to be located adjacent to the Doolittle Hall and recognizing combat accomplishments of our graduates); a series of recognition projects starting at the parade ground and going up the Battle Ramp and former "Bring Me Men" ramp to the terrazzo. This project will be funded by class reunion gifts and will include a "Campaign Wall" on the retaining wall facing the parade ground (similar to the campaign recognition in the Naval Academy football stadium); a "Mall of Heroes" as you exit the Battle Ramp (bronzes of heroes like Lance Sijon, Carl Ricter, Val Borque etc); Air Force Core Values to replace the former "Bring Me Men" sign...and more. The effort here is to locate heritage recognition projects near the cadet area so that the cadets are immersed in them in their daily lives. This is a nascent project and more definition will be forthcoming. In short, anything that has to do with heritage and traditions falls under the Heritage Committee.

The Heritage Committee is also involved in the naming of Academy Facilities when a graduate is being considered. (in practice, we get involved whether of not a graduate is considered...because we do not want a naming opportunity to foreclose the possible recognition of a graduate). Here is how this works. The Academy has had a written procedure that covers how to name things for over 25 years. ( I believe it was first written when Skip Scott was the Superintendent). It is under the purview of the Academy Gifts and Memorials Board. The AOG has a non-voting advisor to the Board and it is the AOG President (Jim Shaw). When a naming opportunity comes up, the Heritage Committee considers the matter, makes a recommendation to the AOG Board, and the Board then votes on the recommendation and provides the President with an AOG Board position to take to the Academy Gifts and Memorials Board. For example, yesterday the Heritage Committee considered the recommendations regarding the naming of the airfield for Val Borque and the football field (not Falcon Stadium) for Ben Martin. The Heritage recommended that neither be approved and the Board approved that recommendation. Jim Shaw will take that position to the Academy Gifts and Memorials Board meeting next week. By the way, we had a member of the Academy Board sit in our Heritage Committee meeting so they understand the thinking behind our position. I hope this helps you and the DC60 group in understanding this process. If you need more let me know.

The new AOG website will open on Monday, 8 Nov ' 04.( it may be Wednesday before it's fully functional). This is a VASTLY improved site and it does include a Chat Room similar to USAFA Today. I think all grads will like it.

The AOG Board provided the Superintendent our thoughts on the proposed changes to the Honor System. He is considering our comments along with others that he received from former Superintendents et al. At the Board of Visitors meeting next week the AOG President will present our recommendations so that the Board has an independent view of this important issue from the AOG Board as representatives of the graduate community.

I appreciate the support of the DC60 group for the changes the AOG Board has made regarding governance and the election of Board members. It will open the membership while retaining the special skills we need in some Board members in managing what has become a very complex enterprise. This is no longer small potatoes (Dan Quale don't you wish you had spell check! )...with the completion of the upcoming comprehensive campaign, the AOG assets will be over $125 Million !

Bylaws changes. The Board does not feel that it can discharge its fiduciary responsibilities if we open up the by-laws to a vote of the membership. (In fact, we can find absolutely NO precedent for this in any other organization of our size and complexity.) Our concerns cover several areas: First, we get a very low membership response to any proposition that we open to vote...traditionally less than 5%. This means that a small group of graduates could alter the by-laws and actually not represent the majority feelings of the community or the best interests of the organization. If we want a majority vote, it could take us a very long time...maybe never...to get such a response from the AOG membership and would create gridlock for the Board. Second, the membership could impose financial obligations that the Board considers imprudent, but nevertheless, would be fiducially responsible for. This is splitting authority and responsibility. Third, bylaws issues are usually complicated and require a good deal of study and work. While a few dedicated grads will make this effort (e.g. the DC60 group), most AOG members will not invest the time to make an informed voting decision. Nevertheless, the Board wants to hear and consider the opinions of the membership on any bylaws changes and that is why you have received several e-mails and snail mails on the upcoming changes to the governance issues. You have been invited to make comments on these changes and the new AOG website will greatly enhance this capability in the future. By the way, while my memory is not what it used to be, in the almost eight years I have served on the Board, I believe we have made bylaws changes only twice...it is not an everyday occurrence.

