Shared Messages Page 12

From: Ace Holman

Sent: Friday December 15, 2006

Subject : e-Mail change

Please change email address from: 'cholman@atn.org' to: cholman1234@hotmail.com.

Have a Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year.

From: Gary Van Singel

Sent: Mon 11/6/2006 3:48 PM

Subject: Marilyn's death

In a message dated 11/8/2006 5:17:30 A.M. Mountain Standard Time, Gary Vansingel@dematic.com writes:

Just a note to let everyone know that my wife of 46 years passed away on November 2, 2006 at 2:15PM. She was starting to have kidney failure and when hit by a massive infection was not able to recover.

Many of you know that she had a 3-year horizon when we married. We pushed the envelope, and she survived over 46 years of marriage. She was in a lot of pain the last several years but always had a sunny attitude and was a joy to be with. She put up a good fight. It was time to go.

I am thankful that I did not retire. It is easier to be on the job with the people I know than sitting at home at loose ends. I have Grandchildren that stop by daily, and they all live close by; so, I am involved in their sports and school activities.

She doesn't hurt any more and I will survive.

Gary Van Singel

PS: Use "garyvansingel@earthlink.net" from now on that seems to work the best.

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

Gary, I am so very sorry to learn of Marilyn's death. Last time I saw her, as you will recall, was when we met for lunch at the Academy Hotel in Colorado Springs in 2005, just prior to our 45th Reunion. You have my condolences, as well as thoughts and my prayers for her.

By copy of this e-mail, I am informing others in our class of Marilyn's death, and will place a note in Class News in the December issue of CheckPoints magazine.

Rosie Cler

Secretary, Class of 1960

From: Andi & Carole BIANCUR

[Bacfly60@msn.com]

Sent: Mon 11/6/2006 3:48 PM

Subject: What The Captain Realy Meant To Say..

Jim Waddle sent this and I guess I feel somewhat the same about USAFA. He has pretty much spelled out what I see happening here.

Andi

----- Original Message -----

From: Fred Scheeren

Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 9:40 AM

Subject: USNA '45 Grad Speaks Out What Has Become of Our Academy?

I've had enough! I have restrained myself from commenting publicly on the disastrous course that the Naval Academy has taken but the appointment of a female Commandant and the asinine comments of those who have leaped to defend the appointment have made it imperative that I express my deep disapprobation. I abhor not only this unwise genuflecting to the feminists but this arrogant demand that we who do not agree with the calamity that is engulfing the Academy "get over it".

I shall not "get over it" I am devoted to the Naval Academy too much to remain silent and docile. It's true that I am elderly. I was a midshipman when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Our class was graduated a year early and I joined the Battleship Massachusetts, a unit of the famed carrier task force, as a 16 inch gunner. We saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the Japanese Home Islands. I was the first naval officer ordered to the Korean War and I commanded all the naval advisors in Vietnam in 1967-68.

I had the unique honor of commanding four of the Navy's best combatant ships. Since I was number one on the major command list for our year group, I selected and recommissioned the modernized Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser Albany (CG 10) as my capital ship command. Admiral Whitey Taylor selected me to be his aide when he was Commander Destroyer Force Atlantic Fleet and Admiral Arleigh Burke withdrew me from the Naval War College to be his personal aide for his last two years as our CNO. Mr. Paul Nitze selected me to serve in his immediate office while he was Secretary of the Navy. I left the Navy early because Admiral Zumwalt had started the movement of the Navy towards a populist organization. I believed and still do in discipline, military smartness and cleanliness, shined bright work, military bands and all the other influences that generate pride in serving. I was and still am convinced that pride is the one competitive advantage the Navy has in the U.S. manpower market and to systematically destroy those objects of pride was an anathema to me. I just wasn't buying what he was selling and when that happens in the Navy you have one recourse. You leave. The Harvard Business School learned that I was leaving the Navy and offered me a position as a Dean and Member of the Faculty which I proudly accepted and served at that distinguished school for ten years.

