Our condolences go out to the families of those who have joined the ghostly assemblage of the Long Grey Line this past year:

• 220116 Steve Harmon
• 220130 Wayne Marsh
• 220227 Art Hester

Walt Kulbacki played host to Dave Mastran and Bob and Mary Frank at Walt’s beautiful golf course, Naples Heritage, yesterday. While Cathy and Walt Kulbacki enjoy the Florida weather full-time (excluding a two month summer stay in Cape Cod), the Mastrans were catching a break from Nashville storms and the Franks are back in Florida for their so-called golf Spring training.

Jay Vaughn has news from way down under about Lee and Suzanne Atchley and their trek to Antarctica. Personally, I am way impressed at the author's desktop publishing skills. Jay sent it a few days back and reminded me to publish it which I appreciate because, from time to time, these days I can forget to do what is on my plate. Thanks Jay, and thanks for the article.

Denny & Cathy hosted our deceased Classmate Ed Abesamis' daughter Kay Abesamis & her husband Frederik Westerly and their absolutely delightful 10-year old twins Elise and Karl ("with a K" we were told by young Master) Fred Smith and Tom Fergusson stopped by to add their stories of their grandfather, Ed during MacArthur's Mess Hall speech, marching in his military funeral cortege, where we all were when we heard that Pres. Kennedy had been shot, etc. The kids loved hearing about their Grandfather (Lolo) Edgardo.

Left: Denny & Cathy with Kay Abesamis, Frederik & Family

Right: Tom Fergusson & Fred Smith with Kay Abesamis, Frederik & Family

Below: LTC Johanna Wyne and family. Note: Our deceased Classmate MG (Ret) John Thompson's daughter, LTC Johanna Wynne, commands the Support Battalion for the Army's Futures Command in Austin, a "thankless job" according to one of our retired GO’s, but one she is apparently handling well! Impressive young Army leader!

        Right: Fergussons and Gills

• Hawkins' have been to most of A/N games, including LAST 35! Now all we have to do is work with Hawk's hair stylist before 2022
• The Smith's have attended about 40 and the Gill's about 20.
• We would add that on this special weekend, with all the Cadets and Middies around, when you listen to them and their stories, you gotta feel good! These young folks are the future of this Country and they handle themselves well in that light!!!

DENNY COLL & FRED SMITH

The Hawkins, Joneses and Franks took time off from their golf to celebrate a Valentine’s Day dinner at Jack Nicklaus’ restaurant at the Reunion resort in Kissimmee FL. The weather has been a bit cooler than expected, but it sure beats Chicago, Long Island and Maryland, which were not conducive for golf.

l to r: Dave and Patti Jones, Mary and Bob Frank, Linda and Ray Hawkins

Our classmate, Doug Gibson (Company C-2 and L-2) was interred in a service at the West Point cemetery on Friday, February 11, 2022. The day was clear and cold. Doug’s wife, Diane, and her family, were there and received the flag. Three of Doug’s four children from his previous marriage, and his brother Greg attended. Russ Campbell, Tom Barron, Jack Jannarone and Joe Barkley represented the class.

The service inside the Old Cadet Chapel was beautiful, and moving. Doug’s brother, Greg, and Joe Barkley presented eulogies. Fortunately Chaplin Tilden led the singing of the Alma Mater at the end, as a couple of us had been instructed by our wives not to lead the singing.

Military honors were rendered by the MP Honor Guard unit from West Point.

Following the service Greg Gibson hosted a reception at the Thayer. Greg and Doug’s kids remarked that reception, and the participation by the four “Old Grads and Classmates,” served as a benefit and healing. We told “funny Doug stories” to help the kids connect a bit with West Point and their father’s experience there.

The service and entire process of getting the interment set up and accomplished was led by and coordinated by Barbara St. John of the AOG Memorial Support Unit. Barbara and her colleagues were understanding, professional, friendly, helpful, and very caring for our classmate and the family and friends.

“Be Thou at Peace, Doug!”

Sherry and Clair hosted a luncheon today at their St. James Plantation home in Southport NC. We had a fabulous meal accompanied with a lot of laughs. The Gills spend their winters in North Carolina, while the Radcliffes and Gordy Larson are year round NC residents. Happy to report that Bob Radcliffe (and Faye Hayes) are over Covid. Bob also beat back double pneumonia, which followed his Covid bout. Gordy is doing well and is still ‘looked after’ by Rodeo.

l to r: Bob Radcliffe, Bob Frank, Clair Gill, Gordy Larson

Our Vero Beach visit included a day with the Stewarts. After golf with Jay and Carol at their Orchid Island golf course followed by a visit to their lovely home, we got to have dinner at the Polo Grille in Vero Beach. After a two year break, it was great to see them again.

This past Thursday the growing group of western Carolina classmates gathered at the German restaurant, the Waldhorn, in Charlotte. Seated at the stammtisch from left are Margaret Parker, Gene Parker, Tim Timmerman, Dave Bodde, Priscilla Bodde, Sue Timmerman, Ed Winstead and Pam Winstead. The lone second regiment attendee was heard to say “great time but more second regiment participation will be encouraged!

