Classmates, wives, widows --

 Scribe sent the April version of Class Notes to WPAOG and immediately had a correction for May notes.  I listed the various Ski Reunions since the first one in 1997, but did not understand an email from Karl Oelke.  He was/is the organizer of all the ski reunions held at Snowmass CO.  I listed various others rather than Karl.  Hope all involved in skiing at Snowmass understand my correction made now in early May 2019 without a snow flake in sight.

 Another correction: Bob Bethmann was in company F-1 during his cadet days.  I knew better, sorry I hit the wrong key.

 I just relocated a keepsake entitled "THE ROOT OF THE MATTER" by Charles Densford.  Reverse side says "TUIT" -- your guessed it: A Round Tuit.  Chances are that I wrote about it at the time it was received, but that was long enough ago that all involved have forgotten the matter in question.  Thanks, Chuck Densford, for giving me something then that I can write about again now for second time.  And, I am glad to have "A Round Tuit" of my very own.

 Another thing found from long ago was a statement enclosed in plastic similar to an ID card.  It says: "This is to certify, that I, J Charles Luman, do not know everything."  It is actually signed by a guy, better known to us as Joe Luman.  It is unbelievable that Joe would have (1) written such a confession of not knowing everything and (2) would actually sign it.  Thanks, Joe for a keepsake, something for your Scribe to have written about then and again now.  With friends and classmates such as Chuck Densford and Joe Luman, who could ask for anything more.  Surely not your Scribe. 

Class Forum Subjects.  Quoting from a Bill Shepard email (for those who might be confused: we had two Bills: Bill Shepard F1 and Bill Shepherd B1 -- one without an "h" and one with it): this one is from Shepard without an "h" --  quoting from his email: "Commendations to Terry Connell, Karl Oelke, Bob Dey, Chuck Toftoy, Palmer McGrew, George Sibert, Andy Andreson, Tom Sands and others for promoting discussions of topics (other than politics) like aging, WW II personal stories, travels, health tips, running one’s own university, golf tournaments, and future reunions, on the class networks.  Also great thanks to Andy for most wonderful week in Las Vegas with free parking and free refrigerator, Jim Sigler for stocking Benny Havens, Andy’s son-in-law for maintaining law and order in Benny Havens, and Tank Reid’s son for hosting the rowdy meet and greet cocktail party. And thanks to Tom Sands for golf while Thunderbirds practiced aerobatics overhead with Evan Connell, self, and Walter Barnes of Palm Desert. Thanks to Terry for arranging visit to hospitalized John Kubiak in Boulder City followed by climb over Hoover Dam."

 Hoover Dam.  An additional note from your Scribe: for the record, my great-grandfather, William L Sibert Class of 1884, was invited to be the chief engineer of Hoover Dam.  He declined because in those days he would have had to give up his Army retired pay to accept the position.  Not a problem for military retirees today, but it was back then it was, a long time ago...

 I also have hiked across Hoover Dam.  William L Sibert is listed on some plague at the dam.  My hiking was too long ago to remember what for or why he was on the plaque.  He did go on as an engineer, building the Port of Mobile in Alabama which did not involve giving up his Army retired pay.

 My great-grandfather was also the first CG of the First Division, but he and GEN Pershing had a disagreement: Pershing did not want an Engineer officer commanding the infantry division, therefore, my great-grandfather came home to USA and organized the Chemical Corps as its first commander.  I never knew this Sibert who began our path at West Point.  I did know my grandfather (Franklin C Sibert class of 1912) and, of course, my father (Franklin R Sibert class of 1936).

 More on our class motto.  A recent email from Norm Monson added this information about our class motto: "My recollection was slightly different regarding the class motto.  At the time, we were being very closely watched for any sign that there was to be another 'rank-breaking' episode during graduation parade.  I know there were a number of talks (lectures?) held on the subject.  I can recall several of us displaying a certain, very slight amount of ennui by initiating a class motto with this: Out the Gate with '58.  As it now stands, however, that would probably not have been appropriate over the years, so the change to '58 Is Great! actually is a better way to go.  BTW, I DO recommend the use of the exclamation point at the end, regardless of the use or non-use of quotation marks."