Because they didn't want me to leave at the end of ten years they hired me as a consultant at my full professor's pay for an additional 3 years I subsequently served as Chairman of two small but very successful corporations. My concern with the Naval Academy is not new. At Secretary Nitze's direction I analyzed the curriculum of the Naval Academy in 1965. That was over 40 years ago. For even then it was moving away from its strengths as an Academy that trained, educated and indoctrinated young men in the greatness and traditions of the Service and a deep desire to devote their lives to serving their country as officers of the Navy. I wrote a letter about my findings -- Bill Smedberg's distinguished Dad directed that it be published in "Shipmate". As a matter of tact, he asked that it be addressed to the then Commandant Sheldon Kenney. In that letter I expressed my concerns. I stated; "The Naval Academy has served the Navy and the country magnificently during its long history. Its only reason for existing has been that it trained fine naval officers; not fine engineers, not fine mathematicians, not fine scientists but fine naval officers." I went on to observe; "In my view, the most precious and unique contribution that the Naval Academy has been able to make in the development of young naval officers is instilling in them a desire to serve.... While it is impossible to isolate precisely this indefinable quality of Naval Academy life which engenders this desire to serve, I would suspect that it is the professional naval atmosphere, the professional indoctrination and the professional training gained in a tough military environment - an environment that is seeped in the traditions of the Navy that contribute greatly to this element. I would look with infinite care at any change in the Naval Academy environment which might upset this important quality." "It seems to me that the prestige throughout the country that the Naval Academy enjoys and thus one of its great attractions has been founded upon its reputation as an institution possessing extremely high standards, which requires a real man to face its challenges and to succeed. If this challenge is removed, I am afraid that the great prestige that the Naval Academy enjoys will be seriously derogated and so will our ability to attract the kind of men we so desperately need.

The Naval Academy must remain a symbol of pride throughout the country and I believe that we must resist any action which would tend to tarnish the elements that comprise this symbol." Instead of accusing me of being a meddlesome and troublemaking outsider who was interfering with his command prerogatives, the then Superintendent, Draper Kaufman wrote a letter which was published under mine which I partially quote; "I have read Allan

Slaff's letter to Sheldon Kenney and agree with it completely." Imagine "Shipmate" publishing a letter such as this or imagine the present

Superintendent responding publicly in such a manner as did Admiral Kaufman? My worst fears which I expressed in my letter over 40 years ago have come to pass. The entire raison d'etre of the Academy is being systematically undermined and destroyed by egregious cowardice and mediocrity. The politically forced introduction of women into the Academy was and is a disaster that is accelerating the destruction of the very essence of the Academy. Why are they there? Are they there because of the needs of the service? I think not. The Academy primary mission is to supply officers to the Fleet. That means that women are there to be prepared for service in the Fleet. Are they bright enough? Certainly they are.

Are they motivated? Certainly they are. I am confident that I could take a bright young woman graduate and train her to be a good officer of the deck. That's not the issue. The primary truth that is driving this disastrous policy is that it is absolutely impossible to repeal sexuality. Sexual and psychological tensions are bound to grow intense in the impossibly tight environment on board a ship of the Navy undergoing months of deployed service. And what is this artificially stated need of the service doing to the Academy? It is feminizing it. It is forcing it to exquisite efforts to keep the sexual lid on. They are not even trying to ameliorate the terrible situation where these young men and women live cheek by jowl to each other in Bancroft Hall. Assigning women to a separate wing and forming a separate women's battalion would help but would not eliminate an unsolvable problem. The Superintendent is pretending that sexual tensions do not exist except for the egregious incidents that receive national attention. Baloney, they are there and can not be expunged from the explosive social situation which they engender. The tragic Owens affair and how it has been handled is just one tiny manifestation of the problem. The entire affair is sickening to me. The Superintendent has effectively ruined the career and possibly the life of a promising young man and seems to have done nothing about the drunken slut that was the primary cause of the problem. I have expressed this view to the Superintendent directly. A few weeks ago there appeared, as a post to USNA-At-Large, a copy of a letter written by Peter Optekar which he had sent to the Superintendent. He reminded the Superintendent of the conversation that he had with him at a dinner at his home. I quote part of his letter; "While you were at my home, I asked you why you took this (the Owens case) to General Court Martial. You said, "Peter, I had no choice. If I didn't, we'd have every feminist group and the ACLU after us." I was shocked. I just could not believe that a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy would allow such crass political fears to interfere with his important judicial responsibilities. I felt so strongly that I addressed a letter to the Chief of Naval Operations. I quote part of my letter; "I am incredulous and dismayed that he would allow his political cowardice to interfere with his sacred responsibilities to be scrupulously fair in the application of his naval justice responsibilities. I am absolutely confident that this disgraceful performance under Admiral Burke would have earned him a new billet as Commander Alaska Sea Frontier or worse." I have had no reply to my letter. If Admiral Burke got such a letter he would have most assuredly responded. I know because I would have had to have drafted a response for his signature as I did more than a thousand times when I served with that great officer. I have subsequently been reliably informed that the

