John Swensson reports

Word passed today of the death of our former classmate Dr. Jerry Hoffman, D.O., in Houston TX on 26 June. After Prep School at Ft. Belvoir with the class, Jerry was with us for two years before leaving to attend Medical School en route to becoming a pathologist. Cause of death was sepsis. His wife Michele, a Nurse Anesthetist who is well known to the class, survives him as do their two children, a son Jeff in Houston and a daughter Paige in Chicago. Jerry also had a daughter from his first marriage, Heather, who lives in Mississippi.

After USMAPS and West Point, he finished his senior year at Baylor University where he was President of his class. Jerry then attended the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine before beginning a 13 year career in the Air Force.

All classmates are invited to a Party at the Hallmark Retirement Community. 4718 Hallmark Dr Houston TX 77056 on Sunday 20 July, from 4-6 PM . Crown Royal Sour Ups will be served and music from Opera to James Brown will be played. Jerry designed this party himself. Pls RSVP to Michele at micheleahoffman@aol.com, or 713-306-3558.

(Swensson remembers) I visited Jerry and Michele in the late 70s at MacDill AFB where Jerry was the Chief of Pathology. As I was still smoking cigarettes, he took me into a room where there was a cadaver who had died of lung cancer. He did this to show me what my lungs looked like. Ever thoughtful, Jerry was also very generous and very supportive of the Class of 1965. At one of our reunions he arranged for each member to receive a DVD of GEN Mac Arthur’s last speech which was given while we were plebes.

Jerry and Michele had a great life together in TX and San Diego and CO, and in Franklin TN , where they lived for a short time. Donations are welcome at Tunnels to Towers or Folds of Honor in Jerry’s name.

Our Community Salutes ("OCS") - Denny Coll

Some of you who attended the 60th Reunion were interested in a recent Event, of which I was part in May, that salutes high school graduates who have enlisted in the Armed Forces.

Started in 2009, OCS has grown to over 40 Events a year. Ours was held at Clarke University in Dubuque (My Cathy is on the Board and my good friend and old F-2 Company-mate Fletch Lamkin '64 is the President).

The organization that I and a Dubuque resident Matt May '92 established (OCS-Eastern Iowa) hosted the first (and hopefully annual) Event which was attended by about 160 folks of whom most were Parents and Grandparents. 46 were recent graduates from 23 high schools.

Sen. Joni Ernst was to be our speaker but got "dust-stormed in" in D.C. so our back-up, CSM Jorge Escobedo from the Sustainment Command, filled in admirably!

If interested, Google "Our Community Salutes" and then "Our Community Salutes-Eastern Iowa." If further interested, call me and I'll provide more details. This is a really neat, fun and not overly time-consuming way to "give back" to our Military!

THANX TO CLASS FOR DONATION IN BOB WOLFF NAME

Hi Denny,

Please thank the Class'65 for the generous $1000 gift to the WP Jewish Chapel Fund in honor of Bob Wolff's absolutely terrific Jewish Chapel Tour during our reunion. It was a thoughtful and meaning gesture and much appreciated.

Paul Kantrowich

I thought this had gone out in the previous July Class Blast but unfortunately, our ListServ service is not only particular about picture sizes, it also has word-count limits. So, my sincere apologies to Tom & Marilyn Kovach (see below) for my oversight.

On June 12th, Marilyn and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary while cruising Alaska with our family. We would like to congratulate all of the other Strength and Drive couples who, during this month of June 2025, either have already celebrated or will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. The following list was compiled from information that I had gathered for our 50th Class Reunion in 2015 and in conjunction with the current Class Directory. [I apologize in advance for all errors, omissions, and misspellings.]

 

June 9th Bob & Joanne Higgins Larry & Ruth Neal Jim & Marianne Paley Gene & Margaret Parker George & Jill Seaworth June 10th Mike & Carol Barker Gil & Virginia Curl Bob & Sylvia Molepske Tad & Hiro Ono Steve & Olive Paek June 11th JP & Bobbye Greene Jim & June Harvey Ben & Gladys Whitehouse Ken & Izumi Yoshitani

June 12th Pete & Barbara Becker Rick & Marlene Charles Jim & Janet Dyer Tom & Judy Genetti Jim & Diane Hardin Jim & Jeanne Harmon Ray & Linda Hawkins Mike & Joanie Huston Tom & Marilyn Kovach Fred & Maralee Laughlin Bill & Jane Lehman John & Susan Madia Glenn & Joanmary Nenninger Jim & Patricia Olivo Tim & Sue Timmerman

June 13th Nic & Darcy Merriam Jim & Connie Mirando June 15th Lloyd & Kitty Briggs June 16th Jim & Lou Tillman June 18th Jim & Julie McEliece June 19th Terry & Sharon Carlson Charlie & Violet Eckart Stan & Barbara Genega Jay & Carol Stewart

June 20th Sonny & Judy Arkangel John & Karen Pickler June 26th Larry & Sue Bryant Tom & Janie Cindric John & Sandy Funk Joe & Kay Hindsley Mark & Linda Sheridan Ric & Patty Shinseki June 27th Bud & Judy Fish

Congratulations to all!

Tom Kovach
tjkovach@aol.com

THE 6OTH ANNIVERSARY LIST WAS A BIG HIT - MORE NAMES FOR THE LIST

A July 4th at Trophy Point - George Bell

Denny, trust all is going well with you and family. Below is a link to YouTube for the celebration activities held at Trophy Point on the 4th. They were rather impressive and inspiring. I think you and the Class might enjoy watching it. S&D.
—George Bell

Click HERE to view video

From Bruce Clarke:

Had malignant melanoma removed from my right shin, malignant lymph nose removed from my right groin and a port installed in my chest. FYI: still have 3 hats and 3 visors remaining.