 '58 Is Great! works for your Scribe as our class motto.

 Our Quartet.  Your Scribe was listening to the CD of Norm (baritone) and three other classmate and Army quartet award singers: Bob Dey (second tenor and guitarist), Wayne Wyatt (first tenor), and Pete Brintnall (bass and now sadly watching us from us from the Ghostly Assemblage) while running errands this afternoon.  I have the LP record from years ago, but Alan Salisbury had a CD made of the record and I have one.  The quartet is truly great and listening made Scribe miss Pete even more.  Actually, I miss all four, the three living classmates and one who has transitioned to ghostly assemblage.  Retrieved the CD from my car and was able to add their singing parts, however, it did not include the singing award they won from the Army back in 1958.  Sorry about that.

 Now a few days have passed and it is time for dinner here at Goodwin House Alexandria, which is a polite way of saying that it is time to stop again.  Back soon.  Need to finish these notes and to get them launched in early May.

 Change the name of our planet Earth.  Some dinners later and back to these notes.  The class forum had an interesting email from Jim Seltzer (actually we have many emails from Jim and all are interesting).  In this email he wants to rename our planet, which we know as earth, "Gaia."  Jim's rationale is that "earth" means "dirt" and we can do better than dirt.  Gaia works for me, but I may be too old to change the name of planet earth.  Certainly too old to add anything worthwhile to Jim's effort.

 USMA Doctors To Be.  An email from Tony Smith is quoted on this subject.  "The cadets were very visible at Walter Reed last week, shadowing doctors and so forth.  I have always been skeptical about the wisdom of allowing cadets to branch Medical Corps.  Seems to me that the USMA Mission is not to give an undergraduate education to doctors.  While I appreciate that it's no bad thing to have military docs with some understanding of the military, they take up slots that might otherwise go to young men and women who will make the military side of the military their careers.  (I know there are classmates whose judgment I respect who do not share this view.)  All this being said, I am always pleased when I am assigned a doc at Walter Reed who is a USMA Grad."  

 Medical Corps.  Scribe thinks the first from West Point to go into Medical Corps was from our time as cadets: Ron Gooding class of 1957.  His father was a classmate of my father's.  Another early MD from '57 was Charles Lea (died 8 Oct 2008).  They were followed by a number of their classmates and our classmates who became medical doctors  -- hope at least one of them saw Tony Smith as a patient at Walter Reed or elsewhere in their service.

 Our eight classmate medical doctors include: Glenn Bugay G1 #21836 Case Western Reserve 1976, Dave Clarke D1 #21763 Univ of Texas 1970, Jim Corcoran G1 #21914 Cornell Univ 1966; Jerry Dunn K2 #22011 Temple Univ 1968 (died 6 Dec 1997), Jim Emmons K1 #22157 Univ of Vermont (died 29 May 2006), Dick Hirata L1 #21787 Cornell 1965, John Ream L2 resigned Plebe Year to start on path to become an MD Harvard 1964 (died 11 Apr 1988), and Jerry Noga M1 #22304 GWU (found in French as a Plebe, graduated in 1959 and died 20 May 2008).  Cullum numbers are included so that you can easily find them in the Register of Graduates and Former Cadets.

 Army Sports Hall of Fame.  Dick Schonberger is continuing his efforts to have his roommate and our classmate Ray Riggan, admitted to the Army Sports Hall of Fame.  Ray was Dick's roommate and Goalie on our Lacrosse Team.  Brad Eliot sent a supportive email and pointed out that our lacrosse team was undefeated -- the only undefeated Army team (any sport) for the last 100 years or more.  Unfortunately, the Sports Hall of Fame does not commemorate teams.  Of course, this info is NOT in our Howitzer -- Lacrosse was a spring sport and missed it.  Must contact Phil Gibbs to have him send me the info from his graduation Howitzer.

