Memorial Articles
linked from
www.USMA1969.org
Updated 3/13/2024
Note: All Memorial Articles already published by AOG can be found at (when you scroll down and look
for asterisked names)
https://alumni.westpointaog.org/memorials?s-Education%20(Primary)%5COnline%20Class%20Year%20Attribute%5CValue=1969&s-search=1
If the
link above doesn't work, go to
https://westpointaog.org/memorials
in the Deceased Grad Search section.
Enter 1969 in Class Year, click Search, and a complete list of memorial article
on fallen classmates will appear after scrolling down.
Those with asterisks (*) by their names have published articles. Then click on names
of interest to go to their memorial articles and comment sections. Or see
(click here for) "Class Wall" further below.
In other words, "to see the complete list of memorial
articles leave all fields blank except for entering the class year."
Note: The
classmate names listed below in the matrix are part of the effort led by Bob St. Onge to
complete articles for AOG before the 50th Reunion and beyond.
They do not include names of classmates memorialized earlier (see above).
Deadline for 2026 AOG's TAPS articles: 28 Feb 2026.
See
explanatory letters and ideas/links for "selfies"
further below.
"If
not me, who? If not now, when?" Leave no classmate
behind...including yourself!
...
AOG has now made
this easy with their new Vital Statistics form:
https://www.westpointaog.org/services/cullum-file/
Don't forget to click "Save" after each update!
Alternative link:
https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/VitalStatistics/formperma/pZX5Q013_LH_VHXA4_y_c8UhdlFwP79IqKvRx4R2OuY
Visit our fallen at
http://defender.west-point.org/service/taps.mhtml?s=d&g=usma1969 If
not an AOG Memorial Article, can you share just a quick memory?
It may greatly help those of us volunteering to write Memorial Articles!
The "Leave No
Classmate Behind Team" (LNCBT, inspired by the 50th Reunion) has now submitted
100 of 110 possible
(named below)
Memorial Articles to AOG
(91%)
Those in light blue are 10 yet to do! Want to volunteer in some way
(research, write, work with NOK)? Let Bob know!
Total of 165 deaths of 800 Class grads (635 remain); 1969 graduates deceased: 21%
(165 from the count of 171 at
http://defender.west-point.org/service/taps.mhtml?s=d&g=usma1969 minus
(see below) 6 classmate non-grads:
Classmate non-grads
Memorialized: William Aggas, George Bostwick, James Greenlee,
and Jack Mullen, who died as cadets.
Non-grad but Associate Member
Memorialized: Robert Capel (died 1999). No Memorial Article yet for non-grad
Associate Member Larry Saska, (died 2007))
Including the MAs submitted before the LNCBT (56), with the below 100 (in green), the Class has now submitted 156 Memorials Articles for 165 grad deaths. That's a 95% submittal rate!