From Ken Yoshitani

Denny, Vikings Four and their better halves gathered for the Semiannual Luncheon in Edina, MN this afternoon. We had much to catch up with the news of our grandkids as well as our plans for the rest of this year. We are all healthy and enjoying ourselves. Attached is our photo from left Ken and Izumi Yoshitani, Andrea Hjelm, Jim and Julie McEliece, and Janis Stephenson and Ken Hjelm. Ken and Andrea are happily married despite the appearance of separation. Strength and Drive from The Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Ken

 

 

 

Passing of Doug Richardson's Son

Our condolences to Doug & Sharon Richardson on the passing of Doug’s oldest son, Douglas III. He passed away on 10 June while in surgery following a motorcycle accident, hitting a car in Tampa. Douglas III is the son of Doug and the late Carole Richardson. Our classmate Doug is remarried to Sharon.

Recommend any card or note be sent to Doug and Sharon at their Maryland address: PO Box 1195, La Plata, MD 20646.

Anita Fredericks

Yesterday, I attended the celebration of life of Grant Fredrick's life-long partner, Anita. I joined a group of Anita's friends and family and Grant's friends, family and former colleagues. Our mutual good friend Susan Sherrell was also there. It was held at a quaint chapel in beautiful Tummy, a suburb of Olympia, Washington. Grant and his brother Gary were the main speakers but Grant gave warm, heartfelt recollections of their lives together, moving around during Grant's Army career, retiring in the PNW and their joint, and successful effort in breeding show winning Schips as well as Anita's many interests and talents in multimedia art works-oil, water color, bronze and others. Anita died of a heart attack. Grant hosted a very nice lunch afterwards at the Anthony's Homeport Restaurant but I could not stay. Pics from the lunch showing Anita and Grant are attached.

Tad

 

 

Our Community Salutes ("OCS") - Denny Coll

Some of you who attended the 60th Reunion were interested in a recent Event, of which I was part in May, that salutes high school graduates who have enlisted in the Armed Forces.

Started in 2009, OCS has grown to over 40 Events a year. Ours was held at Clarke University in Dubuque (My Cathy is on the Board and my good friend and old F-2 Company-mate Fletch Lamkin '64 is the President).

The organization that I and a Dubuque resident Matt May '92 established (OCS-Eastern Iowa) hosted the first (and hopefully annual) Event which was attended by about 160 folks of whom most were Parents and Grandparents. 46 were recent graduates from 23 high schools.

Sen. Joni Ernst was to be our speaker but got "dust-stormed in" in D.C. so our back-up, CSM Jorge Escobedo from the Sustainment Command, filled in admirably!

If interested, Google "Our Community Salutes" and then "Our Community Salutes-Eastern Iowa." If further interested, call me and I'll provide more details. This is a really neat, fun and not overly time-consuming way to "give back" to our Military!

THANX TO CLASS FOR DONATION IN BOB WOLFF NAME

Hi Denny,

Please thank the Class'65 for the generous $1000 gift to the WP Jewish Chapel Fund in honor of Bob Wolff's absolutely terrific Jewish Chapel Tour during our reunion. It was a thoughtful and meaning gesture and much appreciated.

Paul Kantrowich

PASSING OF GARRETT DAVIS

From: Bob Frank

Norman and Arleen Betaque ’63, residents of our senior living facility, informed me that Garrett was laid to rest today at Arlington National Cemetery. Garrett was Arleen’s younger brother. I pass this info on so you can update the Class database. I wish I would have known about this funeral. Despite the brutal heat in Northern Virginia, I might have gone to the ceremony. I hope that our Class was represented by someone, perhaps someone closer to the family. If so, with luck we may get a report.

NEED A HOWITZER (OR 4)???

From: Leo (Larry) Konermann

Hi Denny, first, thanks for taking over as scribe. Appreciate all the leadership team does for the class.

I will be moving into a 'retirement village' in ~90 days, and must severely curtail what I am bringing.One of the items I would gladly give to a classmate who wants them is my set of Howitzers 1962 thru 1965. I will be glad to ship them.

Contact Info: lkoner65@gmail.com

CHRIS KINARD UPDATE

From: Mitch Bonnett

I wanted to pass along something from a recent birthday call I made to Chris Kinard. It turned out to be one of those conversations that sticks with you.

Chris is still living in Monterey — in the same house his parents bought back in ’72. That hit home for me because Jo Ann and I lived in nearby Pacific Grove when I was in language school, so it was familiar ground. But what really stood out was how disconnected Chris has felt from the class for years — and why.

Even though he was born at West Point, with a father and brother who were both grads, the Army wouldn’t let him go into combat arms after graduation. So he got out — and pretty much lost touch. He mentioned how tough it was watching classmates go to Vietnam while he didn’t — and losing several close friends and roommates, including Bob Arvin, whom he was especially close to. I shared that Bob and I were in the same company, and that he was killed not far from where I was. Chris had seen the video about Bob, and you could tell it still weighed on him.

He hasn’t been to any reunions. Says he’s kept in touch with Fred Laughlin and Chuck Mosley (Fred was at the last one, Chuck wasn’t), and he bumped into Dan Christman at his dad’s 60th reunion back in ’96 — but that’s about it. Other than that, he's been pretty removed from everything.

Still, he was clearly glad to get the call. We talked for quite a while, including about how crazy things have gotten in the world lately, some shared stories about Vietnam and Thailand, and how he’s been doing. (He’s dealing with some back issues and walks the dogs daily — two Shih Tzus that belong to his daughter, who lives with him.)

At one point, I mentioned that we’re working on a process to send printed class directories to those who didn’t attend the reunion — and possibly to a few who did but may have lost theirs. He seemed genuinely pleased to hear that. Liked the idea of having something tangible he could refer to without having to go online.