 Brad Eliot is also famous his marrying Janet.  They dated three years in HS and then four years at West Point before tying the knot in June 1958.  Seven years!  My notes also reflect that Brad retired as an AF colonel in 1983.  Phil Gibbs, one of our gifts to '59, sent an email and will enlist the support of '59 Lax players in this effort to see Ray recognized in Army's Hall of Fame.

 Brad Eliot also suggests All American lacrosse midfielders for inclusion in the Sports Hall of Fame: one from our class, Mike Harvey (who died 9 Nov 2013) and from one from '59, Charlie Getz.  Brad recommends them both for this honor.  An email from Cloin Robertson added information: "During those years, teams were assigned toughness numbers, ie the top teams were worth 10 points and the more top teams you beat would raise your score. Army played more top teams than anyone else so that even Yale cancelling out simply meant if we won all our games, we were the best."  Bob Dey also sent an email supporting the nomination of Ray Riggan to Army Sports Hall of Fame.

 "This past Saturday, the 'Contingent' (Bill & Evelyn Callaghan, John & Judy Galen, Bob & Maureen Gall, Will & Barbara Merrill, and Bob & Margaret Shellenberger) attended a Cadet Glee Club Concert held in Jacksonville Beach, FL.  It was a wonderful experience, and they are without peer.  At the end of the performance, 'The Grads' were invited to come on stage and join in singing the 'Alma Master' -- even me, who flunked 'Glory to God.'  It was amazing, how easily the words came, after sixty plus years -- it was a great experience joining all those wonderful young voices.  Afterwards, 'The Contingent' went to dinner for 'Lies, Laffs, and Repast.'  I must add we have a great deal of Political Incorrectness, which we all savor.  We have a great group -- the guys meet for lunch, and the Ladies join us quarterly for Dinner.  Keep your sense of humor, and all is well with the World.  God Bless."  Scribe appreciates the email from John Galen reporting on the "Contingent" some time in April.  The subject of the John's email was "Tidbit from Pontee Vedra FL Contingent."

 Strange things turn up -- I just found and tossed a card reflecting who went to Founder's Day in DC on 11 March 2017.  Attendees two years ago included Alan & Florence Salisbury, Pete & Janice Brintnall, Dick & Bibs Reynard, Angela Ganey, Palmer McGrew and George Sibert.  This year (2019) our group included only Dick & Bibs, as reported by Dick.  He called to check on me because I was signed up but failed to appear.  I reported being fine, but sorry I missed the dinner.  No excuse, sir.  From nine in 2017 to two in 2019.  I am putting in a plug for greater attendence at DC Founder's Day next year in 2020, sometime around March 16.  Lord wiling and the creeks don't rise I should make it.  Actually, this is a plug for your attending Founder's Day in your area, whenever scheduled.

 Reminder re our class Annual Service at the VN Memorial which is coming up on Sunday 19 May at 1030 followed by lunch at Army-Navy Country Club.  This will be the Sunday a week before Memorial Day Weekend.  No doubt the DC gang will receive a sign-up email from Palmer McGrew.  But, if others are in DC that weekend, please plan to attend. 

Another reminder: Butch Saint's funeral will be at 1100 on 14 May at the Old Post Chapel at Ft Myer.  Again, expect an email from Palmer about this affair, which includes a reception at Ft. Myer Officers' Club following the funeral.

 Phone Call.  I received a phone call from Bob Shellenberger on 27 April or so.  We had a nice chat and the best news is that Bob is doing well since being rear-ended on his motorcycle (tricycle: two wheels in front and one wheel in rear).  Scribe mentions this (1) to inform the class that Bob is doing well and (2) to encourage others to call your Scribe: 703-671-1415 home or 703-328-5941 cell.  I prefer calls on my home phone because I know how to get messages from it in case you miss me and leave a message.

 It is late and time to quit for now.  There may be some more info before I wrap-up these May notes and launch them in early May.