Name | R | CO | Cullum | DOD | Lead | TAPS |
Adams, Ernest C. | 4 | B4 | 28707 | 3/20/2024 | Brower, Hunkele, Gagnaire | 2024 |
Adams, Lonnie B | 1 | C1 | 28579 | 12/22/2018 | Brundage | 2019 |
Aggas, William J. | 5 | C2 | 633530 | 8/13/1967 | Blackburn | 2018 |
Albanese, Ernest L. | 4 | B4 | 28244 | 3/3/2023 | Sorley, '56 | 2024 |
Albrecht, George Werner | 4 | E4 | 28206 | 3/11/2025 | TBD | |
Allardice, Robert Duncan | 2 | C2 | 28731 | 11/7/2014 | St. Onge | 2018 |
Anderson, Charles William | 3 | B3 | 27971 | 1/31/2025 | TBD | |
Archer, Laurence Leon | 3 | A3 | 28739 | 3/6/2018 | Ashley | 2019 |
Barszcz, Michael | 4 | H4 | 28213 | 4/25/2015 | McGovern | 2018 |
Bassett, Robert A. | 4 | B4 | 28226 | 1/4/2019 | Shean | 2019 |
Bay, Lenny S. | 4 | G4 | 28655 | 2/2/2023 | Mike Williams | 2024 |
Beard, William G. | 2 | C2 | 28365 | 9/1/2018 | Corica | 2019 |
Belden, David Francis | 3 | A3 | 28420 | 10/17/2024 | TBD | |
Bible, Michael Calvin | 4 | C4 | 28364 | 9/22/2022 | Jeff Bible | 2023 |
Bird, Daniel Chambers | 1 | F1 | 28004 | 9/27/2020 | Burke | 2021 |
Blackburn, Linwood Earl | 2 | D2 | 28463 | 12/17/2020 | St. Onge/Lobdell | 2021 |
Bostwick, George M. | 1 | C1 | 633561 | 1/5/1969 | Holden | 2018 |
Brown, Norman Alan | 2 | C2 | 28541 | 7/12/2016 | Brown L | 2017 |
Buechner, Daniel Anton | 2 | D2 | 28646 | 11/16/2005 | Harper | 2018 |
Byars, David Owen | 2 | G2 | 28220 | 12/13/2018 | Ward | 2019 |
Capel, Robert Lee | 5 | C1 | 600751 | 10/28/1999 | Calandro | 2018 |
Carlson, Adolf | 4 | G4 | 28027 | 5/6/2013 | St. Onge | 2019 |
Christian, John Kenneth | 2 | E2 | 28519 | 5/21/2023 | Bacon | 2025 |
Colbert, David Keith | 1 | G1 | 28272 | 9/25/2018 | Foster | 2020 |
Cole, Christopher Charles | 1 | F1 | 28531 | 7/30/2000 | Kessenich | 2018 |
Commons, Carl Anthony | 1 | C1 | 28162 | 10/18/2024 | TBD | |
Crenshaw, Kent Rex | 1 | A1 | 28311 | 4/3/2011 | Killian | 2018 |
Damon, William Earl | 1 | D1 | 28092 | 5/1/2019 | Guerrerio; R Book | 2020 |
Davis, Jon Steven | 3 | H3 | 28032 | 6/19/2009 | Johnson D | 2018 |
Davis, Stephen Frederick | 2 | C2 | 28381 | 7/6/2021 | Donaldson/Corica | 2022 |
Fahl, Gary Martin | 2 | F2 | 28598 | 4/12/2015 | McDonough | 2018 |
Fall, Stephen Mark | 1 | F1 | 28041 | 10/3/2020 | Nardotti/St. Onge | 2022 |
Fell, Frank Borge | 1 | H1 | 28538 | 8/9/2023 | TBD | |
Feyereisen, Paul Stock | 3 | B3 | 28691 | 7/12/2023 | Colacicco | 2025 |
Fitzgerald, Douglas Cagney | 2 | C2 | 28066 | 8/6/2018 | Bacevich | 2019 |
Fleeger, Howard William | 3 | E3 | 28125 | 9/6/2015 | McCloy | 2018 |
Fly, Hugh Garrette | 1 | G1 | 28728 | 12/8/2007 | Madigan | 2019 |