Sorry for the length of this epistle, but these are important issues for us all to understand. I'm glad the DC60 group is an active, interested, and supportive group. That is exactly what we need to make our Academy stronger and get us through these trying times. Let me know if you need more.

All the best,

Ron

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: USAFA Sports Update

Date: Mon 11/15/2004 10:40 PM

It is amazing that the Football Falcons almost won the game Saturday with San Diego State; they lost 31-37 after Carney's pass was intercepted inside the Aztec 10 yard line with less than 30 seconds to go in the game. After all, when you have 6 fumbles and lose four of them, have two interceptions, a blocked punt and give up 37 points in a single game you normally would expect to lose. If you want more detail, go to www.airforcesports.com and read all the gory details. Needless to say, the Air Force/CSU game this next Saturday at 12:00 noon CST will not be televised. Probably just as well as I expect the Rams to win by about 38-27 or worse. I do hope I'm wrong, but the Rams are starting to play well; and the Air Force defense has not been able to play consistently or to improve by much as the season progressed.

To go on to more pleasant news, the Basketball Falcons walloped the Mississippi Rebels of the SEC this evening by a score of 60-36 at the BCA Classic Tournament in Milwaukee. This is after the Falcons knocked off Jacksonville State (Alabama) Sunday afternoon by a 59-42 score in their first tournament game. The Falcons are all but certain to play host Marquette University tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. CST in the championship game, since Marquette is currently leading Illinois State (the latter beat Penn State Sunday) at the half by 38-15. The Air Force/Marquette game should be very good, but definitely a challenge for the Falcons. Sagarin ranked Marquette at #37 in the country in his preseason rankings and had Air Force at #98. He also ranked Mississippi at #78. He had Penn State at #173 and Illinois at #182. Of course, preseason rankings are done with a lick and a guess, and Sagarin's rankings don't really mean much until after teams get into conference play.

In the first two games, Antoine Hood has been the main scorer. He had 17 points Sunday and had 15 points today along with a team high 6 rebounds. Nick Welch had 9 points and 5 rebounds Sunday and 14 points and 4 rebounds today. The Falcons outrebounded their opponents in both games which is somewhat unusual for Air Force teams. Of course, neither opponent had a tall frontcourt. Marquette should start two guys that are 6' 10" and a third player that is 6" 8" and 240 pounds. I rather doubt that Air Force will be outrebounding that frontcourt trio. They may get lots of steals and backdoor layups, however. We'll have a much better idea as to just how good this edition of Air Force Basketball will be after tomorrow's BCA championship game.

GO FALCONS! Aaron

From: Chuck Diver

Subject: email change

Date: 11/02/2004

Hi Ace,

Chuck Diver here. Thanks again for all you do in keeping the keys to the kingdom of cyber data for our class. It's a wonderful service and I know, speaking for myself-and maybe Mike Clark, it is truly appreciated.

Thanks to recent enlargement ads, we've opted for a new email address, which is: edk@fidalgo.net.

And, thanks to the county 911 guys and gals, we have a new number for our street address, which is now 26971 vs. the old 2501. I guess that's for all the classmates clamoring to track me down(for past indebtedness or, better yet...whatever).

We are settling into 'winter' up here in the northwest, which means misty rain. Could be worse.

Again, thanks for all you do, and we hope all is well with you and yours.

Cheers,

Chuck.

From: Jerry Mason

Subject: email change

Date: 10/27/2004

Hi Ace,

Hey, you're doing a great job in running/maintaining the Class of '60 website. Thanks much for your labor of love. I noticed when perusing the site today that my email address needs to be updated. If you have the means to do it, please delete the jmason37@netzero.net address and replace it with jerbob@ncplus.net.