It made me think: there are probably more guys like Chris out there — classmates who feel like the class passed them by, but who would still welcome a connection. Maybe there’s more we can do, maybe not, but I thought this one was worth sharing.

Below is the note I sent him afterward:

Chris, thanks again for taking the time to talk on your birthday. I really enjoyed hearing about your life in Monterey — what a beautiful spot to call home, and even more meaningful with it being your parents’ house since 1972. Jo Ann and I lived in Pacific Grove when I was in language school, and it brought back great memories to hear you’re still there.

I was especially moved by what you shared about your experience after West Point — how not being allowed into combat arms shaped your connection (or disconnection) with our class. I just want you to know that your classmates do care. Many of us have felt disconnected in one way or another, but reaching out — even with a simple call — reminds me how much these bonds still matter.

You mentioned Fred Laughlin and Chuck Mosley — good guys. And I’m glad you saw Dan Christman at your dad’s 60th reunion. He was at ours recently; his wife’s been unwell, but it was meaningful to see him.

Also, I wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about your back problems. I hope the dogs don’t pull too hard on the leash! I mentioned on the call that we’re putting together a plan to send printed class directories to those who didn’t attend the reunion — I’ll make sure your name is on that list.

You made a big impression on me, Chris. Thanks again for sharing your story. Let’s keep in touch — this connection meant a lot.

Mitchell E. Bonnett

Tommy Thompson

I do not remember that safety cage around the ladder up to the top of the tower. We were a demonstration team for the various foreign dignitaries, ran through it several times each presentation. . Seems like it was slippery, skinny metal, rungs and the guy above was dripping water on me all the way up. Next thing you know they’ll strap on safety harnesses…the beam looks wider, too….and you’re supposed to salute, holding on with one hand before dropping…..grumpy old grad. The corps has gone to hell….

Tommy

 

 

 

 

 

Skip O'Donnell

Dennis,

Tom and Marilyn Kovach & me and Marilyn had a nice monthly dinner at PF Chang’s to discuss things since the last meeting. The Kovachs just got back from a nice Alaskan cruise and are heading to CA wine country for a week. We went to Sedonna a few months ago to see friends there.

Skip OD

 

 

 

 

 

Dave Hopkins - Central Virginia Luncheon 7/17/25

First, Denny, thank you for once again stepping in to serve as scribe for our class—no trivial task for our aging class. That should qualify you for an oak leaf cluster on your Gray Hog award. Much appreciated!

The Central Virginia 65 group met on Jul 17 in Richmond for our latest luncheon, thanks to Chuck Nichol’s efforts to get us together while so many are traveling and vacationing. With scheduling and rescheduling, there were only five of us attending: Jim and Lynne Helberg, Chuck, my wife Darlene, and I. We expected Jim and June Harvey to join us after their scheduled return the day before from a river cruise in Europe, but they were still in transit, delayed in France and up all night rescheduling multiple flights back home. They get the world traveler award for this luncheon. Chuck Nichols (and his lady friend Diane Maddra) get second place for their extensive travels throughout Yellowstone and Grand Tetons national parks around the end of June.

This wasn’t our typical luncheon. Instead of launching into stories of cadet days, Ranger school, etc., a couple of geeksters among us, taking advantage of Chuck’s considerable knowledge of computers and associated subjects, asked him a computer question or two, and that led to a prolonged discussion in geek-speak. Eventually we moved on to less technical subjects, such as which ear we hear best out of, directional hearing aids, travels in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, and tales of life in the Army. We never did get to prospects for this year’s Army team, our current medical issues, or grandkids. That leaves plenty to talk about when Jim Harvey get us organized in the fall for yet another delightful classmate get-together.

A REVISED LIST FROM THE KOVACHS

Having congratulated the Strength and Drive couples who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June, Marilyn and I now would like to congratulate all of the couples who, during the remainder of 2025, either have celebrated or will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Again, the following list was compiled from information that I had gathered for our 50th Class Reunion in 2015 and in conjunction with the current Class Directory. [Again, I apologize in advance for all errors, omissions, and misspellings.]

3-Jul Emery & Eleanora Chase 5-Jul Steve & Trish Davis 10-Jul Joe & Diane Barkley Ron & Pauline Layer Bob & Phyllis Wolff 20-Jul Jim & Glory Lane 31-Jul John & Carol Roseberg 1-Aug Bob & Jean Stowell 4-Sep Tim & Bobbie Simmons Tim & Sandy Thames 11-Sep Lowell & Judith Lawson

2-Oct Jim & Diana Webb 18-Oct Orlin & Sandy Mullen 23-Oct Bernie & Ellen Ziegler 26-Oct Carl & Angie Letterie 6-Nov Jose & Ana Gonzalez 20-Nov Paul & Anne Barber Bob & Tricia Clover Joe & Lynne DeFrancisco Mack & Dianne Gill John & Adrienne Wattendorf 21-Nov Mike & Cathy Applin Ron & Erica Wells

28-Nov Cal & Pat Kahara 4-Dec Bob & Michele Axley 5-Dec Pat & Alice Kenny 15-Dec Harry & Martha Joyner 17-Dec Chuck & Cathy Moseley 19-Dec Ernie & Donna Knoche 21-Dec Dave & Rosemarie Kuhn 30-Dec Jim & Jane Seaburn

This list includes 31 couples and the June list included 47 couples plus Bill & Rita Fields - a total of 79 couples. That's 13 percent of our graduated class of 596. Incredible dedication!

Congratulations to all!

Tom Kovach
tjkovach@aol.com

On a unusually brisk Friday morning this past August 1st at West Point, our classmate Dick Wirth was laid to rest with full military honors. I was able to join Dick’s widow Pat, his children Elizabeth, Rick, and Abby together with their families and over 30 of his friends and relatives. Dick’s Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Catholic Chapel and was officiated by Fr. Matthew Pawlikowski, USMA ’86. The AOG was kind enough to ensure that our class flag was present at the service.