Fogle, George Cicero | 1 | F1 | 28440 | 7/20/2016 | Allen | 2018 |
Fowler, Richard Thomas | 3 | G3 | 28671 | 7/14/2011 | Pettitt | 2018 |
Friese, William Francis | 1 | H1 | 28155 | 12/17/2022 | Coyle | 2023 |
Furbank, Jeffrey Edward | 2 | A2 | 28314 | 5/1/2024 | Wintermute | 2025 |
Garay, Richard | 1 | D1 | 28123 | 6/10/2017 | Dillon | 2018 |
Garrett, Craig | 1 | B1 | 27987 | 10/25/2017 | Dillon | 2018 |
Giacomini, James Leonard | 2 | D2 | 27955 | 11/6/1990 | Sharphorn | 2018 |
Gilson, Jeffrey John | 1 | A1 | 28144 | 4/30/2024 | Yerks | 2025 |
Gloriod, John Arthur | 3 | D3 | 28148 | 2/18/2023 | Mesite | 2024 |
Glazner, Alan Mack | 2 | C2 | 28618 | 12/3/2023 | Donaldson | 2024 |
Greenlee, James Darrell | 1 | A1 | 6335569 | 4/19/1969 | St. Onge | 2020 |
Griffin, Robert Weston | 2 | B2 | 28344 | 11/15/2023 | Hudnell | 2024 |
Guest, Robert Shelley | 1 | A1 | 28061 | 3/9/2018 | Rogers | 2019 |
Hahn, John Edward ,Jr | 2 | D2 | 28466 | 3/1/2025 | TBD | |
Hatch, Andrew Marshall | 1 | A1 | 28719 | 3/11/2017 | Noreen | 2019 |
Hawley, Leonard Roy | 1 | D1 | 28225 | 7/12/2020 | KC Brown | 2022 |
Hellerstedt, Howard LeRoy | 4 | B4 | 28178 | 6/17/2014 | Hunkel | 2017 |
Helsel, Dennis Elvin | 1 | B1 | 28015 | 1/16/2025 | TBD | |
Henderson, Thomas Arthur | 4 | D4 | 28095 | 11/21/2019 | St. Onge | 2020 |
Helmich, Bruce Lester | 2 | B2 | 28578 | 10/9/2016 | Griffin | 2018 |
Hoffman, Robert Joseph | 4 | B4 | 28615 | 7/30/2016 | St. Onge | 2017 |
Hoffman, Robert Steven | 3 | E3 | 28419 | 1/13/2022 | Landrum | 2023 |
Hughes, Kenneth Wayne | 3 | B3 | 28471 | 1/1/2011 | Berenato | 2018 |
Ireland, Arthur Paul | 4 | G4 | 28630 | 5/2/2014 | Ramos | 2018 |
Jamison, David Kincaid II | 1 | G1 | 28371 | 3/3/2021 | Madigan | 2022 |
Jarvis, Charles Joseph | 4 | G4 | 28732 | 1/29/2018 | O'Toole | 2019 |
Johnson, William Joseph | 4 | F4 | 28132 | 8/30/2017 | St. Onge | 2019 |
Karstens, Thomas Edward | 4 | H4 | 28145 | 2/22/1973 | Lindsey/Luchak | 2018 |
Karwan, Charles William | 4 | D4 | 28586 | 9/8/2008 | Karwan K | 2018 |
Kibert, Charles J | 4 | A4 | 28100 | 1/25/2021 | Porter | 2023 |
Kirby, David Dale | 4 | B4 | 28081 | 8/28/1970 | Gavitt | 2017 |
Kopczynski, Francis Joseph, Jr. | 1 | E1 | 28069 | 3/15/2020 | Lasche | 2021 |
Lemaster, Larry Alan | 2 | F2 | 28560 | 10/27/2016 | Merhar, Staples | 2018 |
Leitzke, Charles William | 3 | E3 | 28055 | 12/29/2022 | Landrum | |
Lowry, Thomas Guynne | 3 | H3 | 28702 | 10/25/2001 | Stirts | 2018 |
Lucas, Ronald Laurance | 2 | B2 | 28401 | 9/26/2021 | Griffin | 2022 |
Maxon, Harold Lee | 3 | B3 | 28688 | 7/17/2017 | Mike Jones | 2019 |
McAdoo, Ronald Dale | 2 | G2 | 28299 | 5/3/2015 | Whatton | 2017 |
McCarty, Richard Keith | 2 | B2 | 28249 | 1/20/2019 | Griffin | 2020 |
