’65& AOG Collaborate To pull off a “one of a kind” Reunion

It has been a journey for all of us, and a one of a kind, at that!
This reunion was unique owing to the COVID pandemic which locked down West Point. As a result, it required some effort to provide facilities for a several days gathering and an agenda that could keep the interest for so many days.

Our committee organizers, Bill Hecker & Jim Harvey and their wives, along with AOG representative Dawn Conguisti came up with a venue: Two Marriott facilities in a Northern Virginia location, near Washington D.C., and within minutes of Reagan DCA airport. They were plentiful accommodations, in the same building and joined on their second floors.
There were two hundred and fourteen people registered, to include 104 classmates, 13 widows, and 94 spouses or other guests. Everyone who was able to attend clearly seemed delighted and pleased to have the opportunity to be together after enduring more than a year of isolation due to COVID. The atmosphere was wonderful, full of brotherhood, friendship and fellowship with all!

Each day of the reunion focused on one segment of the chosen theme of “Connect, Commemorate, Celebrate!”

● Arrival– Scribe.

Reagan National was the choice for the out-of-towners flying in for the reunion, made easy for them with a complimentary five-minute shuttle ride to the hotel.  Many classmates up and down the East Coast drove the distance. Then there were the local area residents, many of whom decided to bunk in for a night or two in the wonderful Marriott accommodations that shared the same building. (Renaissance and Residence Inn Capital View)

21 classmates and 7 ladies turned out for a beautiful day at the Springfield Golf and Country Club for the reunion golf event. The players were scattered over the course for a shot gun start. The course played tough--only 1 team was under par. That was the team lead by John Vann with Clair Gill and Bill Triick making some great putts while Bruce Clarke helped where he could. The team came in first followed by the team made up of Fred Laughlin, Larry Neal, Russ Campbell and Bernie Ziegler.
The leading lady’s team was led by Mary Frank who was ably assisted by Kay Dermody, Mary Ann Campbell and Linda Hawkins. Mary also won one of the closest to the pin contests while Larry Neal won the other. The longest drive was won by Bruce Clarke who edged out Clair Gil by about 2 yards. The round was followed by a buffet luncheon. The players almost escaped before the deluge of rain. A special thanks to Bob Harter who arranged for the country club.

As folks arrived to register, they were greeted by classmates and AOG support staff. 

Photo Right: Bob Radcliffe & Fay; Ray Woodruff & Grace, Registering: June Harvey & Darlene Hopkins

They received a welcome packet which included their name tags with their cadet picture, a 55th Reunion hat, a COVID face mask with class 65 class crest, a silver picture frame engraved with 55th Reunion, commemorative bookmarks from both West Point cemetery and Arlington cemetery, a ‘65 challenge coin, Bob Anderson’s long grey line watercolor, 55th Reunion note cards with a pen and a black, gold & grey rosette.

Photo Left: Nicole Corbin, Senior Manager, WPAOG Alumni Events; Kayley Tuite, WPAOG Alumni Events Coordinator; Dawn Congiusti, CL '65, WPAOG Alumni Events Coordinator; and Terence Sinkfield, Cl '99, V.P., WPAOG Alumni Support

Soon after registering classmates gathered in a large reception area for “Benny Havens” cocktail hour.  It gave classmates, and all attendees extra time to mix and mingle, greet one another, and just enjoy “connecting” which is what reunions are truly all about! There were lots of smiles as connecting and reconnecting lent a festive atmosphere to the opening evening.  A buffet dinner followed where the seating was “open.” Classmates gathered around tables of 8 to renew old friendships over dinner. (See Photos: '65 55+1 Reunion.)

This day was devoted to remembering our fallen. It began with a short bus ride to Arlington National Cemetery at 10:00 am.

Witnessing the placement of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Dave Gnau, Tom Henneberry, Hank Sterbenz, and Bernie Ziegler was deeply touching and one of the many highlights of the day!

Photo: Left to Right: Dave Gnau, Tom Henneberry, Hank Sterbenz, and Bernie Ziegler - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Following the Wreath Laying at Arlington, we travelled together to the Vietnam Wall to honor and remember the twenty-six classmates who gave their lives in service to our country all those years ago.  The AOG team provided paper and charcoal for those who might want to do a rubbing of names. It was particularly touching to chat with Judy Hemmingway and son, Chuck Jr, in front of the panel where Chuck Hemmingway's name was inscribed.

