Checkpoints Class News

Here’s Jim Glaza’s recap of the 65th Anniversary Reunion:

“Despite decreasing health, mostly mobility problems, an energetic contingency of classmates gathered 16-20 September to renew and embellish old friendships. Fully participating were Jim Alexander, Greg Boyington, Bill Carnegie, Clem Douglas, Jim Glaza, Charlie Hart, Joe Higgins, Jon McClure, Phil Meinhardt, Neal Reavely, Gordon Savage, J.T. Smith, Dave Sweigart, and Charlie Thompson. Making strategic appearances at various events were Carol Billelo, Jack Brush, Judy (Bujalski) Rodrigue, Wayne Kendall, John McCullough, Fred Porter, Diana Pupich and Ron Yates. Many were accompanied by spouses, children, family and friends who added immeasurably to the party atmosphere.

“Late Thursday afternoon we held our “Google Meet” open to the Class. Despite numerous technical and reception problems, our intrepid computer guru, J.T., managed a rousing and memorable meeting which ended up involving more than 30 classmates. It was so uplifting that numerous Classmates have requested a repeat meeting periodically in the future—TBD.

“Friday was cadet open house and briefings, followed by our Memorial Service in the Vietnam Pavilion, aptly presented by Wayne Kendall and Neal Reavely. [A copy of the Memorial Service Brochure is on the Class website, target="_blank" href="https://www.usafaclasses.org/1960/Reunions/65yr-Reunion/65yr-reunion-memorial.htm">HERE. Following that, a fine-dining dinner exceeded everyone’s expectations and was a fitting finale for many leaving early Sunday.

“Saturday started with the Glaza’s Jurassic Park tailgate preceding the contest with Boise State. Despite the final score, the game was very entertaining. Air Force must be the highest scoring, losing team in the country! For those not leaving early Sunday, the Brush’s offered a generous, robust brunch at their beautiful home, happily attended by many.”

Collected pictures from the event are on the Class Website. View them HERE.

While on the subject of pictures at the 65th, Joe Higgins checks in with, “… here is a pic of my daughter Linda from CA and I at the 65th reunion. She was the designated driver and wheel chair scout.”

Near Seneca, South Carolina, Jim Alexander serves at the Central Railway Museum several days a week in addition to playing golf three times a week. He, his wife Martha, two sons and a daughter-in-law attended the 65th class reunion. The sons arranged all the airline tickets and rental car and acted as driver and guide for many activities, including a super visit to the Garden of the Gods and to the former Lowry AFB and its memories of our first two years. Lunch with the cadets was interesting, and seeing his old cadet room was very special--although the current occupants should have received several demerits.

Dave Sweigart writes, “Camille and I attended [the reunion] with our granddaughter Paige Resor. She is a 2024 graduate of Belmont University in Nashville and lives there now working for an entertainment marketing company. She also joined us for an August trip to Branson, MO. I think she likes her grandparents.

“Enjoyed the Dinosaur tailgate party and the football game in spite of the final score. Our falcon decided to return for its halftime show after leaving the stadium for about 5 minutes. Also when an ‘85 grad saw I was a ‘60 grad, he said, ‘… we studied about you guys.’ It must have been in a psychology class.”

George Collier checked in with, “… My daughter, Sandra, and I took a ride in a 1920s Ford Trimotor in May. I thought I needed to get my time in for flight pay. We had quite a 20-minute ride.” J.T. Smith comments that he too once had a “dollar ride” in a Trimotor. It was his first experience aloft … when he was 84 years younger.

Ron Deep has relocated to a senior living facility in the Villas of Beavercreek near his former home in Beavercreek, Ohio.  He still enjoys working with software and computer challenges. He is getting used to a smaller living space, but making new friends is a welcome reward.

Jerry Farquhar resides in Okeechobee, Fl. Following graduation and flight school, he found himself flying heavies at McGuire AFB, along with several/too many fledgling airlifters.  Seeking more action, he transitioned into the world of commercial aviation, which he pursued for the next 55 years. In the process, he recorded 27,000 unblemished flying hours. In his book In The Air he describes many of his interesting exploits and rewards.

Sid Newcomb writes, “I had 3 roommates at the Academy (Dick Hillman, Nick Holly, and Ben Furuta). Ben is the only one who has not yet flown West; so, we have exchanged notes a few times. … [We] are expecting a visit from our eldest child, Holly (born in Okinawa in 1963), next week to celebrate my 88th birthday. Marvann’s sister and her daughter in law from Houston also plan to be here. I think our granddaughter Maddy (age 23)--who graduated from Texas State University ... and now teaches 5th graders near San Marcos--also plans to be here to celebrate my b/d.”