 An email from George Lawton reported on Fred Goodenough's funeral on 27 April (died 11 Feb 2019): "Yesterday Lee Miller & I drove to Warrenton, VA for Fred’s funeral.  There we met up with Joe Guenther (Fred’s roommate for two years), Frank Franks (a company-mate), Walt & Josine Hitchcock (Walt was best man in Fred & Joan’s wedding), and Stu Willis.  It was a beautiful ceremony and the priest’s words about Fred captured him to a ’T’.

"After the Mass we all went to the nearby farm estate of Jeannine Murray, one of Fred’s daughters, and her husband, Vincent, for a wonderful luncheon and gathering of family & friends to tell stories and celebrate Fred’s life. It was an enjoyable experience and an opportunity to see classmates again.

Lawton continued his email with info on the group's gathering: "Lee & I had driven to Warrenton from Williamsburg where we had gathered for the semi-annual retreat with our wives, Mary Jane & Betty, Andy & Artie Andreson and Jack Gordon.  On Thursday night we were joined for dinner by Ron & Barbara Bellows, Lois Deely, Phil Pryor, Gus & Toni Gustitus and Pete Trainor.  On Friday nite Tony & Gabrielle Nadal, Dick & Jan Price and Pete came over for drinks, snacks and great conversations.  The usual golf ‘classic’ was not held this time because of both bad weather and injured players."  Your Scribe is sorry about the weather and injured players!  And, sorry I missed the gathering in Williamsburg.

 Lou Koster's funeral (died 5 Jan 2019).  An email to his C-2 company-mates from Pete Penczer informs us that "Lou’s memorial service will be on June 15th at 2 pm at Rockfish Presbyterian Church in Nellysford, VA.  Frank Waskowicz will be there to represent the class and will take along the class flag as is usual for funerals.  Lou left a daughter, Jennifer Grover, whose contact information is below.  She is the one who contacted the AOG to let them know of Lou’s death.  Lou’s wife (Iantha) passed away a couple of years ago.   I (Pete) plan to write to her, some of you all may feel inclined to do so too.  Lee Miller has been in direct contact with Jennifer.  He makes arrangements for a gift to be sent in memory of deceased classmates and she has told him to send it to our wounded warrior program.  Lee tells me that Jennifer would clearly appreciate hearing from us."  Her contact information is as follows: Jennifer Grover, 1327 Baychester Drive, Henderson, NV 89002 702-595-3658 or via email at vegasjenn@ymail.com

 Strange subject on Class Forum emails: "Cow farts".  It seem Cow farts are adding to Global Warming.  Scribe will not go into this subject in detail, but it did make the Washington Post.  And, the subject generated an interesting group of emails on the class net which are not being repeated here.  Actually it seems that cows belch more than they fart, but their belching and farting does contribute to global warming.  At least that is what I got from the article and emails on this subject.  See what you are missing by not being on the Class Forum!

 There have been other interesting subjects and emails on the Class Forum.  You should join the group.  It is easy to delete emails of little or no interest.  Contact Pete Trainor to join the forum.  You may reach Pete via email at

PBTrainor@cox.net or via snail mail at 107 Bogey, Williamsburg VA 23188 or home phone 757-345-3564 or cell phone 757-773-4470.

 For your calendars: 14 Dec 2019 Army beats Navy in Philly!  We have a long way to go to catch Navy's 14 in a row.  No doubt there will be a game watching party at Alan & Florence Salisbury's on the 14th followed by a potluck dinner.  Then on 22 Jan 2020 put down the WPSDC Winter Luncheon (probably at Ft Myer).

 My calendar says 1 May, therefore, time to send this email with May Class Notes.  Enjoyed seeing George Lawton and other grads at the WPSDC "no host" Class Advisors Luncheon yesterday, 30 Apr 2019 at Ft Myer.  I am eagerly waiting for your phone calls, emails and/or letters.  Always looking for news for these notes. 

George, your Scribe