Fourteen widows attended this reunion. Kay Dermody graciously accepted the role of facilitator to start the discussion. Pat Kenny welcomed the group as Associate Members of the Class of '65 and thanked them for attending the reunion and participating in Class activities. Pat and Fred Smith presented Vietnam Certificates and pins to each at the start of the gathering in recognition of their husbands’ service in Vietnam.We were pleased that so many of the widows stayed for the Commemorate Dinner and joined the festivities as our guests.

Dave Hopkins was the chairman of the Memorial Service Committee and coordinated with the H&H Team. Chuck Moseley and John Pickler assisted. Dave and Terry Ryan coordinated participation of the West Point Alumni Glee Club (WPAGC) in the Memorial Service.
The reunion committee staged a beautiful memorial service in honor of our deceased classmates remembering by date of death from Gary Kadetz, May 19, 1966, to Duncan Brown, Jun 17, 2021. Following a welcome by Class President Pat Kenny, John Pickler gave an invocation followed by scriptures read by Bob Wolff and Fred Laughlin.

Photo: Ric Shinseki & Dan Christman, in front of the West Point Alumni Glee Club and'65 classmates and spouses in the foreground

The WP Alumni Glee Club “Loose Cannons” performed a beautiful “Amazing Grace,” and a singing of the “Alma Mater.” Chuck Moseley then gave a Memorial Meditation followed by a reading of the names of our 169 departed classmates by Ric Shinseki and Dan Christman. Classmates stood as their company mates’ or friends’ names were read.
Following that portion of the service, 38 members of the West Point Alumni Glee Club, led by Terry Ryan and Jim Fergusson, with Musical Director Nancy Riley, performed a concert of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” “The Corps,” and the “Vietnam Medley.” In addition to Terry and Jim, the leadership is rounded out by Chuck Nichols who does some amazing electronics. Other classmates in the WPAGC, all of whom sang, included Pete Cahill, Tom Fergusson, Pete Linn, and John Swensson. Following the singing, members of the WPAGC distributed 50-year commemorative lapel pins honoring Vietnam-era service, and the group finished with “Army Blue,” Benny Havens,” “West Point at Thy Call,” and a rocket. Thank you Terry and Jim whose leadership resulted in a very large turnout with members traveling from across the country and up and down the East Coast to participate.

● Benny Havens and Commemorate Dinner – by the H&H Team.
A short break followed the Memorial Service, and then Benny Havens, where remaining members of the Glee Club delighted us all as they spontaneously broke out in song! While all this was going on, the ballroom was quickly being reset for our commemorate dinner. Thanks to Woodruffs, Reeds, Hewitts and others, the tables were decorated in no time.

Seating for the dinner was arranged by Firstie Companies. Several companies needed two tables to accommodate all their attendees. An elegant dinner was served, appropriately including Purple Heart Wine to honor those classmates who were recipients of the Purple Heart. A portion of the sales of Purple Heart wine goes to support the Purple Heart Foundation. White Federalist wine was also served as there was a choice of beef, salmon or chicken for the main entrée. Photos: '65 55+1 Reunion

Photo: Fife and drum - Bruce & Susan Clarke

● Class Meeting – by Pat Kenny.
As mentioned in our 17 June memo the previous Leadership Team (LT) as well as the current Team concluded that some changes were needed to the Class Bylaws to allow the Leadership Team to efficiently manage class affairs.  The Bylaw modifications as stated in the 17 June memo were voted upon and approved at Reunion business meeting.

● Army National Museum – Scribe.
The Army National Museum (U.S. Army National Museum) is located on 84 acres at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, 20 miles south of Washington, D.C. Ground was broken in September 2016, and, but for the pandemic, it was scheduled opening was to be in June 2020. With good luck, it was opened the following year, June 2021, just in time for a visit by our class. We had a brief visit, but a full day would be required to experience the three floors. Only a visit can describe how impressive the museum is. See also Army National Museum, Wikipedia. Take a virtual tour: Army National Museum Virtual Tour. The two websites above provide much more information.