Thanks much,

Jerry Mason

From: Frank Gorham

Subject: Pleasant Evening

Date: 10/27/2004

Aaron, Ace, Wayne,

What a pleasant evening!

Why am I always amazed that the kinship and camarderie are instantly present, even though we have not seen a classmate since graduation? Wayne, just like old times between 3rd and 4th Sqdns. Ace, what an unexpected surprise for you and Weese to show up in Destin too.

What do you think, shall we toss in a few bids on those Ivan-damaged boats sitting in the insurance yard?

Too many stories to tell, too little time!

Meanwhile, digipics attached.

Cheers, Frank

Ace, Weese, Faye

Wayne, Barbara, Aaron

Barbara, Wayne, Ace, Weese, Frank, Faye, Aaron

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: AFA/BYU

Date: 10/22/04

The Air Force/Brigham Young game is to be telecast on an ESPN Regional basis this Saturday, 10/23 at 2:00 p.m. CDT. Direct TV lists it as being on Channel 774 on their GamePlan schedule for 10/23. At this point in the season every game is important, but we all know that the AFA/BYU game is special. BYU did win 16 of the first 17 games of the series beginning with a 34-21 victory in Provo on November 24, 1956. Since the Falcons have won 5 of the last 7 contests, the series now stands at 18-6 in favor of BYU. Last year in Provo, Air Force won 24-10 after Chance Harridge scored a controversial one yard rushing TD at the end of the game for the first Falcon victory in Provo since 1982. Some BYU fans felt taking a knee would have been more appropriate. They may have chosen to forget the 63-33 score that BYU ran up in Provo in 2001. The Falcons repaid that effort with a 52-9 pasting of the Cougars at Colorado Springs in 2002. With that sort of recent background we can expect a very physical effort from both teams this Saturday.

John Beck, the BYU sophomore QB, is expected to start. BYU is coming off a 24-13 victory over Wyoming last week in Provo where Beck cut his passing attempts to the mid-thirties as RB Curtis Brown rushed for 159 yards and one TD. Brown also threw a 40 yard pass for another TD. John Beck has thrown for 1094 yards this year with 4 passing TDs and 4 interceptions. Turnovers have been a problem for BYU as they have put together their 3-4 record. BYU has lost 11 fumbles and has suffered 11 interceptions this year while causing only 14 total turnovers by their opposition. As a result Coach DeBerry has had the Falcons practicing how to more effectively strip the football this past week to take a possible advantage of a Cougar weakness. The Falcons have also tried to stiffen their rushing defense by going to a 4 man defensive line (rather than the 3-4-4) when the opposition has a probable rushing down.

For those that did not watch the New Mexico game that Air Force won by a 28-23 score, it was pretty ugly in the second half. The Falcons had a 21-0 halftime lead, but suffered two blocked punts in the second half that resulted in easy TDs for New Mexico. Carney only completed 4 of 9 passes in the game, but he completed two 30 yard passes in the fourth quarter when he hit Kirkpatrick and Messerall on fly patterns along the sideline on two successive plays. That led to the final Falcon TD and they were able to run out the clock in the final minutes after stopping a New Mexico attempt to tie regain the lead. Given that BYU lost their most effective CB who suffered a broken arm in the Wyoming game last week, look for Carney to complete some needed passes this Saturday to complement the normal ball control ground game. My prediction is for a really tough game that the Falcons will win by a score of 21-17 as they keep their bowl hopes alive and attempt to drive another nail in the Cougars' hopes of finishing above .500 for the season.

GO FALCONS!

Aaron

From: Bill Currier

Subject: Mini get-together

Date: Mon 10/18/2004 10:26 AM

Hi Rosie

Miles and Charlotte of Fullerton Calif stopped over in Columbia SC for a few days and were the motivation for Irma Jeanne and I and Tom and Carole to get together for brunch on Sun (Oct 17).It's always a pleasure to visit with my old roomie Miles. Tom goes way back in our Air Guard days. You know how it goes-never enough time for all the laughs when a bunch of old guard bums get together.

Bill