1979
THOMAS UNDERWOOD
920 Bounty Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99515-3735
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www.usma1979.org
Subscribers: 191

The internet is really a great tool for disseminating information. As of this writing, Phil Patterson found a copy of "The Enduring Ledger" by the Combined Security Transition Command with an article by its commander, our own MG Robert Cone. The link is www.cstc-a.com/News/The%20Enduring%20Ledger%20Oct%202007.pdf. If it is still on the wire, check it out. There are so many great things happening in the zone. There's even a picture of MG Cone. You're lookin' good, Bob.

BG Gregg Martin is Commandant of the Engineer School and Deputy CG of Concepts, Doctrine and Organizations at the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.

MG John Macdonald is Commanding General, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command/Deputy Command ing General, Installation Management Command, Arlington, VA. John himself said, it seems just a few weeks ago that he (as a lieutenant) ducked inside a tank to hide from a two star general, and now he is one.

Doug Anson dropped me a line with the photo "of eight of us at the July Brigadier General Training Course in Falls Church, VA. Seven of us are brand new brigadier generals or brigadier general selects. Also in the photo is John MacDonald, the only major general among us. He was there as an instructor. In the photo are: Brent Boyles (ARNG), Chris Liens (USAR), John MacDonald (RA), "Mick" Nicholson (USAR), Gary Patton (RA), Charles "Hoop" Hooper (RA), Doug Anson (USAR), and Ken Cox (RA)." Doug goes on to add that he and Ken were beast roommates. "Who would've known that 28 years later. . ." You are right, Doug, there have been 1,400 different paths that still cross time and again.

Tom Allmon dropped in a letter from Iraq. He spends much of his time visiting soldiers in different locations and included a photo from Taji, which he describes as Iraq's Ft. Knox, as well as other locations. Tom says, "We are truly fighting terror itself, a determined enemy who is committed to disrupting the progress we are making here in Iraq. We need the continued support of the American people so we can build this democracy and root out the evil that is dedicated to destroying all the progress we have made and continue to make in Iraq." The story is the same across the board from those who are on the ground. We are making a difference. The people back here in the U.S. need to know the truth and that every raised hand of support is critical to our soldier's success. Tom, tell your soldiers we are all here for each and every life on the line.

Matt & Jamie Brown are at the Carson Long Military Academy in Pennsylvania. Matt is the president and Jamie helps in virtually every aspect.

Last issue you read that Liz Bates had died earlier in the summer. Liz's ashes were interred at West Point on 19 October. There was a gathering at the Herbert Alumni Center immediately following the ceremony. There was also a ceremony in Indiana with many '79ers in attendance including, Doug Danko, Rick Freed, Andy Gale, and Nick "Craig" Werling. Life can be too short for so many. May God continue to grant us the health we have enjoyed and welcome with open arms those of us who go to Him too early. Mick, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family. If anyone wishes to make any memorials, Mick Bates' address is 8852 East 700 South, Upland, IN 46989.

Fund drive 22 was completed in October after reaching the goal of $116,556 in 22 days. This is another great example of the giving spirit of our class. We can all be extremely proud of what our class has done and continues to do.

Tom Spellissy has had some setbacks in his legal battles and is very grateful to all who check in offering help and wishing him well. The website www.fight4spellissy.com/ has been built for anyone who can check in online. There are many ways to help Tom, if you wish. Keep your eyes on the Class Forum.

Speaking of helping; over the years there have been times when classmates desperately needed help. Members of the board and some classmates at large have gotten together to establish an assistance program for classmates in need. A formal Emergency Support Plan has been developed which you will hear more about in the coming months. Tim Bloechl has been appointed as the Chair with Jim Wells and Tom Graham as members. This is a really great concept that further exemplifies how much we, in the class, care for each other. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact your area representative or class leader.

Carl Cecil dropped in some photos from the gathering at the Army-Navy game. While this was not Army's best showing to date, there were still good times to be had.

Before I finish, I want to apologize to all you readers of my hard copy prose. Last issue there was a problem with the compressed file I submitted which I did not find out about until after my ability to repair the problem had passed. The fault is mine and I know where to look so it won't happen again.

This issue is very anemic. For this I apologize. I need you guys to write more and me to find a better e-mail client. May God bless you in the year to come and may we each keep at least one of the promises we made on 31 December.