Superintendent's decisions in these matters are really made in Washington. If that is the case we are in even worse trouble. And the hell of it is that we who are concerned have no way to effectively express our concerns. The Alumni Association should be such a conduit from us to the Academy but it is adamant in it refusal to act as such. In effect, the Alumni Association has become nothing more than a claque for the Superintendent. The high priced sycophants who run the Association seem to be sending a message, "Send us your money and shut up." How sad! And now we come to the appointment of a female commandant. I can think of nothing worse for the Academy. The midshipmen will continue to be begged to behave sexually in an explosive sexual atmosphere. They will continue to beg the midshipmen not to drink. They will continue to add effort on effort, program on program to try to solve an insolvable problem and to try to satisfy their feminist masters. The Naval Academy will continue to move further and further away from its primary raison d'etre which I warned about over 40 years ago. Do I hate the Academy? Of course not! My grandson is a graduate in '99.

His great grandfather was an early aviation Admiral in '19 and there are several of our family in between. I have been active in alumni affairs. I was the first president of our class association. I was asked to be a consultant in organizing the recently concluded capital fund drive and Mary Lee and I have established a substantial endowment at the Academy. No I don't hate the Academy. I just hate what it is becoming. And now as to you who have leaped to the ramparts in defense of this disastrous deterioration you undoubtedly have not liked what I have written. In your case know and know well that I will not "get over it" and, if you don't like my thoughts and concerns, you can stick it in your collective ear.

Allan P. Slaff '45

From: Aaron Thrush

Sent: November 3, 2006 5:07 AM

Subject : USAFA/Army

That's right, folks, the Air Force/Army game will be played Friday night, November 3rd at West Point at 7:00 p.m. CST. The game will be telecast on ESPN2. Since everyone can watch at home and since Angler's will not have the Sports Bar on the second floor open on Friday, their will be no known gathering of grads to watch the Falcons drub the Black Knights. Army comes into this game with a 3-6 record after beating Kent State 17-14 in OT at West Point and defeating Baylor 27-20 in OT at Waco. They also clobbered VMI at their Homecoming game by a 62-7 score.

Both teams are banged up as injuries have taken a toll this late in the season. The Colorado Springs Gazette has a good article on the Falcon injuries, and it can be found at http://www.gazette.com/usafa/display.php?id=1325955&secid=49 Army has had a number of injuries to its defensive secondary and to its defensive team overall. They also are starting a true freshman at QB. Carson Williams got his first start at QB last week at Tulane where in a losing cause (28-42) he managed to complete 16 of 24 attempts for 194 yards and 3 TDs along with 2 interceptions. His 3 TDs were only one less than the total of 4 TDs that his predecessor, junior David Pevoto, had in 8 starts. Two of his favorite receivers against Tulane were senior TE Tim Dunn who had 4 receptions for 113 yards and 2 TDs and junior WR Jerry Trimble who caught 5 passes to give him an even 100 receptions for his Army career. Defensively, junior DT Tony Fusco had 2 of Army's 3 blocked PATs against Tulane which gave him 4 blocked kicks this season. The team that wants to win the most and that has the fewest turnovers will win this game. Look for a 27-24 Falcon victory, but it will not be easy.

