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148th Column

         Pictures at end of column

             148th Column.  In last edition which you have not read yet – coming in July, Scribe added a PS to record the death of Gary Kosmider on 26 April in Assembly.  Further information follows from Chuck Densford’s email report of 8 May: “Gary Kosmider's Funeral  Mass and burial were conducted at Sierra Vista and Ft Huachuca, AZ on Monday, 2 May 2005.  The Funeral Mass was at Gary's church, St Andrews Catholic Church in Sierra Vista.  Following the Mass, a military funeral was conducted at the post cemetery at Ft Huachuca.

            “The class was well represented by 11 classmates and 5 wives.  There were 6 of us from A-2.  Those who attended were: Chuck & Pat Densford, Bob Dey, Bill Edwards, Neil & Carole Mathis, Don McCullough, Dick McManigell, Art & Sue Meyer, Tom Morgan, Gerry & Bonnie Schurtz, TK & Cathy Smith, and Stan Toney.  Jerry Lewis' son Charlie came over from Bisbee, AZ to join us and represent his dad.  Charlie made it a point to meet and talk to all of us. 

            “It was obvious that Gary was very well respected in the community: the church was packed for the Mass and the procession to the cemetery was several blocks long.  The Mass was led by the parish priest, assisted by the Catholic Chaplain from Ft Huachuca.  The priest gave an outstanding eulogy, which told of Gary's life and service to the nation, and an almost endless list of the many things that Gary accomplished within the Ft Huachuca - Sierra Vista community.  Gary was specifically praised for his work and leadership in growth, expansion, and a construction project at his church, a scholarship fund through the local chapter of the MOAA, improvements in the Ft Huachuca Museum, and building of a Sierra Vista Public Library.  The success of all of these projects resulted from Gary's unselfish devotion to his community, and his willingness to step forward and take the lead.

            “One of the most moving parts of the church service was our classmates singing the Alma Mater as a farewell tribute to Gary.  Gerry Schurtz led us in a very moving rendition of that song, which captured the emotions of all in attendance, and was a most fitting way to tell Gary that he had lived up to the highest ideals of West Point.  There was no better way to say to Gary, ‘Well done; Be thou at peace.’”  Our sympathies go to Mary and daughter Leslie and son Jon.  Thanks to A2 CCQ for this information!

            Sad news continues.  Sam Wilder ’61 notified us that Mel Drisko lost his battle with cancer on 23 June.  Our CINC Obits, Jack Downing, notified the class and AOG by email.  Mel’s memorial service was in Richmond on 27 June followed by a reception at home by Jane and son Dave ’90.  No doubt Mel & Jane’s other kinder and families were there as well.  Mel’s final p-rade at Arlington National Cemetery will be at 1300 on Monday 12 Sep (about the time you read this in Sep-Oct Assembly).  A later report from Jack about the service and reception: Margie & I went to Mel’s memorial service today.  The large room was filled.  I estimate about 200 people were there.  Many good testaments to his worthy accomplishments at West Point, in the Army and after.  The Cadet Prayer was given.   Classmates I met: Phil & Lynn Pryor, Tom Carpenter, Tony Nadal, Tom & Barbara Sands (Tom was Mel’s roommate for 3 ½ years), and Ron Bellows.  Audrey Webb went with us and we thoroughly enjoyed her company.  The American Legion Post 84 formed an honor guard, fired a salute, and blew taps.  We exited the room to West Point music.  Afterward we met Jane and their children at a reception at their home.  Jane said that she would miss the reunion at San Francisco but will make the one at Savannah.

            Other info from Sam ‘61 and Jack: donations can be made in Mel's name to either -- The Chesterfield Community Band, PO Box 1735, Midlothian, VA 23113 or American Legion Post 84 Memorial Rifles, PO Box 8554, Richmond, VA 23226.  Scribe can add that, as many of you know, the significance of both these organizations to Mel was his trumpet playing for them.  He played Taps for class memorial services at reunions maxi (45th) and mini.  Most recent was Mel’s playing Taps at our service in front of the Alamo last Oct.  I believe that San Antonio was where I learned that Mel had played for over 150 funeral services for veterans in the Richmond area.  He was truly a super Soldier who continued to serve in retirement.  His last active duty position was USMAPS Com from 1981 until his 1986 retirement.  Few have influenced more future cadets and officers than Mel did over those five years.  The Prepsters had a super role model.  We can all join in singing, “Well done; Be thou at peace.”  Grip hands with Jane and the Drisko family.