Photo: Terry Ryan, Pete Cahill, John Swennson, Tom Fergusson, Chuck Nichols  Pete Linn - John & Karen Pickler and Dave & Darlene Hopkins

● Benny Havens and Celebrate Dinner – by the H&H Team.
After the museum tour, there was time for a brief rest before gathering again for Benny Havens. It was our “Western Night,” casual and fun, with many classmates dressed in western attire for the occasion! The evening meal had a country and western feel. As such, black and gold scarves complete with WP insignia, “celebrate,” and “strength and drive USMA 65” were at each place on the tables. Once again Purple Heart red wine and Federalist white wine was included with the meal. It was our time to Celebrate the Army, our Class, and the fact that we were all blessed with the opportunity to be together! As we entered the ballroom for dinner, we were greeted with spirited music by the Brass Quintet from the Army Band, setting the celebratory mood for the evening! They were followed by the Army Fife and Drum Corps and the Presentation of the Colors by the Honor Guard.

During our preparation for the reunion, the H&H team recognized what an asset Dawn Conguisti (The AOG coordinator) was to the process. She constantly displayed the class motto of “Strength and Drive.” We could not help noticing Dawn's continuous enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication as she embraced the HH Team's idea to change course, and led her AOG team to implement the new plan with passion and pizazz! Her most famous comment in reply to our many unusual requests was “it has never been done before but 65 will set a precedent, so let’s do it.” Wanting to recognize Dawn, the HH Team nominated her and sought approval from the Class Leadership for her to become an Honorary ’65 Class Member. This was announced and presented to her at the beginning of the Celebrate dinner.

She was thankful to the point of being thrilled. Congratulations, Dawn!

A good time was had by all! For those who were unable to attend for whatever reason, we missed you, and hope to see you at the 60th!
Photographs. Link to photos: Photos: '65 55+1 Reunion.

Many thanks go those classmates who generously donated items to help make this reunion extra special, even if some were unable to attend in person:
Bob Anderson – artwork of the “Long Gray Line”
Salomones, Sheridans and Tomaswicks – lanyards with class crest for the widows
Gene Manghi, Lee Hewitt, and Jim Murphy – storing supplies at their homes
Anonymous (pin name “Rover Jackson”) - black, gray and gold rosettes
Anonymous – classy black masks with gold embroidered crest for each classmate

Terry Ryan, Chuck Nichols and Dave Hopkins contributed countless hours and did yeoman work to make this reunion extraordinary. They deserve to be singled out and applauded!  Thanks, guys! Awesome job!

Also, thanks for help with connections to make things happen go to Judy Caldwell (Arlington Lady and spouse of '67), LTG Ret Guy Swan ('76), MG Omar Jones (MDW Commander ('92).

Planning for the Class of '65 Fifty-Fifth Reunion, scheduled for April 2020 at West Point, began in 2017. By the beginning of March 2020 most all the arrangements were in place. The Park Ridge Marriott in New Jersey had been chosen as headquarters. The reunion schedule was all set, meals had been selected, and transportation was booked. Registration was already open and payments were coming in fast and furious! Only last-minute details were left to be finalized. Then, just over a month away from execution, the COVID pandemic suddenly appeared on the scene and impacted our country dramatically! It quickly became clear that our long planned and eagerly anticipated 55th Reunion would have to be canceled. After consultation with Russ Campbell and the Leadership Team at the time, the class was notified of the cancellation. The HH reunion team, consisting of the Harveys and the Heckers, immediately began working with AOG to reschedule for April 2021, same time and place.

In the ensuing months, plans moved forward for the rescheduled 2021 reunion which was rebranded “Fifty-Fifth Plus One.” AOG assigned us a new event planner, Dawn Conguisti, which proved to be quite fortuitous!
In December 2020, the dreaded COVID began to spike again. In our bi-weekly calls with Dawn, we got wind that there was a strong possibility that all spring 2021 reunions would likely be canceled, and that West Point would remain locked down. A definite decision by the Superintendent would be made on this sometime in late January or early February 2021.
Not wanting to open registration the first of February only to have to refund everything a second time, the HH team began to think creatively, out of the box. What the location changed and our reunion was held in a place that was more open? Nashville, Tennessee or somewhere in Florida were considered. But it was quickly decided that Northern Virginia made more sense.

