|
Company Commander |
Billy Joe Ellis |
|
Lieutenants |
Larry Eppley, Frank Forrest |
|
|
Lee Duke, Johnie Hemphill |
|
First Sergeant |
Birdy Birdseye |
|
Supply Sergeant |
Gabby Hartnett |
The Men of E-2 Plebe Year.
1st Row: Sundlie (nd), Casbon, Dorfield*, Ellis, Sheridan (nd), Duke, and
Bohen (nd). 2n Row: Forrest (nd), Hamilton, Malouche, and Brian.
3rd Row: Pavlinski*, Hamuersen, and Eppley (nd). 4th Row: Perkinson*, Johnston (nd), Michael,
and Lohrey*.
5th Row: Doody*, Lerner, Gigliotti*, and Cook. (* ex '51, Not shown; John Hemphill, hospitalized)
CIRCA
1951
- The clack of leather heels and books and chairs flying down stairs
through madly scrambling "bedward-bound" cadets will remain in our
memories as characteristics of Easy-2 after taps. Escape from the O.C. was
paramount, for academics was not preceded by the adjective, easy, our
company. However, ever aided by a prince among men, "The Crit", surrounded
and briefed by his elaborate coaching staff of cadets, we managed to
emerge with few losses and even placed our share of representatives on the
Dean's list. The only company spread out over five divisions, we lived
hard and true to our standard of fortitude. We ranged from 11th to 1st in
the Brigade in mortal intramural combat, but always managed to find time
for the pint of "cream" from the "boodlers". Oblivious to the outside
world, we enjoyed Sigma Tau's frat parties as diversions on weekends while
hurling aside the dreary weekly routine. Our struggles and happiness will
ever inspire us in our life's journey.
THE
REST OF THE STORY
– Twenty-two graduated; 8 went Air Force, 2 Armor, 7 Artillery, 4 Infantry
and 1 was discharged disabled on graduation. Two E2-Co files got stars,
both MG's. The group averaged 20.6 years of service and achieved an
average rank of Lieutenant Colonel, however, if we consider only those who
served at least 20 years the average rank is Colonel and the average
number of years served is 24.8. Decorations
- Johnie Hemphill has to be the most decorated man in our class, he was
decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism and valor,
involving extraordinary risk of life in connection with military
operations against an enemy; the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for
exceptionally meritorious service in a position of unique and great
responsibility while serving on a joint staff or with other joint
activities of the Department of Defense. Johnie also earned the
Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in a
duty of great responsibility; two Silver Stars for distinguished gallantry
in action; the Defense Superior Service Medal for superior meritorious
service on joint staffs and other joint activities of the Department of
Defense; three Purple Hearts for wounds received in action against an
enemy plus 35 other awards and decorations. Lou Michael was decorated with
the fourth Purple Heart that was awarded to the E2-Co lads. Billy Joe
Ellis got 2 Distinguished Service Medals for exceptionally meritorious
service in a duty of great responsibility; and Lee Duke was decorated with
the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action. Altogether there
were 21 Legions of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the
performance of outstanding services; 5 Distinguished Flying Crosses for
distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in
aerial flight; 18 Bronze Star Medals for distinguished heroism against an
enemy; 7 Meritorious Service Medals for conspicuously meritorious
performance of duty in a non-combat situation; 51 Air Medals for
meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating
in aerial flight; 3 Joint Service Commendation Medals; 11 Commendation
Medals for distinguished service and 7 Combat Infantryman
Badges. Advanced
Degrees
‑ And they returned to school earning sixteen advanced degrees; one Juris
Doctor, three MBA's, five Master of Science degrees in Engineering and
seven Master of Arts degrees in a wide variety of disciplines ranging from
English, Mathematics, History and International
Affairs. National
Defense University
‑ They also continued their professional education, two attended the
Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort Lesley McNair; two the Army
War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania; one the Navy War College and
one the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk,
Virginia.
Grip hands with us now, though we see thee not, Grip hands with us, ... Aldie ... Frank ... Phil ... Maggie ... Gabby ...
... Larry .. Verle .... Billy .... and Dewey .... Strengthen our hearts! 1. Aldon Sundlie died on September 26, 1952.
2. Frank Forrest died on December 11, 1967.
3. Phil Sheridan died on October 28, 1973.
4. Maggie Bohen died on April 1, 1979.
5. Gabby Hartnett died on September 17, 1986.
6. Larry Eppley died on December 14, 2002
7. Verle Johnston died on September 4, 2012
8. Russ Johnson died on November 08, 2012
9. BJ Ellis died on March 12, 2013
10. Dewey Detar died on May 06, 2013
11. Elmer Birdseye died on September 17, 2013
For complete list of deceased classmates go to: Casualties
Still Kicking are ... Pat ... Lew ... Peyton ... Lee .. Frank ... John ... Johnie ... Bob ... Joe ... Bill and Lou ...
You'll recognize those attending the 65th, they look thusly now and they have a thing or two to share with you.