McCord, Thomas Hart | 2 | B2 | 28394 | 7/26/2017 | Griffin | 2018 |
McGue, Stephen Craig | 1 | B1 | 28489 | 2/14/2022 | Duffy | 2023 |
McKelvey, Dennis Charles | 4 | B4 | 28301 | 6/7/1979 | Brower | 2018 |
Miles, Peter Charles | 3 | A3 | 28612 | 7/14/2024 | Legere | |
Modeen, Michael D. | 1 | B1 | 28538 | 6/24/2024 | Quinn | 2025 |
Moeller, Ralph James | 3 | G3 | 28624 | 7/14/2017 | Balog | 2019 |
Morrill, Brian Eugene | 1 | H1 | 28613 | 11/8/2008 | Haines | 2018 |
Mosbacker, Rodney Eugene | 4 | C4 | 28647 | 3/18/2019 | Tatro | 2020 |
Mullen, Jack Fonce | 1 | A1 | 633531 | 4/19/1969 | St. Onge | 2020 |
Murphy, Wayne Kennth | 3 | B3 | 27951 | 1/4/2025 | TBD | |
Newman, James Bryan | 1 | B1 | 28411 | 5/1/1999 | St. Onge/Helsel | 2020 |
Noreen, Robert Sterling | 1 | A1 | 28616 | 6/12/2021 | Noreen | 2022 |
O'Neill, Brian Boru | 3 | C3 | 28293 | 5/6/2020 | Ruth O'Neill | 2021 |
Oristian, John Edward | 2 | G2 | 28088 | 5/5/2009 | KCBrown/Hoopengardner | 2017 |
Payne, John | 3 | F3 | 28167 | 10/24/2016 | Haney | 2018 |
Pedersen, Charles John | 1 | B1 | 28202 | 5/9/2007 | Garrett | 2018 |
Peters, Randall Robert | 2 | E2 | 28461 | 5/14/1991 | Gregor/Bachta | 2018 |
Pratt, Robert Phillip | 1 | E1 | 28382 | 10/9/2022 | Johnsmeyer | 2023 |
Rice, Terry Lee | 3 | F3 | 28062 | 9/30/2020 | Hendrickson | 2021 |
Rice, William Joseph | 3 | G3 | 28109 | 6/16/2008 | DaleSmith/JRussell | 2019 |
Richmond, Henry Besemer | 2 | G2 | 28696 | 12/6/2019 | PattyRichmond/Kessenich | 2022 |
Russell, James Albert | 4 | C4 | 28506 | 11/24/2022 | Selecman | 2023 |
Schempf, Bryan Heaton | 2 | E2 | 28312 | 10/14/2023 | Harper | 2025 |
Schafer, Thomas Carlton | 1 | A1 | 28672 | 9/6/2016 | Munson | 2019 |
Schoville, Robert Theodore | 1 | B1 | 28611 | 5/19/2018 | Helsel | 2019 |
Snell, Michael Gene | 1 | G1 | 28165 | 5/11/2010 | Wallace | 2017 |
Stankus, Arnold Robert | 2 | E2 | 28505 | 9/22/2012 | Ward, Taricska | 2019 |
Taylor. William Ross | 4 | E4 | 28047 | 10/14/2023 | Bailey/Tatro | 2025 |
Terrien, Max Verl | 2 | E2 | 28248 | 7/20/2021 | Straw | 2023 |
Tinker, Melvin Alton | 2 | D2 | 28390 | 11/20/1971 | Hulten | 2018 |
Whitaker, Thomas Edward | 2 | E2 | 28374 | 12/15/2022 | Selecman/St Onge | 2023 |
Williams, Stephen James | 4 | G4 | 28486 | 3/13/2019 | Bornhoft | 2019 |
Wright, James Michael | 3 | D3 | 28343 | 7/2/2024 | Heesch | 2025 |
Yeisley, John Clarke | 3 | B3 | 28310 | 8/1/2017 | Tunstall | 2018 |
http://defender.west-point.org/service/taps.mhtml
includes 5 non-grads Aggas, Bostwick, Capel, Greenlee, Mullen,
and Saska.
R = Regiment; 5 = didn't
graduate
TAPS = time of expected publishing of AOG Memorial Article.
(2018) = expected completion for 2018 TAPS
Green Italics Bold = Complete and submitted to AOG.