After the funeral service, Pat Wirth held a reception at the Thayer Hotel. The attendees got together for the attached photo on the patio of the Thayer. Pat is in the center holding the flag.

I have also attached Dick’s Obituary at this link.

Regards,
Jim Tomaswick '65

BOB WOLFF

Phyllis and I sent on an Alaskan cruise for our 60th Anniversary with our two grandkids (23 & 24) and my granddaughter’s significant other. Went from Vancouver to Seward and took a train from Seward back to Anchorage. We had a wonderful trip with better than expected weather. Favorite excursion was taking a helicopter to a glacier and meeting the sled dogs. Also going out on a crab boat and learning about crabbing for Alaskan King Crabs. Phyllis and I then went to San Francisco to celebrate our anniversary with our West Coast family. We are having another celebration with our east coast family and friends later this month.

We went to the 250th Birthday Celebration of the Corps of Engineers attend by 500 USACE and Army engineers and spouses - first time in a tux for a long time. They asked that the individual who joined the Corps the earliest to come up to cut a cake with the youngest. Turns out I was 2nd in line - maybe next year I will be the oldest and do the honors.

CHUCK NICHOLS

Have been living in Richmond near my son, Jason, ever since I lost my wife, Elaine, in 2015. Six years ago, I met a delighful woman by the name of Diane. We have been spending a lot of time together to include many trips.

We started with a trip to Disney World along with Jason and his family. We have been to Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii, Spain, Viking’s Grand European Tour, and Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. The trip to the Tetons was a repeat of one I took with three buddies 66 years ago.

This December 26th, Diane and I will be taking Jason and his family on a 12-day trip to explore Egypt. I hope my granddaughters, Zoe (14) and Ruby (12), don’t get bored with all the ancient history.

I have been working hard to convince Zoe and Ruby to atend the Academy with little apparent success. Ruby loves horses and has been taking riding lessons. I even used the fact that West Point has an equestrian team to peek her interest. Would appreciate any tips you can provide.

 

 

 

 

MITCH BONNETT

I haven’t traveled much lately, but late last year, Walt Oehrlein and I helped Rebecca Ufford, president of the West Point Parents Association, pull off the All-Service Academy Ball in Detroit—the first one since COVID. I tracked down contact info for graduates from all five academies, and the event was first-class. The keynote, CW5 Alan C. Mack, author of “Razor 03: A Night Stalker’s Wars”, gave an incredible talk about flying CH-47s on special ops missions. His last Army assignment was at West Point where he flew the superintendent and where cadets even got him to take up free-fall parachuting. Highly recommended read.

A few months later, Rebecca called to say a donor had spent big on raffle tickets to the Army–Air Force and Army–Navy games, couldn’t go, and wanted them to go to veterans. She gave Walt and me each two tickets for each game. I had missed my chance to reserve a room for our reunion at either the Thayer or Holiday Inn, so I’d booked a place in Peekskill. When my son and I went back for the Army–Air Force game, we stayed in Peekskill to see what the drive would be like for the reunion. It didn’t take long to realize it would be a hassle, so my son quickly found an Airbnb just a four-minute walk from the Thayer for less money. Our spot couldn’t have worked out better, a great tip if the Thayer’s ever full.

DENNY COLL

Still living in far NW suburb of Chicago (Lake in the Hills, half way between O’Hare and Rockford).. Cathy & I travel a lot (usually 9-10 road-trips of 10 +/- days a year). Cathy has been very active with her Alma Mater Clarke University in Dubuque, so we spend a lot of time there. Her University’s president is my old friend and Company-mate Fletch Lamkin (F-2, ’64) so I have also been helping him establish a cohort of military veteran/students at Clarke.

Was in the Army for almost 5 years; one tour in RVN. Founded a commercial real estate company in Chicago which I ran for about 20 years, following a stint with IBM in the early '70's. Got into small business coaching in 2005, which I loved and still do, to a limited extent, with a few clients. Stayed involved with the Army via 30 years on the Admissions Committee of the AOG, then IL CASA for 6 years, now running an annual event (Our Community Salutes - Eastern Iowa) which salutes high school seniors enlisting in the Services.

I currently have 8 progeny on Active Duty with my daughter Shannon about to retire in November after 32 years of Service. First GGrandchild on the way next March. My wife “volunteered” me (to PDJ Kenny) during one of our road-trips last year to reprise my Class Scribe role and it actually has been fun, so far! As I did previously, I intend to take the Class Roster on our trips, so don’t be surprised if this Ole Scribe comes a-knocking at your door!

Finally, both of us are in reasonably good health. Life is good!

CHUCK MCCLOSKEY

Chuck and Rosemary have been married for 58 years and live in a retirement community in Glen Mills, PA. After retiring from an exciting Army engineer career, there followed major construction projects (with moves) at JFK, Detroit Metro, and Raleigh-Durham airports.

Along the way our three sons settled in St. Louis, Atlanta, and Philly. They gifted us with five grandkids, a college senior, three HS seniors and a HS freshman. Our oldest son also served in the Corps of Engineers before becoming a patent attorney.

Rosemary and I are congenial partners at duplicate bridge and are both Life Masters. Our health is good and we remain happy and focused on the future.

Bob Frank

Clair and Sherry Gill invited a few Classmates to their summer home at Indian Lake PA (not far from Pittsburgh). The weather turned out to be perfect for a comfortable round of golf. The Gills and Franks played 9 holes on Tuesday, and the the Gills, Hawkins and the Franks played 9 holes on Wednesday. We were celebrating a favorable report on Clair’s health after his treatment for cancer. On Wednesday afternoon, the group was enlarged when Tom Abraham drove over from Latrobe. Clair took everyone out in his boat for a tour on the lake. The conditions were perfect for viewing the many spectacular houses surrounding the water. The group topped off the get together with a mouth-watering meal at Shorty’s, a local restaurant on US Highway 30, also known as Forbes Trail and The Lincoln Highway.