 Alice Birdseye W/Elmer (nd) |
 Pat Brian w/Martha in Seattle |
 Lew Casbon |
 Peyton Cook W Anne |
 Kitty Detar W/ Dewey (nd) |
 Lee Duke W Grandson & Janet |
Update on Elmer--- Elmer served until 1975 when he retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel and was awarded a second Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty. On retirement, El accepted a position with the Fairfax County Water Authority and in 1978 became an Analyst with Information Spectrum. In 1989, after moving to Lexington, VA he went into the Real Estate business. He is now fully retired from paying positions. El and his wife Alice make their home in Lexington, Virginia where they are both occupied doing volunteer work. Both serve on the Board of the Rockbridge County American Cancer Society. The like to travel and enjoy seeing all the classmates and their wives who attend Mini-reunions. They also enjoy visits from their four children and their families. Jim at present is teaching at VMI, Don safely home from Bosnia and stationed in Hawaii as the DCSOPS, USARPAC; Sarah in Rhode Island and Susan with her husband and two children in Williamsburg. The September 1991 Assembly notes, "Paul Summers reports that Elmer and Alice Birdseye were at the Charlottesville, VA Founders Day. Their son Dan was with the `Big Red One' in Desert Storm. Alice is pres of the Lexington, VA Women's Club. Elmer is pres of the Lexington unit of the American Cancer Society and VP of the Lions Club. (Elmer and Alice will be at the 60th.)
*******************************************Update on Pat---Upon graduation Pat went in the Artillery and after completing the Basic Artillery Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma
reported to the 376th Airborne Field Artillery Battalion where he served from 1951 to 1953. Pat's next assignment was to Headquarters Group, United States
Forces, Austria from 1953 to 1955. From 1956 to 1959 Pat served with the 502nd Airborne Battle Group, 101st Airborne Division, then in 1960 he was assigned
to Military Assistance Advisory Group, Republic of Iran where he served until his assignment, the same year, to Headquarters, Artillery and Guided Missiles
Center, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Pat's last military assignment was to Central Army Group in 1966 but he resigned his commission as Major and returned to school.
In 1968 Pat earned a Masters degree in International Relations from Boston University. In 1983 Pat was appointed Superintendent of Water Operations for the
City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Pat and his wife Martha make their home at Sun City, Georgetown, TX
On October 31, 2011 Pat writes, "
Well, dear Class, it's My Day, and when one's birthday is the day before Halloween one suffers the jokes, e.g., I knew I was too old for Trick or Treating when I found myself knocking on my own door...
After a too-hot Texas summer we are back to beautiful, balmy October and November.
All's well with Marty and offspring, clear down thru my two great granddaughters. We spend time with all of them here mainly in the mid-west. We also are still performing in the Actors Guild here in Sun City. My legs are holding up so I'm able to continue playing Pickleball,--Google it--winning the gold several times in single and doubles in the Texas Senior game championships.
I almost wince when I open Class emails, afraid of learning of another increase in the "ghostly assemblage." As they say, "It,s authorized," but that doesn't make it easy.
Love to all."
Pat Brian
On October 9, 2012 Pat writes, "My Day and Marty’s too, as our birthdays are a week apart. I am 84, she … is younger!
To celebrate, we went to the bed and breakfast at Kindred Oaks in the south part of Georgetown and had the whole place to ourselves, including the honeymoon suite. It was a sentimental treat—my only complaint being that the bedside lights were so dim I had difficulty reading my usual two pages, which suggested that the previous thousands bedding down in the magnificent four-poster through the years were not interested in reading. Insert smiley face here.
Life is good, and my current goals include finding ways to help finance four—so far-- grandkids thru college so they won’t have to start out deep in debt, and keeping our affairs in order to make our move to the Long Grey Line easy on the kids.
My daughter Kelly found a way to move up the waiting list to get her son Chase, deeply autistic, into institutionalized care in Oklahoma. She reports that he seems to enjoy running lap after lap on the indoor track. The lesser afflicted Asperger children play soccer and such outside, and are sweet and kind to the kids like Chase. This gives her and hubby Jerry more of a normal life than they have had for many years.
My knees keep holding up--I give thanks--so I continue to play Pickleball in the Sun City club here. I’ve won several Texas championships in the Senior Games in singles and doubles. Marty still does an occasional painting and we both audition for and get parts in plays. Can’t imagine why they keep putting me in comedy roles!
Lastly, perhaps the GOP is transmuting into the WOP—White Old Party (I didn’t coin that)—after all, who’s gonna vote against Santa Claus? But as a wise friend of mine here says, even if the country continues on to a socialist state—hey, it may not be our country anymore--we will still have a land with seaports on three coasts, fairly good friends to the north and south, with a great breadbasket in the middle. But as Jay Cost of the Weekly Standard says, “The trajectory of American history is not an inevitable leftward drift, so buck up, conservatives!” If this offends, well, sorry, I should have sent it to the Forum!
Naughty me. Blessings"
Pat Brian, E-2
Update on Lew---Lew's last military assignment was to Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Saigon and served from 1971 to 1972
when he retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. The May 1991 Assembly noted, "The Lew Casbons stay constantly on the move; a trip East
and the A/N game with daughter Linda in December, to Canada in January, and later to Europe. They are fun people, very pleased with and enjoying their lives
." Lew and his wife Marillyn made their home in Golden, Colorado the home of the Rocky Mountain Kool-Aid. Marillyn died on June 7, 1999; the cause of death
was interstitial lung disease caused in all probability by rheumatoid arthritis. Son Jon is stationed in Germany with his family. Lew and Phyllis were married
on May 14 2000.
On 10-24-12 Lew reports, "First the note I have been sending to family to include the 13 great grandchildren: - This 85th birthday thing is ok and has gone on for the better part of a week. Family dinner last Sunday when all were available. Dinner last night with Phyllis' sister and brother in law after a surprise visit enroute to their winter home in AZ and tonight a small group of neighbors coming for wine and snacks. I like this 85 thing and thank all who have participated. Every day a few neat pictures arrived so it has been a great week. God has blessed me with good health for which I am very thankful.