Since I will be out of town and away from my trusty computer for the next two weeks, I'm giving predictions of our next two games now. With Notre Dame at Air Force next week on Saturday, Nov 11th, expect the worst. This Falcon team does not have the personnel to match up with this year's edition of the Irish. Air Force will be fortunate if they can hold the score to a 17-42 loss. The following Saturday, Utah arrives in Colorado Springs; and I'm sorry to say that we cannot expect a victory against the Utes. Expect Utah to depart with a 7-4 record on their way to a bowl game after they defeat the Falcons by a score of 31-24. These game results would leave Air Force with a 4-6 record and the need to defeat both UNLV and TCU to finish at . 500 as the Falcons end their season with 2 away contests. Everything considered, we can expect lots of calls for Fisher DeBerry to retire after the season is over. A loss to Army for the second straight year would seal his fate.

GO FALCONS, BEAT ARMY! Aaron

From: Andi & Carole BIANCUR

[Bacfly60@msn.com]

Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 3:54 PM

Subject: MiniSki 2007

Dear Classmate/Ski Bum:

You are cordially ordered to attend MiniSki XVII, hosted by the Al Johnson Ski & Lawn Mower Repair School in Salt Lake City, Utah. MiniSki will convene from 23 February, 2007 through 3 March, 2007. As most of you who have attended previously know, we will take to the slopes and ski as long as you would like and/or we are able, or until you wish to leave. Naturally, you may come for all or any part of however long it lasts.

The format will follow that of past years. We will headquarter in the Crystal Inn in Salt Lake City and ski the slopes along the Wasatch Front. We try to ski a variety of different areas (primarily Alta, Solitude, Brighton, Deer Valley, Park City, and The Canyons). As always, you have the option to ski Snow Basin, Powder Mountain, Snowbird, and Sundance. Each day we will decide where people want to go and head out. Of course, this never precludes any other personal preferences. And as is always the case, there is very enjoyable skiing for every skill level.

The Crystal Inn has offered us yet another good deal and has provided assurance of good rates which include a modest dinner and breakfast spread. If you wish to stay there, call the Reservations Department at (888) 685-9300 and refer to USAFA 60 MiniSki. They will work beneficial arrangements with you. We have blocked 10 rooms (5 queens & 5 kings) and, hopefully, if we use those they can come up with others. If you wish other accommodations, I can recommend several places near the Crystal Inn, equally as convenient and available. Much of the evening activities (like eating) will take place near The Crystal Inn, so it will be a good choice.

The Crystal Inn has a deal with "Enterprise Rental Car", so if you wish, take the hotel transport to and from the airport and arrange car rentals from there (might save a day or two rental fees). If you don't want to rent a car, there is always enough transportation among us, and some of the hotels (including the Crystal Inn) do have a shuttle service. We have experienced no transportation problems in past meetings. The only thing you have to do is get to Salt Lake City. If you don't have or don't want to bring skis, boots or poles I will help you rent equipment. All equipment can be had at reasonable rates from any one of many local outlets.

Here is the concept we have used in the past:

Make your own living accommodations directly with the hotel.

Upon arrival either rent a car or call the hotel for transport to check in.

As soon as you can, let me know your location and I will update you on other attendees, their locations and the plans-of-the-day.

Breakfast is discretional (Crystal Inn does have a complimentary breakfast). We will either meet at a pre-arranged spot or the ski area chosen for that day. Most area lifts open at approximately 9:15 am.

We will plan to ski each day, at the chosen area. Depending on individual desires, we do have day-to-day flexibility without any pre-investment. The local ski area lift tickets run $35.00-$75.00 per day (we'll get any discounts we can).

We plan to ski as groups/sub-groups returning to your hotel as you desire at the end of the day, usually around 4-4:30 PM.

Evening meals in small groups or one large group at one of several local restaurants - there is a wide variety of menus. Transport mostly by personal car. In the past we have generally dined as a large group and had a blast.

Depart Salt Lake City as you desire/ or whenever.