After the meal, we visited Patriots Park, a local memorial just across from Shorty’s. The park is formally named "Post 9/11 Global War on Terrorism Memorial,” dedicated to the 7,060 service personnel who lost their lives after 9/11 in the fight against terrorism. The memorial is less than a mile from the National Flight 93 Memorial at Shanksville. Clair is an active member and treasurer of the board which created the Patriots Park memorial. The Patriots Park memorial is quite breath-taking.

 

SOUTHERN ARIZONA GRAY HOG GEEZER LUNCH - JAY VAUGHN

August 19, 2025

The Grayhog Geezers met for their bi-monthly lunch at the Rocking K Market (AKA the Geezer Clubhouse). In attendance and wearing grayhog attire were Jim Holmes, Jim Coughlin, Hank Mickells, and Jay Vaughn. This was the first meeting with their sign prominently displayed thanks to the benevolence of the Clubhouse proprietor.

Topics discussed were the prospects for another great Army football season, the upcoming classmates gathering in Phoenix, and life lessons after 82 years above ground.

These lessons are summarized here:
1. Better to do the harder right instead of the easier wrong. (sound familiar?)
2. Life is full of surprises, some good and some bad. Embrace the good times and be your best person during the difficult ones.
3. We find out who we really are when we're under pressure.
4. Life can change in an instant. Don't take it for granted. Be grateful for what you have and do whatever good you can.

The geezers (Hank, Jim C., Jim H., Jay) posed for a photo under their sign. Jim Coughlin is holding a shirt given to him by Hank in an attempt to improve his sartorial presentation. The “Ice Cold Beer” sign was there before we arrived. Classmates are cordially invited to join us.

FROM JIM TOMASWICK

On a unusually brisk Friday morning this past August 1st at West Point, our classmate Dick Wirth was laid to rest with full military honors. I was able to join Dick’s widow Pat, his children Elizabeth, Rick, and Abby together with their families and over 30 of his friends and relatives. Dick’s Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Catholic Chapel and was officiated by Fr. Matthew Pawlikowski, USMA ’86. The AOG was kind enough to ensure that our class flag was present at the service.

After the funeral service, Pat Wirth held a reception at the Thayer Hotel. The attendees got together for the attached photo on the patio of the Thayer. Pat is in the center holding the flag.

Richard Wirth Obituary

June 3, 2025

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Richard "Dick" Wirth, a 32-year resident of Hilton Head Island, passed away at home on Tuesday, June 3. He was 82 years old.

Born in Massachusetts to Gustave and Margaret Wirth, Dick graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1965 and was commissioned into the United States Air Force. That same year, he married Patricia, and together they raised three children and welcomed six grandchildren. Dick and Patricia would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this month.

During his time in the Air Force, Dick became a pilot and flew the KC-135, an air refueling jet. He served with distinction during three tours of duty in Vietnam.

After leaving the Air Force, Dick continued his aviation career as a pilot with Eastern Airlines. In addition, he utilized his engineering and business skills to become a successful home builder in New England. His business-fittingly named Wings and Wood-reflected both his love of flight and his craftsmanship.

Dick is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Hilton Head Island; his son, Richard, of Jacksonville; and his daughters, Elizabeth of Milton, MA, and Abby of Hilton Head. He is also lovingly remembered by his six grandchildren: Emme, Caroline, and Hugh Cronin of Milton MA; Annie and Jake Ferguson of Hilton Head; and Richard "Scooter" Wirth III of Jacksonville.

Dick will be laid to rest at the cemetery at West Point at a later date.

UPDATE FROM CHUCK MCCLOSKEY

Classmates in 2025 Taps Albright Bangert Bucha Burrell De Moulpied Foehl Howell Kulbacki Malpass Radcliffe Ruggles Schaltenbrand Throckmorton

Classmates Needing a Memorial Article Coordinator Belanger, I1 Bishop. K2 Brush, D1 Epperson, X B2 Davis, G., E2 Hoffman, X G1 Kennedy, M., B2 Larson, D., D2 Matteson, F2 Powers, E1 Ridenour, E2 Sharkness, F1 Sherrell, A2 Stockton, B1 Van Dyk, I2

UPDATE ON BOB RADCLIFF SERVICES - FROM FAYE

Denny, since Bob’s passing in August of 2024, I have been contacted by several Classmates about the date for Bob’s Arlington service and burial. Terry Ryan has been coordinating between Arlington and me to make sure Bob is on the list for a full military honors burial.

The delay started when the funeral director that handled Bob’s service here was supposed to have called Arlington National Cemetery immediately after Bob’s passing to get a case number assigned for Bob and to get him on the list for upcoming tributes. The funeral director did not make that call until December (Bob passed away on August 29, 2024). Therefore, Bob was not assigned a case number and put on the “list” for burial until the end of December 2024.

Before his death, Bob was pre-approved for full military honors including a memorial service in the chapel. It was his wish to be interred at Arlington with a chapel service (which adds time to the scheduling process). The best we can hope for at this time is that I will receive a date for the interment later this year or early next year.

I am trying to honor Bob’s wishes and don’t know of any way to speed up the process. As soon as I have a date, I will let the Class of 65 know our plans which will include a reception/meal at the Officer’s Club. Feel free to pass this information on to anyone who should be made aware.