It has been another good year for Phyllis and I (me). Activities included attended a wedding at Annapolis in May then took an extra couple of days to have a mini with Detars and Dukes. A great time for all. We made our annual trip to Minnesota over the 4th of July where Phyllis' family gather each year and took an extra few days to play golf with my brother in Indiana. We make many trips back and forth to the mountain place during the summer months and enjoy the activites there which some consider as work. A few weeks ago we looked out the bedroom window and could almost touch the mama bear and her two cubs. Later witnessed a Moose heading across the dam - lots of wildlife in the Rocky Mountain area.
Very soon we will head for Arizona where we spend 4-5 months in the Verde Valley, 20 miles Southwest of Sedona. I enjoy reading the MY DAYS from other classmates during the course of the year and thank Larry Mintz for establishing the tradition. Blessings and good wishes to all." Lew Casbon
On October 24, 2013 Lew writes "Very hard to believe but this is the day I reach 86. The more one thinks about it, the harder it is to believe. Phyllis and I have been married 13 plus years and all is well. We are both blessed with good health and healthy families. My family enjoyed a weekend reunion in Colorado Springs last month with a few grandchildren present but none of the 14 great grandchildren. The reunion included a trip on the cog railway to Pikes Peak. I recommend that to all who have not experienced same. We will travel to the Arizona home next week but return to CO for the holidays. During late August we attended a wedding in Duluth, a beautiful setting with sunshine on the shore of lake Superior. We will travel to Hilton Head Island for a week in a time share the first week in February which will include a visit with Phyllis' sister. The usual activity at our mountain place during the summer brought forth many trips to and from the Denver area with lots of fun (work) at the cabin which is located 55 miles from Steamboat Springs CO - 8600 feet above sea level. We have enjoyed the annual report of classmates and will miss those who have departed for the great beyond during the year. Lew Casbon
Update on Peyton---In May 1972, he began his final assignment as a staff officer in the Studies Branch of J-5, US European Command. He
was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Peyt retired from the United States Air Force in 1974 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Until his second retirement
in 1991, Peyt worked in two private Episcopal schools as a history teacher, golf coach and in administrative positions. Peyt and Anne make their home in
Southern Pines, North Carolina. Peyt’s father is Orval R. Cook, General, USAF, Cullum No. 6884, USMA ’22.
On Mon, 3/7/11, Peyton Cook wrote: "I am not certain
today is My Day, but I believe I am close. Anne and I continue to enjoy the Sandhills of
North Carolina. We had planned to move to a retirement facility late this year, but have
since changed our minds. We already live in a community in which our lawns, lands-
caping and house exterior are taken care of. Our home is comfortable and not large.
It suits our needs as well as a retirement community.
We both are still very active and our health is good considering age. I walk our Schnauzer,
Molly, early every morning and afternoon, and try to play golf three times a week, weather permitting. I am Treasurer of our small Anglican parish; in fact I have been the only
Treasurer. My addiction to electronics extends to a new iMac, and an iPad after years of
PCs. The iPad is great for reading, which I do a lot. When not playing golf I do home
exercises.
Anne is active playing bridge, walking Molly, exercise at home or at the pool (indoor
naturally), and at present, she is taking a course on the iMac.
We invite any who wish to sample our life a warm welcome. We are about ten minutes
from anything we need from medical care, shopping, dining, and of course, golf.
Look forward to the 60th." Peyton
Update on Dewey---Upon graduation Dewey was found physically disabled and was not commis-sioned; although he did receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. In 1961 Dewey accepted a position with Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and in 1981 went with Teleflex Inc. where he served until 1990 when he went with North West Controls, Inc. Dewey retired in 1993 and makes his home in Pottstown, Pennsylvania with his wife Kitty.
*******************************************On 4-8-11 Lee reports, "For me, the road to West Point began in 1946 when two “wannabe” Aviation Cadets (Rocky Milburn and myself) applied for RA appointments while stationed at Barksdale Field, LA. We both, obviously, achieved our goal, and joined the Class of ’51 on 1 June 1947. Upon graduation, I joined Armor Branch, and served all of my troop assignments with Armored Cavalry units. Staff assignments were mostly in the OR/SA field. I retired in 1975 with the rank of Colonel, and settled on a small farm near Carlisle, PA. In 2006, I married Janet Cox Holmes, a lady I have known since 1943. Between Janet and me, we have six children and ten grandchildren; we recently were blessed with our first great grandchild. (I yield to Rocky in the field of progeny!) The extended family is currently located in FL, MI, NE, NJ, NY, PA, SD, UT, and VT. Janet and I spend our summers on Long Beach Island, NJ, where we have a very pleasant cottage a block from the beach. Winters are spent in Paoli, PA (in the Philadelphia area), in a lovely condo community. Plans are to move within the next two years to a brand new CCRC (currently under construction) approximately eight miles from our Paoli location. Activities that we are involved in include church functions, various volunteer work, bridge (Janet), and visits with family. Travel is becoming less frequent, but we do attend all family graduations and weddings. (Immediately after the 60th Reunion, we head to Nebraska for a granddaughter’s HS graduation.) For us, life is great – and we are honored to be members of the Class of 1951 and the greater West Point community. We will see you at the 60th!"