All the major car rental agencies are available at the airport but it is always a good idea to reserve a car in advance. A car would come in handy if you want to venture independently to outlying areas and Park City, The Canyons, or Deer Valley. (about 30-40 minutes drive from center Salt Lake City). Also Park City offers an excellent discount shopping mall and various tours if you want a change of pace. If you do, please let me know so I can help with the arrangements.

These are the essential actions you must take:

1. Make your own travel arrangements.

2. Make your own reservations directly with the hotel or call me. Be prepared to show your current military ID upon check in at the hotel for any military discounts. There is no group registration process so when you arrive let me know your location, room number, etc. and status so I can make sure to get the group together.

3. Let me know your plans as soon as you can, particularly if I can assist your planning or travel in any way.

You and anyone you would like to join us is warmly welcome. It doesn't matter how well you ski, we have easily accommodated all levels of skiers. We meet to have fun and enjoy one another. But, if you believe you might need any individual assistance or pointers from Al Johnson, or his lead instructor Greg, this is your chance. Al has assured me he will retain last year's rates. As in the past, both Al and Greg will be available for consultation and/or private attention. If you have any logistical questions or concerns, I will do my best to respond, so give me as much warning as you can. I will be in the Park City starting December 15. My phone numbers are: Colorado, (719) 488-4317 and FAX (719) 488-4317, (719) 460-0035 (cell); e-mail: Bacfly60@MSN.Com., and Park City (435) 658-4617. Please try to make it, because it's really fun.

Again this year we may be sharing the slopes with a group of Red Tags organized and shepherded by Jim Gallagher. They are planning a like outing in Salt Lake the same week. In the past, this group has not added up to much . . . what do you expect from Red Tags.

This letter is going out via e-mail to the skiers I am aware of so, if you know any classmate that may want to come but may not get this mailing, let me or them know and I will do my best to get the word out to them. (I will send regular mail to those I am aware of that don't have e-mail.)

See you in February/March.

Respectfully,

Andi Biancur (Snow Bwana)

13634 Paradise Villas Grove

Colorado Springs, CO. 80921

(719) 488-4317

e-mail: Bacfly60@MSN.Com

From: LES QUERRY

[mailto:usafaclassof60@gmail.com]

Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 5:07 AM

To: Ace HOLMAN

Subject: RG head

Ace,

Jerry de la Cruz just sent me the following. Please post as soon as you can.

Les

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

I saw Carole last night (Sunday) and am sorry to report that RG has had a setback. They have found another infection in his back and he also has pneumonia. He has two large open incisions on his backside from his first surgery that they have yet to close and further surgery may be necessary. He will continue his stay in the hospital until further notice. He continues to be in pain and requests that there be no visits or calls until further notice.

I know we all continue to wish him a speedy recovery.

Jerry de la Cruz

Subject: R G Head

Date: Fri 10/27/2006 5:53 AM

(Thursday, 26 October) I just received a call from Carole Hoover, RG's wife. RG is in the hospital after having had surgery on Sunday, a day after several of us talked to him on Saturday afternoon. RG's pain for several previous days was caused by a severe abscess near his tailbone causing an internal infection. His recovery appears good and he will be in the hospital for a few more days. He can receive calls at 703-776-4756.

Please give him a call. I just talked to RG and he sounded a bit weak (as might be expected) but was upbeat.

Les Querry

Subject: 1960 Polaris

From: Dick Troy [rtroy@pa.net]

To: cholman@atn.org

While going through all those musty boxes in my basement, I've happened upon a 1960 Polaris, marred only by my own name on the inside cover. If anyone in your class is interested in this tome, I'd be happy to let it go for postage only.

Best regards to you and your class.

Dick

Dick Troy

'63

3960 Brookridge Drive

Mechanicsburg , PA 17050-2103

Subject: USAFA/New Mexico at 1:00 CST Saturday

Date: Thu 9/25/2006 6:17 AM

Falcon football has become more interesting and certainly more promising over the past three weeks since September 9 and the close, heartbreaking loss to Tennessee in Knoxville by a 30-31 score. The victory last week over Wyoming in Laramie by a score of 31-24 was terrific and helped to put the defeat by the Vols behind for all of us. I'll provide a preview and prediction for the game tomorrow; but just in case Angler's (or your favorite sports bar) is not able to show the game, I've copied the following from the Air Force athletic website to enable those interested to follow the game in real time:

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

Bolt Action All Access Offers Free Audio & Video Falcon Fans Benefit From New Site

Sept. 25, 2006

The athletic department recently contracted with CSTV Online Network to operate GoAirForceFalcons.com. The Falcons join the Mountain West Conference and nine of the conference schools as part of CSTV's internet network.