Class Memorial Article Reps:
A-1 Tony Guerrerio
B-1 Roger Loder
C-1 Dennis Pogany, Greg Smith
D-1 Doc Dillon, Tom Watson
E-1 John Hamiton, KC Scull
F-1 Mike Allen
G-1 Doug Madigan, Bill Foster
H-1 Bob Haines, Bill Bahr
A-2 Barney Wintermute, Eric Robyn
B-2 Bob Griffin, Ron Hudnell
C-2 Jeff Donaldson, Vince Corica
D-2 Bob Harper
E-2 Mike Spletz, Terry Bacon
F-2 Jim McDonough, Rob Wilson
G-2 KC Brown, Bill Ward
H-2 Jeff Kimball, Arnie Haake
A-3 Jim Hillebrand, Rich Ashley
B-3 Mike Colacicco, Joe Berenato
C-3 Bob Ivany, Geoff Prosch
D-3 Pete Heesch
E-3 Bob DeClercq
F-3 John Peters, Joe McCarville
G-3 Roger Balog, Ken Johnson
H-3 Bob Jannarone, Ray Dupere, Hugh Stirts
A-4 Red Taylor, Glenn Porter
B-4 Casey Brower
C-4 Bill Selecman, Tom Smith
D-4 Bill Vanaskie, Brad Sparks
E-4 Hope Bailey, Bernie Tatro
F-4 Dave Metzler, Pete Bazzel
G-4 Stewart Bornholft, Gregg Jones
H-4 Steve Hammond, Ed Kelly
Please do your part while you
and your company rep(s) still can: Get something regarding your own
Memorial Article in to AOG today!
"If not me, who? If not now, when?"
Pair-up!
Urge your USMA roommate/battle-buddy to complete his by his next birthday.
Have an MA fill out the Vital Statistics form party. Maybe pay your
grandkid or somebody else to write your MA or fill out your Vital Statistics
form:
https://www.westpointaog.org/services/cullum-file/
"Leave no Classmate behind!" See below!
Newest ideas: Use classmate gathering events as opportunities to write Memorial
Articles (or at least fill in Vital Statistics forms) for each other, to avoid
any shyness in taking credit for achievement. Also, consider paying that
talented child or grandchild to do it for you. Maybe they'll also appreciate you
a little more before you're gone by learning now about all you've done?
: )
Have info to be shared with lead/author but no lead/author contact info listed? Check out https://www.westpointaog.org/findagrad
Idea for the future: Divide willing classmates into three groups: 1. Researchers 2. Writers 3 NOK outreachers. If necessary to get volunteers, let them know that their time commitment is no more than 2 hours per classmate.
Preliminary check
list & status code for leads (can be shared in TAPS column)
1. Determine Next Of Kin (NOK)
2. Contact NOK
3. Gather information & share on webpage as appropriate
4. Draft article.
5. Share draft with Class and NOK to polish article.
6. Ensure AOG checklist is complete.
7. Obtain NOK approval
NB: Memorial Article submissions can be
broken into tasks and perhaps assigned to permanent teams along the lines of the
7 tasks above.
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WPAOG Memorial Articles information
https://www.westpointaog.org/TAPS
or
http://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=757
Editable pdf: https://www.westpointaog.org/file/MemorialInventorySheet.pdf
Click here for download of editable Memorial Inventory Sheet (.doc)
Information from Bob St. Onge (Memorial Article Guidelines, Autobiographical Memorial Data Packet, Note 1 for Company Reps, Note 2 for Company Reps)
Consider naming several individuals to complete your article requirements in the event of your passing.
Notice word count of sample Memorial Article is around 700 words; max is 925 words.
Personal
preparation: Fill out your Vital Statistics form and send it to
Desrae.
