Class Of 1964 USAF Academy

The Old Trolls

By Doug Jenkins

The Old Trolls is a group of USAFA Class of 1964 grads who meet periodically at restaurants in Denver, Castle Rock or Colorado Springs for lunch, fellowship, networking and mutual support. The history of the Old Trolls goes back to 1995, when Roger Neeland and Jim Hermanson began to meet for lunch and prayer. Both Roger and Jim had started with the Tough Twenty Trolls back in 1960. This and their faith in God gave them much in common, and a rock-solid bond of friendship was formed.

In 1997, after his son Dan was killed in a rock climbing accident, Doug Jenkins, another Old Troll, was invited to join the group. Bruce Fister, also from CS20, then joined. This small group met faithfully for lunch and prayer over the next several years. Eventually they were burdened to pray for all members of USAFA Class of 1964. One idea that sprung from this small group was the Prayer Breakfast at the Class of 1964's 40th Anniversary in 2004. Roger, Jim, Bruce and Doug spearheaded this very successful event, which was repeated in 2009.

Soon more and more grads joined the group. Guys like Tom Jobin, Fred Malmstrom, and Wally Wolniewicz joined, as did Bob Beverly, Jerry Butler, Howie Cohen, Tom Morris, Steve Muller, Pete LoPresti and Rod Wells. More recently, we've added Usto Schulz, Bob Thomas and Claude Billings. See the below photo for a typical gathering. Pictured from left to right are Doug Jenkins, Bobby Beverly, Wally Wolniewicz, Jim Hermanson, Usto Schulz, Rod Wells, Howie Cohen, Jerry Butler, Bob Thomas and the irrepressible Fred Malmstrom.
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The objectives of the meetings are to eat (we always give thanks for the meal), solve the world's problems and set the date for the next luncheon. The get-togethers expand to include our beautiful wives once or twice per year.

It has been my privilege to keep the Old Trolls on track. It is one of those wonderful experiences the Lord drops in one's lap from time to time. Give me a call or shoot me an email if you'd like to attend an upcoming luncheon.
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