This new partnership started on Sept. 15th. It is very important for Falcon Fans who paid a subscription fee for Bolt Action prior to our new site launch on Sept. 15th, to re-register by clicking on the Bolt Action logo. There is no subscription fee for live audio of all of the Falcon's football games, men's basketball games and selected ice hockey and women basketball games. In addition, weekly press conferences, coach's radio shows and coach's TV shows will be offered free.

We are currently working with our old service provider to cancel all credit card fees made by Bolt Action subscribers prior to Sept. 15h

The revamped website also features an improved design with wider photo layouts for every page, including updated news, stories and statistics about all aspects of Air Force intercollegiate athletics. GoAirForceFalcons.com will receive CSTV's industry-leading suite of online and new media solutions which includes editorial content, wireless alerts, e-commerce and other fan-based online marketing initiatives. The site will also feature CSTV's exclusive GameTrackerTM technology, allowing fans to follow live simulated game action, details and full play-by-play of their favorite teams. CSTV's online division operates the site as part of its Web site network that includes nearly 250 official athletic sites.

GO FALCONS!

Aaron

Subject: Address,phone,e-mail for class page

Date: Thu 9/28/2006 6:17 AM

Address: 853 Vanderbilt Bch. Rd. PMB 252,

Naples FL. 34108.

Good all year.

239-591-2787(Nov. through Apr.).

1 Longmeadow Hill Rd.,

Brookfield, CT. 06804(May through Oct.).

203-775-3742(May-Oct)

bgkaley@aol.com

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: AF vs Tenn

Be There!!!!!

Sure, we are 20 point underdogs; but can you even imagine the scene if the Falcons do the impossible and defeat the Vols in Knoxville in front of over 100,000 orange clad fanatics? Believe me, you would not forgive yourself if you missed it. Angler's has told me that they will try to give us the big screen that is now immediately at the top of the elevator as you reach the second floor. The Big Orange Club hangs out at the southeast corner of the room and will be loud and rowdy and overconfident. If we get too far ahead early in the game and it gets boring, you can always use the available free portable "Soundog" speakers that Angler's now have to listen to Florida beat up on Central Florida or Florida State wallop Troy Univ. (if they somehow get that game on TV). Both the Gators and FSU games start at 5:00 p.m. CST. The Texas/Ohio State game will start at 7:00 p.m. CST and the place should be rocking with all sorts of fans. Thankfully, both Auburn and Alabama play earlier in the afternoon. I almost forgot that the Penn State/Notre Dame game will start at 3:30 p.m. CST and should be really interesting in the fourth quarter just as USAFA/TENN is beginning. If you are still unconvinced that a Falcon victory is impossible, call up a Colorado Buffalo fan who is an acquaintance and ask what happened in the Montana State game in Boulder last week; or call a New Mexico Lobo fan and ask how on earth they lost to Portland State at home last week. Fisher DeBerry was quoted in the Gazette this week as saying, "They can do anything if they believe it, and I believe that about anybody. I truly believe you can do anything." Coach Phillip Fulmer was quoted in the Denver Post as saying, "I didn't particularly want to play this game. ... If we could have found somebody else to play {a 12th game} we would have. Nobody is anxious to play the flexbone or whatever they call it."

OK, what happens if worst comes to worst and the Vols aren't still enjoying their victory over California and are not thinking just a wee bit about the Florida Gators that they will play the week after our game in spite of their coaches telling them to not do that? What could happen is that the Falcons fumble or throw an early interception and the Vols do what they did the last time we played them; that would be in the 1971 Sugar Bowl when Ernie Jennings, Brian Parker and their mates had 24 points scored against them in the first quarter before losing 34-13. Without those 24 points the game would have been 13-10 in the Falcons favor.