            Sad news that is both old and incomplete.  Bob Bunker learned that D1 non-grad Craig H Shaver Jr died in 1995.  Craig was a victim of French in Dec 54.  Bob and others are trying to get more information from his son Craig III.  Scribe notes that we have located a number of non-grads too late – after they died.  Please renew your efforts to find more of the 172 who entered Beast Barracks with us and did not graduate along with 11 turn-backs who served with us but did not graduate -- while they are still alive and well.

            16th Annual Memorial Service at the VN Wall.  Good turn out for the service and ANCC Brunch on 22 May.  This year we especially remembered George Hussey (KIA Cambodia 4 May 1970).  H2 was blessed with attendance by Bill Harrison (victim of Social Science Jan 57) and his son.  This was the first class event Bill has made.  We were also blessed with Paul Schonberger F1; first event Paul has attended in far too many years.

            Ring Recovery.  There is a dedicated group working to recover USMA class rings which are being sold on e-Bay.  The rings are then returned to grad or family.  A success story for our own Mel Farrar: Mel’s ring was lost on a softball diamond at Ft Belvoir during EOBC back in 1958.  It was first found by an NCO with a metal detector, but his efforts to return the ring to Mel in the mid-60s fell through.  Herb Johnson and Ring Recovery spotted it when it was advertised on e-Bay.  Long story short, Ring Recovery was successful bidder and Mel has his ring.  Email from Mel: “Thank you for your help.  The West Point Ring Recovery group obtained the ring and I am glad to reimburse their expenses. This year I seek my second retirement.  This time it is from a church in PA.  Hopefully this will give us more time with family and slow down the pace.  We will stay in PA.  The only reason we would move is to be closer to our family.  The two who are far from us are in transition; so we will do nothing until they settle.  I expect to have more time to keep in touch as soon as our church has a new pastor.  Thanks again.”

            Elite athletes & going pro.  Interesting discussion on class forum.  I commented that 2LT grad in 8th Inf at Ft Carson (1974-76) was SD training for Olympic track & field, not all that far removed from going pro – fulfilling his obligation while being an athlete.  Pete Byrne responded to me via email: “I did that too --  trained for the Pan Am Games full time.  Hurt my career but I hung in anyway.”

            Another ’58 author.  Received an email from Jack Crandall: “check out Amazon.com.  Go to books and do a search on Jack Crandall.  I'm another fledgling author.  Popeye is my project and it's been fun.  The book targets an audience of children from about kindergarten through 4th grade.”  Reminder to Jack and other authors – send a copy of your book to AOG Attn: Publications.

            Walker Award.  Once again Pete Penczer made the annual presentation on behalf of the class: “I did the Walker Award ceremony yesterday (at the Social Science awards presentations in late May) and found the whole thing extraordinarily stimulating, as anticipated.  Lee Olvey ‘55 was also there presenting an award.  While he was Cadet Brigade Commander our Plebe year, I was at his table for eleven weeks.  It was strange to shake hands with my Plebe Table Com finally.”  Way to go, Pete -- recognition fifty years later!

            Social calendar.  Williamsburg golf in July will be over when you read this – watch for 2006 dates.  Also completed will be Marchback in Aug 2005 – watch for 2006 date.  San Francisco Mini 17-20 Oct 2005.  C1 gathering in Carmel, CA after SF.  D1 gathering in Bransom, MO after SF.  Ski 58 at Sun Valley 25 Feb – 4 Mar 2006.  Savannah Mini 14-17 May 2006.  17th Annual Memorial Service at VN Wall & ANCC Brunch 21 May 2006 (Bob Degen special classmate; Sylvia and good D2 contingent plan to attend).  Seven digital photos and this one’s a wrap. 

Photos & captions:

  1. B2 Memorial Tree – Gainesville, FL Apr 2005
  2. Walker Award Ceremony – May 2005
  3. H2 at Memorial Service – 23 May 2005
  4. Class Crest at George Hussey’s panel
  5. Rubbing of all 13 classmates on the Wall
  6. Hugh & Ann Trumbull in the Andes
  7. Better shot of B2 files – April 2005