The decision to hold the Reunion in Northern Virginia was based on the following considerations:

•  West Point would be closed with no indication that it would be reopened in 2021.
•  Northern Virginia/DC was the second choice in the class survey for the 55th Reunion.
•  The Northern Virginia location had the highest density of classmates nearby.
•  Reagan Airport/Crystal City hotels made it easy for distant classmates to arrive.
•  The area offered meaningful activities for the class – Arlington, Vietnam Wall, and US Army National Museum.
• The Renaissance and Resident Inn in a single building offered an ideal site at a very reasonable price of $119 per night to hold most activities without long bus rides.

Based on the above and the idea that we could create an itinerary that closely tracked what we normally did at our reunions held at West Point, Northern Virginia became our choice. Research began. We turned on a dime, tentatively booking the Renaissance Hotel/Resident Inn at Crystal City, while at the same time creating an itinerary that would be meaningful and of interest to all. Once complete, we then approached both the leadership team (now under Pat Kenny) and Dawn to present our idea.

We will never forget Dawn’s reaction! A creative and out of the box thinker herself, her eyes lit up with enthusiasm! She was all in with the idea! United as a team, we were off and running!  Of course, it did help to have Joe DeFrancisco's support, as well! Dawn now stepped in and took the helm, as she finalized the contract with the Marriott, and followed up with the contacts we had made at Arlington Cemetery and the National Museum of the United States Army.

Still keeping an eye on the COVID situation and the timing of vaccine availability, the Reunion Team decided to err on the side of caution, asking for understanding and patience from the class, one last change was put in place. With the hotel and the planned venues all cooperating, the date of the reunion was moved from April to the July 4 weekend, thus giving everyone a better chance to have the opportunity to receive the vaccine. Thankfully, three tries at reunion planning turned out to be a charm! By the time the reunion was held, the state of Virginia had lifted all restrictions, including the wearing of masks. We were good to go!

“It's all about the journey, and the friends you make along the way!”

Photo: Left to Right” Jim & June Harvey, Dawn Conguisti, Nancy & Bill Hecker

With heartfelt thanks to our Classmates and Friends
for your patience and support throughout this journey

Strength and Drive
- End of Despatch -

I remember meeting Chuck at the Indianapolis Air-port. We drove to Kansas City in our convoy of un-air-conditioned Riviera and GTO. Using my $25 buck Playboy Club Key I got in New York (I still have it), we went to the Kansas City Playboy Club. Pretty girls, they must be 80 by now. I think we then went to Denver, chugged over the Rockies to Salt Lake City where the only booze was airline miniatures.

Then Las Vegas. I remember staying up all night playing Black-Jack. I quit when I drew a card to a hand that was already 21. We split, Chuck headed to Manhattan Beach and I went to Norton AFB in San Bernardino . . . listened to The Beach Boys “Califor-nia Girls” and “California Dreamin’” by the Mamas and Papas all the way. Great start to interesting and eventful lives.

I’m over in Germany for the summer months and so I missed the reunion. However, Ingrid & I decided to have our own reunion with Heidelberg to see how that historic HQ has evolved over the years since we were stationed there in the 80s. I’m sure many classmates also did a tour at the US Army Europe (USAREUR) headquarters. We lived there for 2+ years where I was posted to the Engineer Directorate. Our son Daniel was born there and we have many fond memories of our times there and tours of Heidelberg and the surrounding area.

Dave LaRochelle submitted this picture of a memory from way back. Blaik was a force de jure during his day. Then, college football was not big business and today the size and weight of college level players has increased substantially. It was the era for Army Football. See Earl "Red" Blaik Hall of Fame.

Let to right: The 1964 National College Athletic Association football championship dinner honored Coach Blake into the NCAA Hall of Fame. Bill Sherrill, Ray Paske, John Seymour, Col. Blake, Ray Hawkins, Mike Berdy, Dave La Rochelle, Don Parcells. Notre Dame was the champion that year for the MacArthur Bowl award.

Bill Brown, Duncan's nephew reports;

Johnny and Mert, we had a beautiful service yesterday, and a really wonderful lunch afterwards in the church basement. My family was there and we pretty much kept a wake going until late last night, sharing Uncle Duncan stories. Three '65 classmates and their wives attended. Attached is a picture of the table in the basement where we put Duncan's urn and some photos. One of the wives took a picture of your classmates and me behind the table and was going to send it to your class scribe. Duncan made a point in the notes accompanying his will that I was to be sure to contact you after he passed - he had a handful of great friends, and you were two of his best. (I love the skydiving picture the best!)

Bill