This 2006 Tennessee team can score points quickly. They scored 21 early in the third quarter against California before the Bears realized what hit them. During last week's game, Vol QB Erik Ainge completed 11 of 18 passes for 291 yards and 4 TDs and only 1 interception. In 2005, Ainge passed for 5 TDs total for the entire season and threw 7 interceptions; he was splitting time with Claussen who has graduated and is gone. The Vol WRs are Robert Meachum who caught 5 passes for 182 yards and 2 TDs and Jason Swain who caught 2 passes for 65 yards and 1 TD. Their rushers are Arian Foster who carried 17 times for 69 yards and no TDs and Montario Hardesty who rushed 5 times for 56 yards and 1 TD. The Vol offensive line are all 300 pounds or heavier except the center who is the runt at 290. Only one Vol defensive lineman weighs 300, but they are quick and speedy. Sophomore LB Jerod Mayo earned national and SEC defensive player of the week honors by getting 3 sacks, 7 tackles and by breaking up one pass. The Tennessee defense has not allowed over 100 yards rushing in their last 13 games; Air Force averaged 246.5 yards rushing last year. Something has gotta give! The screaming Volunteer fans got 3 False Starts and 1 Delay of Game penalty called on California due to the Bears not being able to hear signals. Do you think the Falcons practiced some hand signals this week as they listened to Rocky Top blaring during practice?

Surprises for the Falcons this week are senior Beau Suder starting at slotback in front of senior Justin Handley and junior Chad Smith. Junior Ryan Williams will start at fullback since senior Jacobe Kendrick is evidently still having hamstring problems. Junior Chad Hall will start at wingback as expected; and, of course, junior Shaun Carney will start at QB. Junior Caleb Morris who was the first freshman to ever start on the offensive line for DeBerry was injured and missed the 2005 season; it is a bit surprising to see him listed as backup at LG rather than starting there or at RT where some had predicted. Some other defensive players have moved up or down the depth chart, but I'm sure all will see plenty of action. Expect the standouts to be Gilberto Perez at LT, Chris Sutton at RC (right corner?) and at punt returner, and Bobby Giannini at FS. Grant Thomas at RT may surprise, as may Noah Garguile at LE as teams double up on Perez and leave those beside him an easier time to make plays. The Falcons do now list 8 freshman on the varsity roster. Only 4 of the freshman are listed on the 3 deep depth chart and all are currently third in line. They include Nicholas Charles on the offense at RG. On the defense are Ryan Gonzales at LT (third behind Perez) and Chris Thomas at FS (third behind Giannini). Jacob Branstetter is listed third as a placekicker. Of local interest is senior Bryan Jones from FWB High School as long snapper and Mark Root from Tallahassee as the backup WR.

If the Falcons are to win this game they will have to try to control the ball as much as possible to keep their defense off the field as well as keeping the Vol offense from running wild. They have to keep turnovers to an absolute minimum and play smart with no stupid penalties. The defense has to not allow long backbreaking gains by the Vols, keep penalties to a minimum and get a turnover or more. If the Falcons can do all that; and if the football gods smile upon them, Saturday could see a 24-21 Falcon victory. If the Vols ever get more than a 14 point lead, the game could get ugly and end up as a 42-14 Tennessee victory or worse. Let's think positive and remember how sweet an upset can be.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!

Aaron

From: Jim Alexader

Subject: email change

Jim and Martha Alexander are still in Seneca SC (near Clemson) but have a new e-mail address. wldflr@bellsouth.net

Hope everyone is having a great summer! Jim/Alex

From: Aaron Thrush

Subject: Time to talk some football

We've had our first hurricane threatening the U.S. mainland, Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks have won their first game in 2006, there's a bit of a nip of fall in the air (maybe in northern Minnesota). It is obviously time to talk some Falcon Football.