Gordy Larson reported on the Army-Missouri Armed Forces Bowl Football game. Army 24. Missouri 22

Denny Coll & Fred Smith reported that USMA1965 had a nice gathering at the Hilton Meadowlands and Met Life Stadium for the Army Navy game. Part of the pre-game activities remembered the 20 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on NYC, PA and the Pentagon. Lee Greenwood and the fans sang "God Bless the USA." Lee Greenwood sang that song 20 years ago at the Army Navy game. It was memorable and moving both times.
While the outcome of the game was disappointing, we had a nice gathering. We shared a lot of memories, old and new life stories, with good camaraderie and the joy of being together. And there were certainly a lot of laughs. The Army Navy game will be in Philadelphia in 2022.

Early party-goers: Kay Dermody, Sherry Gill, Mary & Bob Frank and Clair Gill

Above: Fred & Mary Ellen, Cathy Coll, Clair & Sherry, and Dawn & Scott Congiusti. Dawn (AOG) is an Honorary member of USMA 1965.

Russ & Maryann Campbell with daughter Elizabeth & husband Michael as well as son Russ, Jr. + Ross Wollen & Myrita

Tom & June Ferguson, Bob Harter, LTC Johanna Thompson Wynne (MG John's daughter) & husband Brian, Dave Hurley, Tom Barron and Joann Tyner (Step)

Tom & June Ferguson, Bob Harter, LTC Johanna Thompson Bob & Mary Frank, Kay Dermody, Patti Jones, Laura Wynne (MG John's daughter) & husband Brian, Dave Kay Dermody Lampshire & hubby Greg and Ray & Linda.

Army faced Navy on December 11th. Navy

Some 60 years ago, Richie Donahue and Gerry (Boo) Buckosky were sworn in as West Point cadets and placed in Company A-2. We spent some time walking the Area together, but did not particularly bond until the summer of '63 when we and three other classmates: Bo Forrest (RIP), Russel Dornier (RIP), Andy Zaleski hooked up for a driving vacation (VW Van) through Europe after AOT tours. It was a rip-roaring time for the five with many hilarious experiences none would forget.

In any event, a week ago today, Richie was in Palo Alto. I drove up from San Diego and we had a long lunch kickin' our academy years around . . . lots of laughs. Then it was over and time for pictures. Below, Ritchie is pointing to me with his "finger" while we are caught up in laughter. Great time Ritchie.

Gordy Larson is acknowledged for his Monday Morning Quarterback (MMQ) analysis which he shares each Monday morning during football season. Below are the statistics for the year 2021.
210904 Georgia State at Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta. W 43-10.
210911 Western Kentucky at Michie Stadium. W 38-35.
210918 University of Connecticut at Michie Stadium. W 52-21.
210925 Miami of Ohio at Michie Stadium. W 23-10.
211002 Ball State at Michie Statium. L 16-28.
211016 Wisconsin at Randall Stadium. L 14-20
211023 Wake Forrest at Michie Stadium. L 56-70.
211106 Air Force Academy Arlington Texas. W 21-14 OT
211113 Bucknell at Michie Stadium. W 63-10.
211120 University of Massachusetts at Michie Stadium. W 33-17.
211127 Liberty University at Lynchburg VA. W 31-16.
211211 Navy at in Rutherford NJ.
211223 Army v. Missouri in the Armed Forces Bowl at Fort Worth Texas
Over all performance 9 Wins, 3 Losses

Our condolences go out to the families of the 15 who have joined the Long Grey Line this past year:

Steve Kempf: 21-12-21
Doug Gibson: 21-11-11
Frank Arnall: 21-11-06
Step Tyner: 21-10-27
Mike O’Grady: 21-10-14
Duke Wheeler: 21-09-28
Rick Sullivan: 21-09-04
Jesse Whitten: 21-08-26
Bill Brush: 21-07-31
Ron Bailey: 21-07-17
Duncan Brown: 21-06-21
Bruce Marshall: 21-04-27
PT McDonald: 21-04-21
Bill Connolly: 21-04-14
Don Parrish: 21-01-14

- End of Despatch -

November Class Notes Below.

Gordy reviewed many different aspects of the contest as Army defeated Liberty University in Michie Stadium 31 to 16 on November 27th.

Ray Woodruff

Attached a pic of 13 tree ornaments, a soldier doll and a belt my wife, Grace Anne, made for me. We have been together 13 years now and she has made at least one for me every year. The belt took her over 100 hours to complete. I thought it might be of interest to some.

Gordy reviewed many different aspects of the contest as Army defeated U. Mass. in Michie Stadium 33 to 17 on November 20th. U.

Army v. Bucknell, Gordy reviewed many different aspects of the contest as Army defeated Bucknell Michie Stadium 63 to 10 on November 13th.

Paul Schultz Reports

This weekend there is a 12K run supporting military veterans and active duty in Mobile at the Battleship Alabama Memorial Park. My wife runs this one every year. The 2021 race is in honor of the US Army. At the race check in was a Navy Federal Credit Union tent with a USNA graduate handing out memorial towels.