******************************************* Frank Hamilton WO/ Charlotte |
 John Haumersen |
 John Hemphill |
On 10-10-2004 Frank reported:-- Charlotte and I continue to be in reasonably good health. We're fortunate in that it's been eight years
since her bout with leukemia. We continue to thank our lucky starts that she was in Texas when it happened and that she was sent to MD Anderson
in Houston. Should anyone need cancer treatment now or in the future, I highly recommend this hospital. Since our great 50th reunion, I've managed to lose
my 'beer gut' and about 25 pounds. On a more positive note, I continue to enjoy my three grandsons: Trevor (23) and Casey (21) via daughter Lynne and Michael
(2.5) via Tricia, Charlotte's daughter when we got married. Trevor is studying at a local community college and is a whiz at computers and sound systems.
Casey is a junior at James Madison in Harrisonburg, and Michael is the current interest. As I write this, Charlotte and Tricia are somewhere in northern
France on a tour while Marcos and I are baby sitting Michael at his home in Fayetteville, NC. Today Michael and I drove to Spencer, NC to ride
the Thomas train. We left home about 9AM and returned about 7. Both grandson and grandad were pooped, but both had a good time. Marcos is an artillery captain in the 82d Airborne and returned from duty near Fallujah in Irag last April
. He's also been to Afghanistan with the 82d and, while stationed in Germany, spent time in Kosovo. Presently he's in jumpmaster school. Besides grandfathering,
I continue to tutor math and SAT prep and to maintain my interest in military history especially the Civil War. I like to conduct battlefield tours of
Gettysburg and Antietam, so if anyone plans a trip to either of these spots, I'll gladly be your guide. I enjoy reading of the activites our our classmates
on the net. I don't have my calendar with me, but if I remember correctly, Ed Lukert's funeral is the 25th. I plan to be there and hope to see many of you.
We also have tickets to the Navy game, so I'm sure we'll see many of you then. This year, let's BEAT NAVY!
On May 29, 2011, Frank writes, "Hello Classmates:
Well, today is my 82d and time to review what's going on. Of course, the big
change for Charlotte and I is that after 25 years of living in Virginia, we
moved to Lexington, KY. There are many reasons, but the main one was to be
closer to Tricia and her family, especially since Marcos as I write this is
on his third tour to Iraq. He's with the 82d, but not as a combat unit. They
are overseeing the transfer of operations to the Iraqi. As I understand it,
the unit will be in Iraq for 6 months, then deploy to Kuwait for 6 months
with the ability to go back if something goes wrong. We have loaded Skype on
both Tricia's and my computer and we have video-telephone calls with him
several times. It's great for the Grandsons, Michael 9 and Alex 6.
Our address in Kentucky in case you didn't get my earlier message is 4008
Parker Meadows, Lexington, KY 40515-4825 and our phone numbers are
859-554-5148 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 859-554-5148 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (H) and 859-455-6597 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 859-455-6597 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (C).
Both Charlotte and I are in reasonably good health, although the chemo that
Charlotte had in '96 has affected her heart and possibly her short term
memory. I had successful out patient surgery for a hernia repair earlier
this year.
Life is really relaxed in Lexington. Last October I volunteered for the
World Equestrian Games -- it was the first time ever they had been held
outside of Europe. The games are to the horse world what the Olympics are to
the sporting world.
Time to walk the puppies. Max, our Bichon, is 10 but we still think he's a
pup. Leo is one year old and is a live wire. Last August I took Max to the
groomers for a bath and the groomer had a bunch of new puppies for sale.
When I returned home, I told Tricia and Charlotte that neither of them was
permitted to pick up Max. Well they did and came home with Leo. He is a
shorky, a shih tsu - yorky mix, mostly black on top and shades of brown
underneath.
Wishing everyone an enjoyable and safe Memorial Day weekend. Grip Hands," Frank
On 1-13-2013 Frank writes, "Greetings to all: Yes, this is MyDay report although about six months late.
But for good reasons (I hope). Since I last reported, our daughter and her
family moved to Brussels, Belgium last May where Marcos is assigned to NATO
headquarters. They have been enjoying the charm and uniqueness of Europe.
Already they've been to Germany (several times), Paris for a week, Hungary
for a weekend, and touristy spots in Belgium. What a great learning
experience for the grandsons! Of course, Charlotte is unhappy; the reason we
moved to Lexington was to be with the grandsons! Now they have moved away.
If possible, of course, we plan to visit them there and renew our
reminiscences with Europe. Health problems dictate that will be later than
sooner. First, an aortic aneurysm must be repaired and then two hips
replaced. Tomorrow I report to St Joseph hospital for a pre-op check for
surgery the next day. The surgeon is going to insert a graft (much like a
stent) in the aurora through the groin and I will be in the hospital for two
days to ensure there's no leakage around the graft. After that recovery,
we'll start thinking about hip replacement. I was hoping for possible
re-surfacing, but the orthopedic says both need replacement. The odd thing
is that my right side is the one giving me problems, but X-rays reveal the
left is worse! I had a cortisone shot in the right hip last week, and it
really helped, As your historian, I've been keeping up with all the changes
of the Class Directory.
A Word document is ready to go to press anytime we want to update and I'll
be glad to send it to anyone who requests it. I have some problems with
Dean's Access class database, and I'm going to contact my friend, Ken Cook,
to get them resolved. In an earlier email, I mentioned my interested in
newspaper comics. Add to my list of favorites is 9 Chickweed Lane and Luann.