FROM FRED SMITH

Denny, Mary Ellen and I got 5 of our granddaughter's (ages 19 to 25) schedules aligned for a nice trip to Germany, Switzerland and Austria. . This photo is in Munich. It certainly was an experience to remember and a pleasure to share with these accomplished young women.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A PENTAGON 9/11 SURVIVOR'S TALE

As we were about to remember the 24th anniversary of 9/11, our dear classmate and near-by neighbor George Seaworth invited us to attend a presentation by a survivor of the 9/11 "hit" on the Pentagon. The presentation was held at the Seaworth's Retirement Community Center. George's wife Jill had a previous commitment. The speaker, LTC (Ret) Ryan Yantis was an old friend of ours (as well as George's) from my days in the early 2000's as the IL CASA when he was the Army's Midwest PAO.

Ryan was in the Public Affairs offices in the Pentagon when the plane hit and although the vast majority of the 30,000+ inhabitants quickly evacuated, Ryan was among a handful that stayed behind to assist the injured. He relates a fascinating story about the Pentagon, the attack, the valiant efforts of he and about 100 others plus many more interesting aspects of this long-ago but not forgotten event. Although we have heard the presentation several times, Ryan constantly updates it. He managed to keep Cathy & I plus about 200 seniors spell-bound for over an hour.

Ryan gives this presentation often and usually to middle and high school kids who were not around 24 years ago, in addition to senior and local groups. He has been doing so for 24 years and is very good!

If you are looking for an excellent presentation to a school group or senior group, contact Ryan at "ryanyantis@gmail.com." He travels a lot so who knows, he may be coming your way down the road.

RON BUTTERFIELD

Many of you may remember R. Ronald Butterfield from his exploits on the football field and hockey rink. I remember him fondly in the "ABC" (Axley, Butterfield, Coll) Plebe room in B-2. Ron went Marine Air after graduation and then, literally, vanished from our Class rolls. In my first stint as Scribe, I tried to locate him but without success. I know he had been through a tough divorce and had remarried. Then, when I was in Seattle for Bunn's funeral services, I somehow found him and we had a very nice 90 minute chat over cocktails. I think it was his only contact with a Classmate since he resigned his commission.

I, along with the Leader Team, was quite surprised to lear, this August, of his passing on December 23, 2023. The AOG Death Notification folks sent us a vague messagel indicating they had heard of his passing but lacked details.

S & D went into overdrive and, thanx to quick efforts by Mitch Bennett, Steve Bliss and others, we were able to track down Ron's widow Marsha, his wife of 45+ years, at their home south of Tacoma. We were quite surprised to hear that Marsha had notified the AOG of Ron's passing back in December, 2023.

Further digging by this Scribe discovered that the AOG Death Notification Staff probably dropped the ball on notifing us at that time, during a change-over in their ranks. I have brought this to the attention of the AOG President who agrees that this was inexcusable. He is looking into it and will get back to me.

I happened to be on the AOG Board way back when this Death Notification System was established. I have marveled at how effective it has been over these last 35 + years. Hopefully this was a one-off occurrence.

This was especially painful to me because it became clear during our cocktails in Seattle that Ron had regrets about "disappearing from the Class." Given Ron's family situation and outstanding contributions as a Cadet, it would have been nice to have our Class represented at his funeral servic

BOB RADCLIFFE SERVICES AT ARLINGTON

Bob's widow, Faye Hayes, asked us to look into speeding up Bob's funeral date at Arlington. Seems that her local funeral director forgot to get Bob's name on the list at Arlington until just recently. After several contacts and discussions, I reported back that there is nothing that can be done, local funeral director errors notwithstanding. Bob's name is on the Arlington List and his services will probably not occur until later in 2026.

JOHN SEYMOUR + ED WINSTEAD + RANGER SCHOOL + KING OF THE "PITS!"

As I age, I find that strange things happen to me from time to time. One such occurred recently when I was cleaning out my desk area: up popped a copy of an email from our beloved, deceased star running back, John Seymour, dated 18 July 2003. How it ended up there I have no idea. He related a story from Phase I of our Ranger Camp at Benning, the day on which the "King of the Pits" would be determined. Willing co-conspirators included: John Howell, a "poster boy Ranger" cadre SFC with a "physique carved from black marble," Don Parcells and the star of this stunt, our own Ed Winstead, he of the not so imposing physique! Seymour was reminded of this story by Ray Woodruff.

The plan was simple: anyone who wanted to take on the "diminutive one" had to get through the rest of the squad! Brilliant yet quite devious!

Parcells and Seymour managed to take out most of the competition (with some admittedly unfair tactics, e.g double teaming the opponent) until only 4 Ranger students remained: Don, John, Ed and whomever Ed's Ranger Buddy was (his name was lost in everyone's memory).

Johnny dispatched our favorite Fullback with a hard kick (with the side of his boot) to Don's head resulting in Don spitting out a pre-positioned red liquid looking like blood. This performance was "Oscar-worthy" noted one. The other Classmates, finally figuring out what was happening, went berserk; the Cadre could not believe their eyes, the little guy was now in the final 2!

Then, remembering the "Seven P's" (Proper Prior Preparation Prevents Piss-Poor Performance), Seymour charged Ed! Ed, positioned properly along the edge of the Pits, assumed his "On Guard" position and as the speedy Seymour approached, Ed initiated a perfect falling back, foot toss that resulted in John being thrown out of the ring.

Ed Winstead was The King of the Pits and, they all recalled, the Cadre looked on in utter dismay!

Great story of S & D creativity!

ALEX ALEXANDER

Ed. Note: Check out his website; fascinating!

Here's the latest on me and mine. Three years ago, at the age of 82, I married the best thing that ever happened to me, Ali McKeon. Check her out in the wedding picture. We live in an upscale retirement home in Santa Rosa, CA.