It could be a difficult and disappointing season for the Falcons in 2006, what with #2 Notre Dame, #21 TCU and #23 Tennessee and #28 Utah all on the schedule. Those are all rankings from the USATODAY Coaches' Preseason Poll. In addition, most preseason MWC rankings have Utah, TCU, BYU, SDSU, and CSU favored to finish higher than the Falcons and to likely defeat Air Force in their games. That leaves UNLV, Wyoming, New Mexico and, of course, Army and Navy as being games that the Falcons are expected to have a reasonable chance of winning. If they win all five of those predicted-to-be competitive games, Air Force would end up with a third straight below .500 season at 5-7 and no bowl game for a fourth straight season. If that happens, Coach DeBerry might be looking at retirement earlier than he had planned.

Now, all of us who have followed DeBerry-coached Falcon teams know that those teams have often thrived when they were underdogs. No one predicted that Air Force would defeat Notre Dame 4 straight in the mid-80's; and very few, if any, predicted that the Falcons would defeat Ohio State, Texas, Virginia Tech and Washington in bowl games during DeBerry's tenure. Still, coaching is all about what have you done lately? In short, Coach DeBerry and his 2006 team know that the pressure is on; and they appear ready to accept the challenge.

In the Blue/Silver game yesterday at USAFA, the Varsity Silver team defeated a Blue team made up of JV and Freshmen players by a 20-0 score. Some names, most of us are not familiar with came up in the game summary on the Falcon Football Website. The first Silver TD was scored by Ty Paffet on a 17-yard run. The second TD resulted from a 22-yard interception runback by Chris Sutton (a familiar name as a now-senior CB and PR from 2005). The third Silver TD came about from a Shaun Carney to Beau Suder 29-yard pass. An attempted two-point Varsity conversion failed. Paffet, a junior HB, and Suder, a senior HB, are obviously in the mix at the slotback/wingback positions to a greater degree than originally expected. All things considered, not a terrible showing by the Falcon Varsity, but not exactly a sterling showing either. To quote Coach DeBerry:

"Our intensity, passion and excitement was lacking tonight, but I think that has a lot to do with practicing for four weeks and it being parents weekend," Air Force head coach Fisher DeBerry said. "We ds and we forced six turnovers (four turnovers, two blocked kicks)."

They will have to do much better if they do not want to be run off the field when they play the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville next Saturday, September 9. Evidently the Falcons will have to do without the services of Jacobe Kendrick, the expected starting senior FB, who has a hamstring problem. There are the usual other minor injuries that may affect the playing time of some players, but we'll wait until next week to see how serious and numerous those end up as meaningful. I haven't been able to find any names of new Freshmen players that might be of help, but I would predict that we may well see some newcomers from the Fourth Class get a look under actual game conditions early in the season.

The best possible Falcon hope for the Tennessee game next Saturday is that the Volunteers have a really tough game this afternoon/evening versus the #12 ranked California Bears in Knoxville and end up a bit dazed and disorganized as they try to get ready to play the unfamiliar Falcon offensive sets next week. A little overconfidence and looking ahead to their game with the #8 ranked Florida Gators the following week in Knoxville on September 16 would help as well. You may want to watch the Tennessee/California game this afternoon that starts in less than two hours at 4:30 p.m. CDT on ESPN. For those in the FWB/Emerald Coast segment of the Gulf Coast (aka Hurricane Alley), plan on attending our group of stalwart Falcon fans watching the Air Force/Tennessee game at Anglers' Upstairs Sports Bar at 6:00 p.m. next Saturday, September 9. Also be prepared to see lots of orange colors and hear a few (very few, we hope) renditions of Rocky Top as Tennessee fans turn out in significant numbers at Anglers. Do plan on coming. You will never forgive yourself if the Falcons pull off the upset of the young 2006 football season and you aren't there to enjoy the experience with fellow grads.

GO FALCONS!

Aaron

P.S.--I'm forwarding a URL from Pat McAdoo, Class of 1964, who normally lives fulltime in Niceville near Eglin AFB when he isn't working on his vacation spot in the Colorado Mountains. It is a very interesting and thought-provoking article from the Colorado Springs Gazette that I'm sure you'll find worth reading

http://www.gazette.com/display. php?id=1321160& secid=3 .