The former is extremely well drawn and has depicted sexual activity as close
to reality as possible. (It's current plot line is rather tame.) Luann is
about life as a teenager and Greg Evans writes a very believable plot. Both
are available at washingtonpost.com. Grip Hands," Frank
Update on Hummy--- John's career started in the 2nd Inf Div Tank Company, Korea. Subsequently after marrying Elsie he served in the 8th
Inf Div and then moved on to the U of Michigan where my daughter was born. Then followed a tour of as Asst. Prof. of Auto Engineering in the Department of
Ordnance, USMA where my son was born. The next interesting assignment was with the 14th Cav Regiment in Germany where my second son was born. Returned to
the Armor and Engineer Board as Director of Maintenance and Maintenance Evaluation and the birth of my third son. Another tour in Korea as CO of the 4th of
the 7th Cav Squadron. There my Sgt Maj and I received the Soldiers Medal for non-combat bravery for our attempted rescue of the crew of a crashed helicopter.
Back home a tour in the office of Research and Development in the Pentagon followed by ICAF followed by HQ AMC, followed by Project Manager of the
Bushmaster Automatic Cannon and then retirement in 1975. Had about 10 different jobs with different companies and then went home to Racine to rescue,
with my brother Jim, the family business of 122 years, J.H. Haumersen & Sons. Finally called it quits with 4 kids, 18 grand children, 10 great grand
children and 1 great great grandson. Elsie and I now travel in our fifth wheel trailer in Mexico for six months and spend the most of the rest of our time
in Racine. Grip Hands
On 5-7-11 John writes, "Andy. Since there have been a few updates to your wonderful Class Blog, I thought I might finish off my Bio.
"The last assignment I had was as Project Manager of the Bushmaster project at AMC. I finished the project in 1975 and retired. The Bushmaster and several modifications are still in use. You can view the results of the project at Bushmaster " John Haumersen
On 10-7-11 Hummy writes, "I figured that maybe an update was in order. Bad news. I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in August. It was advanced
and serious according to the doctor. He figured out that there was a fairly recent treatment and administered it after many tests, biopsies and Cat-scans.
The thing is a shot which stops testosterone which the cancer feeds on and so starves it. Good news. In 6 weeks my tests for the cancer were down by 88%
and so I get another shot this month that is supposed to last for 6 months. I am headed for Mexico for the winter and maybe I'll be clean by the time I get
home. I hope. I hope. I hope." John Haumersen.
On Inaguration day, Hummy writes, "Good Day,
Hello to all and I am very happy to be here and able to say that today, my day, Elsie my lovely and loving wife and I are doing quite well as long as we take our prescribed hand full of pills every day. We enjoy the sunshine and pleasant warm weather here in Mexico where we spend about six months. Our immediate family now stands at 38 including all progeny down to through the great great grandchildren. Fortunately I am still able to drive a truck pulling our 5th wheel trailer along so we can spend time in favorite places and now most of it here in the Mecoloco campground in Cancun. Got to stay away from the cartel and since there are none in the Yucatan Peninsula life goes on without worries here. At least one of the kids will join us here at one of our resort condos in April before we start back home visiting members of the family in San Antonio, Texas then Wichita, Kansas then Fairfield, Iowa then back home to Racine, Wisconsin.
God bless you all and may He look with favor on all of us." John P. Haumersen
On 1-25-2014 John wries 'Well it was my day Monday. I got busy getting ready for guests to join us in our condo in Cancun.
It is great to still be kicking and have very few problems. I do have or did have cancer but will not know the results of the treatment until I get back home in May. I seem to be feeling better and gaining some weight so maybe I won.
In the mean time, Elsie and I are still pulling our trailer (condo) around and living in the Cancun camp ground for the six months when it is cold in Wisconsin.
I am happy to be here and hope I will be tomorrow."
John
Update on John---John retired on May 31, 1985 with the rank of Major General, he was decorated with the Defense Distinguished Service
Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal. On retirement, he became President of the 6th Regional Association, United States Army. John and his wife Peggy
make their happy home in Steilacoom, WA. The July 1991 Assembly noted "In Washington due to cataract surgery, John Hemphill had to curtail his treatise, which
covers the contributions WP grads have made to that state's first 100 years of statehood. So happy was John with the outcome of the surgery at Madigan AH,
that the doctor who is a grad, may find himself another chapter in John's book." (John and Peggy will be at the 60th.)
On December 19, 2011 John writes, "Classmates;
Today, 19 December is the 84th anniversary of my entry into this world. It appears that I am about in the middle of the Class age wise. God has been good to me. My health is good. My wife of 59 years has some minor problems. Our good fortune is to be included in Madigan Army Medical Center's pool of aged patients. I still participate in my Kiwanis Club, do AUSA volunteer work to include being on the Chapter executive committee, and consult to an elderly care company. From very early morning until afternoon this past October 9th, I was at the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter Hooah Tent supporting Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army Ten Miler runners. No Classmates visited that Hooah Tent.
Five grandsons are in the Army's Infantry and one granddaughter is a Signal Corps first lieutenant. She is married to an Infantry Captain in the 75th Ranger Regiment. One grandson is a SP4 in the 2/75th Rangers, now someplace in Afghanistan. The three captains have been in the Ranger Regiment, but are now commanding Infantry line companies. Two are in Afghanistan and the third is in Hawaii. The remaining grandson is in an 82d Airborne Division unit scheduled for Afghanistan this coming January. This will be his first deployment. A sixth grandson is in college Army ROTC. Although hard on their family members, the four with multiple deployments just return and get ready for the next one. One son-in-law is an Air Force Reservist that has served multiple years sine 911 on active duty flying C17s. With about 15000 flying hours, he is in the operational area quite often. Another son-in-law is a lieutenant colonel and the commander of the Army's Installation Command. He has a tough job with the coming budget cuts.