What used to be 150s Football is now Army-Navy Sprint Football. Mark West is the present coach Tommy Thompson, below, want to play.

Skip O’Donnell Reports

Eleven years ago, on November 11th, that year, Wayne Newton, Senator Reid/NV other officials as well as the national USO succeeded in establishing the LV USO airport lounge.

On November 11 at 1100 hours this year, we the USO volunteers, gathered at the aforementioned USO airport lounge with Wayne to celebrate our 11th anniversary happily serving the US Armed Forces active duty and retired service members passing through Vegas. As most people know, Wayne has been very involved with the USO for many years.

I remember his doing USO tours in Vietnam. Anyhow, Wayne graciously asked to shake hands and have pictures taken with us USO volunteers as shown below.

Gordy reviewed many different aspects of the contest as Wake Forest defeated Army in Michie Stadium 70 to 56 on October 23rd. Wake Forrest has has an outstanding year owing to its outstanding offensive passing attack.

Greetings from Western Carolina. The Western Carolina crowd got together on Friday in Hickory, NC. I can report Carrabba’s survived our spirited gathering.

Going around the table from left to right are Ed Winstead, Gene Parker, Margaret Parker, Sue Timmerman, Pam Winstead and Tim Timmerman!

Dan Christman had a double pleasurable experience

Dan relates: . . . still hoarse after one of the most exciting FB games I’ve ever seen. Above left taken immediately before the game on the floor of Globe Life stadium with assistant coach of the army team, Ben Kotwica.

Ben was co-captain of the 1996 team that won the commander in chief’s trophy and was recently hired by Army head coach Jeff Monken. Above right: the four of us was taken immediately after the game in the “Live! By Loews” hotel adjacent to the stadium.

Susan and I are standing between 2LT Sanden McCoy (on the left), co-captain of the 2020 team; and 2LT Joe Stephenson, linebacker on that same team that won the commander-in-chief’s trophy.

Pictured left are Colls, Axley, Atcheleys, Cindrics, Neals and Maddens. Bob Atchley is the tallest in the rear. I did not get a detailed identification.

Pictured right: Daughter Shannon ’95.On her right (L to R) WP cadets Kirby ’92 and Darby ’94. On Shannon's left is AF cadet Abby ’94 and, of course, Denny

MMQs WITH GORDY LARSON
210904 v. Georgia State at Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta. W 43-10.
210911 v. Western Kentucky at Michie Stadium. W 38-35.
210918 v. University of Connecticut at Michie Stadium. W 52-21.
210925 v. Miami of Ohio at Michie Stadium. W 23-10.
211002 v. Ball State at Michie Stadium. L 16-28.
211009 v. No scheduled game.
211016 v. Wisconsin at Randall Stadium. L 14-20
211023 v. Wake Forrest at Michie Stadium. L 56-70.

Our condolences go out to the families of those who have joined the Long Grey Line this month:

Doug Gibson: 21-11-11
Frank Arnall: 21-11-06

- End of Despatch - Nov.

Ralph was a Combat Air Controller hence the blue beret, blackened Captains Bars and Mastechutist Parachutist Wings. Ralph was also a sponsor of the dinner. Speaker was excellent, Dan Streeter '90, CEO of TIBCO, an AI company that hires a lot of Vets. His XO was also there, USNA.

The western North Carolina society held its founder’s day Saturday March 19,2022 at Broadmoor Golf & Event Center in Feltcher NC. We had a great speaker Col Jason D Perez class of 97 Director of Academy Advancement at WEST Point. He gave a great talk by researching every class that was present and gave examples of the “Corps Has”. He even asked if we knew when and who built Camp Buckner. Judy (Grey Hog that she is) Fish said German POWs and added they built the Golf Course too. It was one of the best I have ever attended and Col Perez spent a lot of time on the class of 65. Don, Joy, Judy, Ed and I all had a great time.

Some photos from Founder’s Day in Washington:

Founders Day was celebrated March 13th by the West Point Society of Monticello in Charlottesville, VA at the UVA Darden School of Business. The speaker was our own Joe DeFrancisco who made the three-hour drive from Arlington to be with us.

Around eighty alumni and guests were entertained by Joe’s remarks on current operations at West Point and WPAOG. Several superintendents were singled out for the major contributions they made to West Point such as Cullum, McArthur, and our Dan Christman for institutionalizing the Margin of Excellence concept and forever changing the trajectory of giving to West Point.

Joe also spoke about the importance and uses of the time, talent, and financial gifts alumni have made and are continuing to make. Gifts that enable West Point to fund properties, services, and programs well beyond those authorized through the federal budget and that enable us to attract and fully develop the best and brightest our country has to offer.

Joe closed with the reminder of AOG’s commitment to Honor the Past … Prepare for the Future. His remarks were well received by the audience, which included an additional four Strength and Drive classmates and their spouses. The Harveys made the three-hour drive to Charlottesville from Chesapeake, picking up the Hopkinses in Mechanicsville along the way.