https://forms.zohopublic.com/alumniservices/form/VitalStatistics/formperma/pZX5Q013_LH_VHXA4_y_c8UhdlFwP79IqKvRx4R2OuY
Also look at
https://www.westpointaog.org/news/taps-supplemental-details-cullum-files/
AOG Memorial Support Program (click on download
for AOG-recommended Preplanning Checklist)
Executor Duties
Executor Checklist : 7 Tasks Before They Die
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Memorial Article
published (as of 1 Jan 23 from AOG)
Lonnie B. Adams III 1969 * William J. Aggas 1969 * Claude D. Alexander 1969 * Robert D. Allardice 1969 * Robert W. Anderson 1969 * Jon H. Anderson 1969 * Laurence L. Archer DVM 1969 * Gerry H. Armstrong 1969 * Michael Barszcz Jr. 1969 *
George C. Bass 1969 * Robert A. Bassett 1969 * William G. Beard Jr. 1969 * Michael C. Bible 1969 Daniel C. Bird Jr. 1969 * Linwood E. Blackburn Jr. 1969 * George M. Bostwick 1969 * Frame J. Bowers III 1969 * Thomas J. Brennan Jr. 1969 *
Norman A. Brown 1969 * Randall H. Bryant II 1969 * Daniel A. Buechner IV 1969 * David O. Byars III 1969 * Robert L. Capel II 1969 * Adolf Carlson 1969 * David K. Colbert 1969 * Christopher C. Cole 1969 * Terence G. Craig 1969 *
Kent R. Crenshaw 1969 * Walter D. Crump 1969 William E. Damon Jr. 1969 * Jon S. Davis 1969 * Stephen F. Davis 1969 * Thomas A. Dellwo 1969 * Willis B. DeYoung 1969 * David W. Dunaway 1969 * Gary M. Fahl 1969 *
Stephen M. Fall 1969 * Douglas C. Fitzgerald 1969 * John C. Fitz-Henry 1969 * Howard W. Fleeger 1969 * Hugh G. Fly III 1969 * George C. Fogle Jr. 1969 * Jimmy M. Ford 1969 * Richard T. Fowler 1969 * William F. Friese Jr. 1969
Richard R. Garay DDS 1969 * Craig R. Garrett MD 1969 * James L. Giacomini 1969 * James D. Greenlee 1969 * Robert S. Guest 1969 * Jerome R. Hackett 1969 * Joseph E. Halloran III 1969 * Andrew M. Hatch 1969 * Leonard R. Hawley 1969 *
Thomas M. Hayes 1969 * John W. Heath 1969 * Howard L. Hellerstedt 1969 * Bruce L. Helmich 1969 * Thomas A. Henderson 1969 * Guy W. Hester Jr. 1969 * Robert J. Hoffman 1969 * Robert S. Hoffman 1969 Kenneth W. Hughes 1969 *
William A. Illingworth III 1969 * Arthur P. Ireland Jr. 1969 * James P. Isenhower Jr. 1969 * Glen S. Ivey 1969 * David K. Jamison II 1969 * Charles J. Jarvis Jr. 1969 * William J. Johnson 1969 * Robert P. Jordan 1969 * Thomas E. Karstens 1969 *
Charles W. Karwan Jr. 1969 * James S. Kenady 1969 * William B. Kerr 1969 * Charles J. Kibert Jr. 1969 * Thomas P. King 1969 * David D. Kirby 1969 * Rickey A. Kolb 1969 * Francis J. Kopczynski Jr. 1969 * Frank A. LaPenta 1969 *
Albert F. Leister Jr. 1969 * Charles W. Leitzke 1969 Larry A. Lemaster M.D. 1969 * William H. Leppig 1969 * Thomas G. Lowry 1969 * Ronald L. Lucas 1969 * Richard W. Luecke 1969 * Harold L. Maxson 1969 * Ronald D. McAdoo 1969 *
Richard K. McCarty 1969 * Thomas H. McCord 1969 * Carl B. McGee 1969 * Stephen C. McGue 1969 Dennis C. McKelvey 1969 * Ralph J. Moeller 1969 * Brian E. Morrill 1969 * Rodney E. Mosbacker 1969 * Jack F. Mullen 1969 *
Arthur S. Nabben 1969 * James B. Newman IV 1969 * Robert S. Noreen 1969 * Edwin G. Northup 1969 * Terrence P. O'Boyle 1969 * Frank G. Oliver 1969 * Brian B. O'Neill Jr. 1969 * John E. Oristian 1969 * William A. Pahissa 1969 *
John B. Payne 1969 * Charles J. Pedersen 1969 * Randall R. Peters 1969 * Michael W. Pettit 1969 * Robert P. Pratt 1969 Terry L. Rice 1969 * William J. Rice 1969 * Henry B. Richmond III 1969 * Robert C. Riddell II 1969 *
Luigi B. Rose 1969 * Robert E. Roseta 1969 * Stephen J. Ross 1969 John E. Rountree 1969 * James A. Russell 1969 Larry B. Saska Esq. 1969 Paul C. Sawtelle 1969 * Albert H. Schaaf 1969 * Thomas C. Schafer 1969 *