Roommate Pat Brian and his wife Marty joined us for a family wedding during this past September in San Antonio. Peggy and I enjoyed spending sometime with them. Pat is doing very well. My money is on Pat to be the Class oldest living graduate someday. I am looking forward to continuing my volunteer work this coming year. Peggy and I hope to do some traveling
visiting family and friends. We send our best wishes to each of you. " John
On 12-20-12 John qeirwa, “Dear Classmates and Spouses;
Yesterday 19 December, was my 85th. It was a busy day with family and friends. Turning my computer on did not get high enough on the priority list to happen. Day ended with a party. Four of the five daughters attended. The fifth and her entire family spent the Thanksgiving holiday period with us. Only three of the twelve grandchildren were at the party. I did get a telephone call from all that were not here to include the Prince of the Family (five year old great grandson).
Peggy and I are blessed with good health. She had a knee redone this past year. There was adverse reaction to a certain medicine that led to some hospitalization resulting in a beneficial complete evaluation. Today, she is stronger that before the knee operation.
There are 9 stars on the family Military Service plaques led by son-in-law Lieutenant General Mike Ferriter, the commander of the Army's installation empire that includes a command at Fort Sam Houston and a staff office in the Pentagon. He was called back by the Secretary of the Army the day before my birthday to participate in a Pentagon action that made national level news. Some of you may remember such past incidents.
Six grandchildren and one's husband are serving in the Army. There is a grandson in each of the Army's 3 Ranger Battalions and the husband is in the Ranger Regiment's Headquarters. This year, only one is in Afghanistan. Recently promoted to captain, the granddaughter just made the thrilling announcement that she will be the mother of a boy this coming spring.
For our house, my birthday starts the holiday period. Our eldest daughter and family are with us for ten days. Both she and her husband bring their office work to our house and with the convenience of the Internet and telephone, share our home office setup. Lawyer daughter and college freshman son will join us this coming weekend. Shopping, TV ball games, Christmas tree activities and family fellowship will be enjoyed. Also, the 82d Airborne Division grandson, his elder 1st Ranger Battalion brother and the Prince of the Family will join us for a few days.
My primary volunteer work continues in AUSA's Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter, To spread out the work to support the Army units at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, 12 subchapters has been organized. There are numerous soldier and their family "needs" in the 10 brigades and 2 separate battalions being supported with pre deployment, during deployment and return activities. This takes a lot of organization, fund raising, community support. Added to that, there are other needs especially for the lower grades at the holidays. The Hooah Tent at the annual Army Ten Miler is one of the Chapter's activities. This year the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Women's Team was first in the Army Ten Miler and the Men's Team was second. For my Air Force Classmates, this past week the Chapter initiated a subchapter to work with the AFA Chapter at McChord to support the active and Reserve Wings there. I have given notice of retirement this coming June 30th. However, I will great all that come by the Hooah Tent at the 2013 Army Ten Miler. My assumption is that God will be willing.
Peggy and I send our best wishes to all.”
John
On 12-19-13 John writes "Classmates;
Today, 19 December 2013 begins my 86th year. My guess is that my age is in the middle of the Class. Four of the five daughters, a son in law and six of the twelve grandchildren will join Peggy and I for dinner this evening. This past year, we have spent time with all five daughters and at our residence and theirs. There are two great grandsons. We visited the seven year old this past year and the six month old will arrive with his parents on 30 January. Peggy is communications central with the cell phone as the primary instrument.
The five oldest of the eight grandsons are in the Army's Infantry. Two eldest are captains selected first time below the zone for promotion to major. One remains in the 1st Ranger Battalion. the other left the 3rd Ranger Battalion for the Australian Staff College in Canberra. Two are in the 2nd Ranger Battalion, captain and supply sergeant. Remaining one is Specialist in the 82nd, but leaving for the Old Guard. Captain granddaughter left the Army to be a full time mother while her husband, an Infantry captain, has just left the Ranger Regimental Reconnaissance Company for assignment to the 25th ID in Hawaii. I am pleased that she decided to be a professional mother.
Peggy and I are in good health for our ages. We have the blessing of medical care by the Army's Madigan Medical Center. Her hypertension is well under control. When needed, I volunteer to participate in medical studies. There are distinct advantages in my view to be near one the Army's major installations. I have the honor of speaking each month to the Warrior Training Class at the NCO Academy. This is about 200 good E-4's that are competing to get promoted to E-5.
I continue as a volunteer in the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). My job is the administrative and organizational VP of the Chapter. As an innovative approach, subchapters have been organized in surrounding cities, town and community with the mission to support a brigade or separate battalion. The subchapters are like start up businesses run by an executive committee of volunteers that takes nurturing to train the volunteers and develop programs. The subchapter program is continuing to develop successfully. An example is a brigade welcome home from deployment picnic model celebration for about 6,000 soldiers and their families. This stated with a parade in the morning and went until evening. My AUSA Chapter and its subchapters have raised $275,000 to support Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldiers and their families.
My best wishes to all." John Hemphill
 Bob Lerner |
 Joe Luger |
 Bill Malouche W/ Audrey |
 Lou Michael |
 Scott Campbell Sundlie's son & wife Sandy |
Update on Bob---Upon graduation Bob went in the Air Force and after flying training reported to his first duty station. Bob retired from the United States Air Force in 1971 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Bob makes his home in Redondo Beach, California. (Bob will be at the 60th.)