I keep busy writing books and a column for our local newspaper and doing some things on the business coaching and educational front. If you want details, go to my web site http://www.alexalexander.org. For the past several years my A-1 company mates and I have been meeting on Zoom every other month. If you don't do something like that, I highly recommend it. I'm not going to comment on my health beyond two observations: I have more scars than you do, and I'm still up and about (not running, but doing okay),

and plan to continue to do so long past the time when our political woes right themselves. If I have any interesting travels, I'll send out another blast. Meanwhile, good health and sanity to us all. Alex Alexander

Ed. Note #2 - Your Scribe could not help adding another pic (from 2015)! One of my all-time favs! Remember how the "news" of this "serious breach of protocol" reverberated up and down the Hudson Valley by noon that same day? Way to go, Alex! S & D!

 

 

PAT KENNY

Fred Smith mentioned to me that he and Mary Ellen had taken their grandchildren to Minnesota for the purpose of letting the grands absorb the environs of the roots of the Smith family. I thought that was marvelous, and since very few of our grandchildren had ever been to West Bend and Big Cedar Lake, Wisconsin, we decided to follow the Smith lead.

Over the past 4th of July weekend, we treated our grandchildren (10 of 11 made it) to visit the place where my family had its roots and where I was raised. We rented a cottage on the lake; Alice and I stayed there, and it served as our gathering place.

We attended the West Bend 4th of July parade which had been an annual exercise for we Kenny’s, followed by a visit to the community picnic in the main city park, enjoying a Wisconsin specialty, brat wurst. The grands were so impressed with the park that they returned later in the day to swim in the pond, which was a 1930s WPA project. We then attended another parade, this on Kenny Drive adjacent to the lake upon which a niece and a nephew have their homes.

A highlight of the day was meeting 8 of my nieces and nephews; my 5 siblings, all older than me, made a sizeable contribution of 32 to the “Baby Boomer” generation. On the 5th we visited the house on 6th Avenue which my parents moved into upon their marriage in 1920 and where their 6 children were raised. The current owners greeted us with open arms.

We visited Holy Angels cemetery and the 13 Kenny graves, then off to Kenny Park, and then to the lake. The guy who purchased the property on Kenny Drive that I called “home” allowed us to wander on the property and to use his 15-passenger party boat to cruise the lake, what fun!

The grands may never visit Wisconsin again, but I now know that they have at least a minimal understanding of their Kenny roots.

My last assignment of a 27-year Army stint was as Director of Public Works at Fort Benning/Columbus, GA. I continued my facility manager career in the private sector until turning 70. We remain in Columbus but spend 3 to 4 months each year at our beach cottage in North Carolina, which we have had for many years, making it the “base camp” for our family.

Alice and I will celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary in December, a marriage that resulted in 4 children, 4 in-laws. and 11 grandchildren. Life is good!

Ed. Note: And our ONLY FEMALE CLASS PRESIDENT keeps looking younger as her mate gets a bit older!

RALPH & INGRID LOCURCIO

As many know, Ingrid and I love to travel, especially to Europe, and since we needed a new set of wheels, we ordered a Porsche and flew off to Deutschland to pick it up and test it on the autobahns.

We picked up the Porsche in Leipzig via their overseas delivery program. After a short stay at our HQ hotel in Frankfurt we headed to Cres Croatia, with a stop in Ljubljana, Slovenia, for a week-long vacation from retirement.

Cres is a small island in Croatia that is not overrun with tourists (except us). Their motto is "NO STRESS ON CRES"... and we did our best to uphold that tradition. Cres was once a colony of Venice. So, there's a mix of Italian and Balkan influence... you see a lot of pizza... and Balkan specialties like Cevapcici.

I had my first (and last) black pizza made with ground charcoal for your health(?)... a Cres specialty.

Good weather, good food, and family... what more to you need! All in all, Cres is a wonderful venue that we had never visited... It's a secret... so don't tell anyone!!!!

As to our personal activities, like many of us I started off with a tour in RVN with an Engineer Bn and then off to Notre Dame as a PMS. Several Engineer billets followed in Baltimore, Philly, Savannah, and Kuwait where I led the reconstruction effort after Gulf War I. I retired from the Army as a one star in 1996. My last military job was as CG of the South Atlantic Engineer Division. I worked in NYC for a few years for STV Engineering Group, which designed and built the new library at West Point and parts of the new World Trade Center in NYC.

As many of you also know, my wife Ingrid is German (we met during my first assignment to Hanau in December,1965). We have had several tours in Europe and continue to go back to visit her family annually. We have also spent vacations visiting my dad’s hometown in Sant’Agata, Italy. They even had a “Ralph Day” there and inducted “General” Locurcio into their City Hall of Fame.

I decided to opt out of the high-pressure atmosphere of NYC and accepted an offer in Academia as a Professor of Civil Engineering at FL Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL, which Ingrid & I loved for about 12 years.

Like most aging classmates we recently downsized and moved closer to our children and grandchildren in 2024. We now live in West Chester, PA. Our three children (Susan, Michael and Daniel) are in NC and Pennsylvania, and they have brought us six great grandkids whom we get to enjoy year-round.

 

 

 

 

 

Life is good for the Locurcio Family!

EMERY CHASE

Denny, the picture shows Gavin Chase, my eldest grandson, at his graduation from the University of Wisconsin with a MS is Physics on his way to join the Department of Physics at West Point.

Gavin is a a graduate, Class of 2015, our affiliation class. With him are his parents, Ken and Ann Chase. Ken is a graduate, Class of 1991 and retired in 2021 as an O-6 after 30 years. (I can's believe I am old enough to have a retired son!).

Eleanora and I celebrated our 60th anniversary this past July. We live in a Life Plan community in Lake Ridge, VA. I fully retired about 11 years ago after almost 27 years with Science Applications International Corporation working issues relating to national security with an emphases on nuclear weapons and WMD policy and almost 27 years of active duty.

