Return to Scribe Page

127th Column

Pictures at end of column

            127th Column.  12 Dec 01 (due 28th) for Mar/Apr 02. “George, I am sending this to you for your next column.  Perhaps you can find a gem or two in all this verbiage that will fill a hole in your fabulous writing.  John Sutherland.”  Remember Tom Leherer?  “That’s why God made your eyes, plagiarize.”  The following is virtually all John – his thoughts and words & thoughts.

The Reunion Different in the City Different, Santa Fe, NM 1-4 Nov. The hosts were the Seis Amigos led by Tom Claffey K2, Chairman.  Tom’s able assistants were Bob & Katie McCann D2, Mark Sigurski & Karen Aylor C1, Neil & Carole Mathis K2, Gerry & Bonnie Schurtz E2, and John Sutherland K2, CINC PR/PIO. Tom Sands K1, CINC Golf and Audrey Webb I2, organizer of widows’ activities assisted the Amigos.  Attendees included 141 classmates, 8 widows and 144 spouses/guests, total 293.

            The Amigos’ goal was having a relaxed and casual atmosphere, minimum scheduled activities, and maximum time with old friends. The Amigos encouraged class widows to participate and were blessed with eight attending.  We hope these eight and other widows will attend future Mini Reunions and Five-year Reunions at West Point.

            Inserted here is widows’ report from Sue Kernan C1.  From my perspective, we women were strangers who felt like sisters by the time our luncheon was over.  I know that the women felt very welcomed by their companies.  We were everywhere, doing everything and having a grand time.  I don't think there was much of the ‘grieving widow,’ (rather) strong women very grateful for inclusion and opportunity to be a part of the greater whole.  (No doubt) Audrey Webb felt responsibility and stress for organizing us.  Once everyone realized we're women unique only in loss, you have a spectrum of American women, military wives, proud of their families, making the most of hardships they have known and just living in the moment.   I was deeply moved by each person's story.  Some overwhelming in the suffering and pain their spouses went through with illness or injury.  But I have never been with such caring, warm and yes, happy people.  Each has her own story of what the reunion was for her.  We had a bond, not just with each other, but with the class, and that's a tribute to the wonderful spirit of '58. Love ya, Sue”

Thurs registration.  Later Class Cocktail Party with heavy hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and live guitar music.  Almost all 293 attended this event.  Hampton Sides, author of “Ghost Soldiers,” was our guest.  Hampton also gave a short talk on his book and the Bataan Death March.  Five of our classmates had fathers or other relatives involved in the Bataan Death March and Japanese POW Camps in the Philippines.

Fri was a “free” day for shopping, tours of Santa Fe and vicinity, visiting museums, playing golf and visiting with friends.  Fri evening another cocktail party with a cash bar and live guitar music. This was the gathering place for late arrivals and starting point for company dinners at the many fine restaurants in Santa Fe.  Benny Haven’s room rounded out the night.

Also on Fri our golfing classmates were treated to a first class experience in playing golf at PAA KO Ridge.  The course is listed in 2000 Golf Digest as the best new course in the US.  We had 27 players.  Dick Groves K1was low-gross and low-net winner (75/68).  George Robertson H1 was second in the low-gross category, 92/69.  His 23 handicap was questioned, but all is fair in combat golf.  Tom Sands K1 CINC Golf, with design advice from Margaret Groves K1, is working on a permanent trophy.  Mike Luck G1, a non-golfer, is “mentioned in despatches” for providing silver ball markers to lady golfers and first guys on the bus.

On Sat morning we held the annual Class Memorial Service in the beautiful, historic St Francis Cathedral.  Fr Jerome Martinez, Rector of the Cathedral, welcomed us.  Our own CH Bill Miles, F2, gave the Invocation.  The Cadet Prayer was said in unison, followed by Roll Call by cadet companies of classmates & wives who have died.  TSgt (Ret) Don Jackson, NMANG, played “Taps.”  Palmer McGrew I2 led the “Alma Mater.”  Fr Jerome gave the Benediction.  It was a moving ceremony in an impressive and solemn place.

The only, repeat ONLY, scheduled tour of the Reunion took place on Sat.  It was scheduled only because Shidoni Foundry required reservations.  Those signed up visited the foundry to observe how an artist's design in wood, clay, or whatever medium used, is turned into a bronze figure.  The final part of the visit was to observe one of the three molten bronze pourings the foundry does each Saturday afternoon.

Sat evening began with a Cocktail Party (familiar pattern here for ’58), followed by the Mexican Buffet dinner.  A live band provided music during cocktails and dinner with dancing later.  After dinner EC Chairman Palmer McGrew I2 made a few remarks.  Then Amigo Mark Sigurski C1 thanked our Class Scribe, George Sibert H2, for his many contributions in making '58 the close knit group it is.  Mark presented George with a plaque (sterling silver on wood) inscribed  “To George, the straw that stirs and the glue that binds, from your classmates, USMA '58.”  C1 Sylvia Claffey’s brother, Frank Patania, created the plaque.  Jewelry created by Frank, his father and his son are part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian.  Next, President Jack Bradshaw M2 recognized a number of other Classmates who have made and continue to make valuable contributions to the success of our class.

During a band break, the Gonzo Compadres entertained us.  Who are the Gonzos you ask?  Stan Bacon I2, on guitar, Chuck Densford A2, vocalist, and Sam Myers E1, on the guitarino (the big guitar seen in Mariachi bands).  All three sang under the watchful eye of Patsy Densford.  Songs included “Who Let the Gonzos Out?” “Alla en El Rancho Grande,” and La Cucaracha.”  Tony Nadal F1 added his Spanish expertise to the latter two.  Mark Sigurski added his violin and Art Meyer K2 accompanied with his trumpet – all five notes worth. The original three then did their own updated compositions, “The Gonzo Compadres” and concluded with “The Golden Years,” both familiar to those at Portland last year.  The evening ended with all singing “Benny Havens,”  “Army Blue,” and spontaneous rendition of  “God Bless America.”

On Sun groups met for breakfast featuring huevos rancheros or breakfast burritos and visiting before departing for their next destination.  Scribe and all attendees offer kudos to the Seis Amigos for our 11th mini reunion dating back to 1989 in Palm Springs, CA.  Mini number 12 is coming up in Pensacola 22-25 Apr 2002 (contact Ken Phillips A2).

Appreciative classmates have inundated the Seis Amigos with E-mail, snail mail and telephone calls thanking them for the Reunion.  All richly deserved!

Out of space, but not out of information.  Most will wait.  These cannot.  Top of the list is marriage of Edie Kovacs & Doug Sedgwick G1 on 8 Dec.  And engagements of Marianne O’Callaghan & Bob Pointer G2 (at Santa Fe dinner!) and Connie Kruger & Frank Wright G2.  All three ladies came to Santa Fe.  The class must have passed their inspections.

Photos for Mar-Apr 2002 (click on a picture for a larger view, use your browser's back button to return here)

1.        Anne Kirby-Tony Forster wedding 18 Aug 01

2.        Forty Travelers: Prague to Berlin June 01 including Maida & Randy Perkins ’60

3.        Company C-1 at Santa Fe

4.        C-1 Ladies at Santa Fe

5.        Company D-1 at Santa Fe

6.        Company D-2 at Santa Fe

7.      Company C-2 at Santa Fe

8,     Gonzo Compadres plus two “helpers”