*******************************************Update on Joe---In 1976 Joe went civilian but at the Pentagon with the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Department of the Army and served there until 1981. Joe earned a Master's degree in Business Administration with concentration in Operations Research from American University while at the Pentagon and his next assignment to Headquarters, Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command, Alexandria, Virginia. Next Joe went with Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics in 1982 and served until 1989 and was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Medal. Joe's last Pentagon assignment, was to the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations where he served from 1989 to 1996 and was awarded the Meritorious Civil Service Medal. Joe makes his home in Alexandria, Virginia.
*******************************************Update on Bill---After retirement Bill accepted a position with the Michelin Tire Company and trained in Scotland and France for nine months. For the next seventeen years, Bill held production and human resources management positions in Michelin's Anderson and Lexington, SC. manufacturing plants. He retired for a second time in December 1994. Bill and his wife Audrey make their home in Columbia, South Carolina. In addition to traveling and attending class mini-reunions, Bill is an active volunteer: President of Mended Hearts, Inc Chapter 189; President of the 1st Bn (Abn), 321st Artillery Vietnam Veterans Association; and a West Point Admissions Field Representative.
*******************************************Update on Lou---In 1974, Mike was asked to accept a civilian political appointment as Director of the Department of Defense Mutual and
Balanced Force Reductions Task Force, requiring his retirement from the Army as a Colonel. In 1978, he was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal.
In 1979, he became Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Atomic Energy until 1980. From 1981 until 1985, he was Assistant Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering, was awarded the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive and received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, a second time.
During 1985, Mike was a Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy. In 1986 he was called to the White House as President Reagan's crisis
manager, serving concurrently as Deputy Secretary of the National Security Council, and a Senior Director on the National Security Council Staff until 1988,
when he retired with 41 years unbroken service in the Department of Defense, in uniform and as a member of the civil Senior Executive Service. Mike and Anne
have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Since 1988, they lived and worked on their 300 acre Emory's Landing Farm in Kent County on Maryland's Eastern Shore,
not far from Chestertown on the Chester River, where they raise corn, soybeans, hay and forage, sheep and chickens, as well as breed horses. Mike has been
Chairman of the Kent County Historical Trust and on the boards of The Eastern Shore Land Conservatory, Chester River Association, The Schooner Sultana
Project, and worked extensively for the West Point organization supporting all graduates, known as West-Point.Org, as well as other public service and
community duties.
On 4-2-2010 Lou reports: "April 11, 2010 marks an 80th birthday for Louis G. Michael in Kent County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The prime reflection is on two marriages, the perfections
and instructive forces for my life. Anne Elizabeth Lieber married me in a blink in 1954. We were together for fifty years. Pamela Parker Young met Anne and me in 1962, launching
a half-century of companionship at our rockbound highland home on the Hudson, Hawaii, Washington, D.C., and beyond. During the 55th Class
Reunion I telephoned Pamela in Mexico. We joined, and married in a blink. Pamela died as 2010 dawned. I reposed her ashes and dust here and at Kukaniloko, the Royal Birthing Stones, one of O’ahu’s most sacred places.
Time at Hawaii and West Point is particularly meaningful. Last year I had inspiring opportunity to visit our old haunts and to meet with every USMA department head plus Academy top management; and to witness the huge leadership contribution women in the Corps are making.
Writing is ever my focus; with now in the works (a) an expanded follow up on Vietnam efforts begun with Chan Goodnow, Sid Steele, and Ed Partain;
(b) a history and guide to art; (c) history of the family, connecting to the land and conservation; (d) cookbook designed to tell you all you need to
know with 26 stories and recipes (a-z); and (e) the novel, of course. The farm remains a handful; but is a drawing card for guests, serving as captive company. Six grandchildren stepped up and formed the Emory's Landing Farm Management Association; which we hope will lead in bailing
us out, after difficult recent crop years, and my failed horse breeding business. Best to all; visit when you can. Lou"
On 4-4-11 Lou reports "Was hospitalized following spine surgery, March 16th.
Now I am further out of action in intensive care unit in Chestertown hospital, having just survived big time. pulmanary embolisme which they say should have killed me. Also have deep vein thrombosis, adding to the situation.
All this puts me behind on work. Cannot do any in the current situation. Sending this message with John Michael’s help is sort of impossible.
My hope is to meet Joyce’s deadline when I get home.
My only deep concern is that the Chairman of the AOG and President Robert McClure go down in history as those solely accountable for eliminating access to printed class notes to older graduates, widows, families and others.
This would be terrible, and the prospect weighs heavily on me.
I cannot communicate from where I am, and cannot be reached directly.
Son John Michael can be contacted at:
410.778.1578
410.778.4852 " Lou
On4-12-11 Lou reports, "On this otherwise unremarkable birthday, one was released to home from 7 days in Chestertown hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
There are 3 birthday cakes (2 chocolate; 1 coconut) to deal with.
Was supposed to have died from a pulmonary embolism (blood clots in lungs), but am back in the saddle (slowly).
Serena Williams (tennis player) had the same type event about the same time, which is proof that birthdays have nothing to do with hospital trips.
All this recalls my one and only other time in a hospital.
It was Saint Luke’s in Tokyo’s Geisha district (1952-1953), where I had a seeing eye dog already on order and was learning Braille
Mrs. Mark Clark dropped by a couple of times for photo ops.
But, ever memorable were uplifting visits by ebullient, heroic, bullet dodger Jerry Carlson and fabulous care packages from the Casbons.