My focus was in the nuclear realm with tours in the Engineer Reactor's Group, Physics faculty at the Air Force Academy, a tour at the Defense Nuclear Agency, and two tours in the Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Atomic Energy.

Somehow, I managed to squeeze various Engineer assignments as well! I lay claim to the most West Point prodigy with Emery III (class of 1989), Ken (class of 1991), Gavin (class of 2025), Sam (class of 2021) and Tucker (class of 2022). Throw in that I have a granddaughter, Erin, who is married to Mat (class of 2021 and Sam's West Point roommate).

Daughter, Heather, is the only one that lives near by. In all, we have 8 grandkids and 7 great grandkids with two more about to join the clan. They are scattered to the four winds!

Unfortunately, I suffer from many of the maladies that go with my age. Eleanora suffers from dementia; we work hard at enjoying what we have but our travelIng days are over.

Emery

On a beautiful sunny Monday morning, Colonel Mike Viani (I2 & E2) was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Mike was honored by twelve classmates and spouses during the ceremony along with the West Point Alumni Glee Club singing the Alma Mater at the conclusion of the ceremony. After the ceremony, Mike’s sons hosted a reception at the Patton Club on Fort Myer.

In the pictures below are: the seven-man firing squad firing three volleys before the playing of taps; the flag that adorned Mike’s casket being presented to Mike’s oldest son, Mark; the Alumni Glee Club, directed by Jim Fergusson, singing the Alma Mater; and the attending members of the Distinguished Class of 1965 assembled at the conclusion of the ceremony. The class flag was present here as well as at the reception representing all our classmates who were unable to attend.

Most of the classmates present were able to meet with Mike’s family at the Paton Club after the ceremony to pay their respects and enjoy comradery.

In one of the most emotional weekends that Susan and I have spent in years, we were invited back by the class of 2000 to help them celebrate their 25th reunion at West Point on September 19 and September 20. It was an unforgettable weekend, with a class that arrived at West Point at about the same time as Susan and I returned in the summer of 1996 to occupy Qtrs 100. As I told the 2000 class, “We were all nervous — together!”

The four years we spent with that class were magical in so many ways, and the reunion banquet in the mess hall on Friday evening rekindled many of the wonderful emotions of that era. Denny Coll asked that I provide a quick summary, and some pictures. So… Here goes.

First off, we were thrilled to reconnect with class of 2000 graduates who are offspring of our classmates – – like Steve Salomone (John, ‘65) and Brett Simpson (Ed, ‘65). Further, I was thrilled to have a chance to talk to James Enos, Class of 2000 recipient in 2021 of the AOG’s “Nininger award for valor at Arms.” James was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions in the crucible of combat in Iraq in the fall of 2006. I have rarely met a more humble or deserving officer. His picture is attached, along with Brett’s and Steve’s.

The class also asked me to provide the banquet address on the Friday evening of their reunion. It was an enormous honor to be asked.. And I thought it perhaps best, in responding to Denny‘s request, to include a few paragraphs of my remarks here. I was attempting to link our class with one 35 later. Here’s a section of what I included in my remarks:

"A feature of classes whose graduation years end in fives or zeros? We meet either at the same time for reunions, or within weeks of each other. We just celebrated our 60th a few months ago. It was emotional. As I’m sure is yours, at your 25th.

"I don’t want to overdraw this, but there are some remarkable parallels between two classes separated by 35 years – – 1965, and your class of 2000. My classmate Fred Laughlin, at our memorial meditation in April in the cadet Chapel, recalled our Vietnam experiences; they were emotional, and in many cases, still painful. The Global war on Terror (GWOT) was your equivalent. Mr. Laughlin‘s theme for his 60th reunion chapel remarks – – and it became our class’s theme those few days in the spring of our reunion – – was a simple one: GIVING!

"Fred quoted from the Sermon on the Mount: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, shaken together, running over.“ My classmate also reminded us of a telegram, sent to our football team a day prior to playing Navy, Firstie year. We had lost three straight to Navy. And the telegram said, ‘You will always have what you GIVE today. The more you give, the more you will keep.’ Signed, Dwight David, Eisenhower. (DDE). We won the game.

"During the Vietnam war, all of our class gave some; but 25 gave all.

"And your class? You had no idea your first year here that Osama bin Laden and the Al-Qaeda leadership were planning their 9/11 attack. That planning began about the time you reported as plebes in 1996. And WE Didn’t know, when we started our firstie year in 1964, that president Lyndon Johnson was planning for major combat intervention in South Vietnam.

"And while my class was consumed for 10 years with Vietnam, YOUR class faced a far longer challenge in the global war on terror. For over two decades, you faced repeated deployments until the final withdrawal by the US from Afghanistan four years ago. It was an emotional time for your class and your families, as it was for ours over five decades ago. We will always share that sacrifice, that giving, that kinship. It’s what the long gray line represents.

"Like my class, all of you gave some in the years after you graduated. But Leif Nott and Ben Tiffner, and Thomas 'TK' Kennedy gave all."

We shared laughs, and of course, a “Rocket” cheer and chest bump with 2000’s A-Man, COL Nate Conkey, who btw, is now the Commandant of the USMA Prep School. A perfect choice.

I ended the remarks with a reminder of how perfect was their class motto, "With Honor in Hand," when it was adopted in 1996 — and how perfect it remains, especially now. The class left West Point in 2000 imbued with Honor; they return as an "Honored Class."

As Susan and I left the Mess Hall that night and thanked the 2000 class, the expression “Gripping Hands” acquired even greater meaning. We always sensed its power since our cadet days; but advancing age heightens the emotions of the grip, and reinforces always the special treasure that is our Alma Mater.

Go Army!
Dan Christman