Louis G. Michael, ‘51
Bullet Dodger"
On 4-10-12 Lou writes, "Dear Classmates, Wives, and ‘51 Class Widows, Birthday: Louis G. Michael ’51 Company E2
Arrival, in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol, was April 11, 1930; at old Sibley Hospital, DC. Today marks the fact that half one’s time since then was service with classmates, USMA grads, and others similarly inspired, in the Defense Department. Of those 41 years, almost 8 were at West Point, our Rockbound Highland Home.
-- Amidst instruction and enduring camaraderie, the power of this place and its history overwhelms. In 1994, the Class of 1951 ability to maintain association was dramatically advanced when Ditus Bolanos '90 gifted us his computer magic and West-Point.Org; which now, among other things, enables the sending and receiving of this message.
-- Seventeen years later, just as I was honored to begin contributing as your scribe, the West Point Association of Graduates advanced into the electronic age. So, I created
Message received on Thanksgiving day, 2010.
Dear Mr. Chacon:
What a wonderful Thanksgiving gift it was for me to find the Eulogy you posted on West-Point.org about my father, George “Alden” Sundlie.
I suppose I should introduce myself - my name is Scott Alden Sundlie Campbell, and Alden was my Dad.
After Alden was killed in the car accident in September of 1952, my Mother and I moved back to Florida, where she grew up. In November of 1953, Mom and my step-father, Lyman Campbell, were married and he adopted me. During his working life, my step-father worked here in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, which is where I grew up. When he retired, he and Mom moved back to Florida to fulfill a dream of hers to “return home.” Both are still living and reside in Lakeland, FL. In fact, my wife, Sandy, and I took them on a cruise last month to celebrate Mom’s 80th birthday.
As I mentioned, I was raised in Texas and in fact, was born in Lubbock, Texas on May 7, 1952 at Reese Air Force Base, where Alden was stationed. Interestingly, I always had aspirations to fly for a career, but didn’t get to fulfill that dream due to a stigmatism that the Air Force discovered when I was going though my physicals to enter Air Force ROTC. I’ve always enjoyed swimming, too, and qualified as a Water Safety Instructor while I was in college. You may recall that Alden was a very strong swimmer. Two of our children, Travis and Ashley, graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
I met my wife, Sandy, in Florida in 1970 and we married in 1974. We have three grown children, Amy Nicole (31), Travis Scott (27), and Ashley Marin (26). We also have a grandson, Alden Jaxon Owen, born 12/27/09 and a granddaughter, Adilynn Reese Owen, born 4/29/10. I was so pleased and surprised when Amy and her husband, Charles, informed us that they were going to name their son after Alden. I have attached a few photographs that I thought you might enjoy, particularly the ones of me and Alden in front of my baby portrait. I've been told that I bear a strong resemblance to Alden and I think you would agree that young Alden bears a strong resemblance to me. I can’t tell you how many people say, "Oh, what a lovely name he has," when they meet Alden, and we always enjoy explaining how he came to have that name.
After I graduated from The University of Texas, I began my professional career in human resources management. I spent the first 16 years of my career in the banking industry, the next 5 in the hospitality industry, and for the last 14 years, I have worked in the logistics/distribution industry. Currently, I am Vice President – Human Resources & Corporate Support for Roofing Supply Group, LLC. We are the 4th largest roofing distributor in the U.S., with annual revenues of approximately $800 million and 1,000 employees in 60 locations in 23 states (none in Oregon, yet). It’s funny, but if I remember correctly, my grandfather, George K. Sundlie, had a roofing business in Salem. Like you, I have a passion for HR and organizational behavior. I always tell people that I never know what kind of opportunity or problem will present itself when the phone rings, but I always answer with interest and enthusiasm, and constantly marvel at the things that people sometimes do.
With our grandson’s birth, I have experienced a renewed interest in Alden’s life and legacy. I had Alden’s USMA diploma framed many years ago and it hangs in an honored place in our home. My daughter, Amy, has already informed me that she would like Alden to have it some day. I have some of Alden’s other things, such as his Boy Scout knife and his Eagle Scout merit badges, etc. One of these days, I need to go up into the attic and retrieve an old suitcase that has some of his things in it. As I recall, his USMA uniform was given to a museum in Salem by my grandparents, George and Ethel. George passed away in the late sixties (I think 1969) and Ethel passed away in 1980. I don’t know what ever became of the flag that covered his casket. I think my Mom gave it to Ethel. I recently “adopted” a 48-star burial flag that belonged to another soldier, whose identity is not known, and have it framed in remembrance of my Dad. It seemed to me that that flag should have a good home and now it honors two service men instead of just one.
Mr. Chacon, thank you so much for posting that Eulogy. I had never seen it before and it was so interesting to read what my grandparents wrote about Alden when he died at such a young age. I recently discovered that Buzz Aldrin was also a member of your graduating class. I have written to him, but have not yet received a reply. I can only imagine how much mail he receives. I also read your career and life bio, and it certainly seems like you have had a very distinguished and fulfilling life thus far. And, your family certainly has an impressive legacy of service to our country. I was saddened to read about your brother's murder. It's a shame how little respect some people have for the lives of others.
I hope this message brightens your day as much as the discovery of your kind remembrance of my Dad did mine. If you have any personal thoughts or memories about my Alden that you would like to share, I would certainly be interested to hear from you. Also, if you are in contact with any other classmates that might remember him, I would certainly like to reach out to them if you could help facilitate that.
Kindest regards,
Scott A. Campbell
1908 Drew Lane
Richardson, TX 75082,
Tel. (972) 234-5270, Cell (972) 816-4822, FAX (214) 956-5216
E-mail at: scamp1952@aol.com