Robert T. Schoville 1969 * Henry J. Schroeder III 1969 * Jonathan C. Shine 1969 * Joseph A. Silva 1969 * James L. Smith 1969 * Michael G. Snell 1969 * Joseph P. Sowa 1969 * Nicholas T. Stafford III 1969 * Arnold R. Stankus Jr. 1969 *
Michael W. Taylor 1969 * Max V. Terrien 1969 * Harry L. Thain 1969 * Melvin A. Tinker 1969 * James E. Walkenbach 1969 * Edwin A. Watson Jr. 1969 * Johnnie L. Welsh II 1969 * Joseph J. Wheeler 1969 * Thomas E. Whitaker 1969
Ralph R. White 1969 * Stephen J. Williams 1969 * John J. Woodrum 1969 * John C. Yeisley 1969 * Kenneth J. Yonan 1969 * Alexander M. Zupsich 1969 *
See also
A Virtual Cemetery created by Earl Wayne Renner, West Point Class of 1969
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Link to Class Matrix of Memorial Article Preparation (A-M)
Link to Class Matrix of Memorial Article Preparation (N-Z)
Lists all classmates and
their preparation stage of an AOG Memorial Article.
See "Tips on Writing Selfies" below.
Consider "MA Writing Parties":
At classmate gatherings (to include cruises) or private parties, help a
classmate draft "selfie" MA or at the very least fill out a Vital Statistics
form.
You can help a heroic but shy classmate (and maybe yourself) take proper credit
for his accomplishments!
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Reservations for internment/inurnment at West Point Cemetery: Cemetery/
Memorial Affairs 845-938-2504
Will need copy of DD214 with SSN blacked out. To put in your Cullum file,
email to Desrae Gibby, Research & Communications Manager:
desrae.gibby@wpaog.org
tel:
845 446-1571
If delay, try
memorials@wpaog.org
www.westpointaog.org/westpointcemeteryeligibility
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Tuesday, 16 July 2024
As you may have experienced, the responses to our requests have been slower since the passing of Marilee Meyer. The "new" AOG memorial team is coming together now and I believe things will be back to normal soon. The team led by Desrae Gibby USMA '91 at 845-446-1545 and desrae.gibby@wpaog.org. Her assistant is Karen McDermott (karen.mcdermott@wpaog.org) Their office also responds to memorials@wpaog.org.
TAPS 2024 is due out in August. Six classmates will be memorialized in that edition. The memorial articles for the nine additional classmates who have passed in the last year are incomplete or not yet started. For our recent memorial history and current status please see https://www.west-point.org/class/usma1969/MemorialArticles.htm.
The current roster of memorial program company reps (with contact info) is attached. Updates are welcome! While 1st Regt has been very responsive, I would like to see Tony, Roger, and Mike have an wingman. If you have someone in mind please let me know. I will add them to our roster and include them in my updates.
Our friends at AOG have modernized the TAPS memorial article process. Jay Harper (E2) has already successfully experienced the new on-line Memorial Inventory Sheet as he prepared and submitted the memorial article for Bryan Schempf, our first article for TAPS 2025. The process is now automated and can be accessed on the AOG website, filled in by the author and the NOK, signed and submitted without mailing the form to the NOK for signature, etc. Progress!
Here is how to access the new electronic Inventory Sheet:
-Go to the AOG website at wpaog.org. If you haven't been there for awhile you may have to enter a new password. Your User ID should be your 5-digit Cullum number.
-In the banner select "News" and under that select "TAPS Memorial Article Requirements."
-That should take you to a page of simple instructions on "Submitting a Memorial Article." Click on that to find multi-paged, on-line, fill-in-the-blanks process that builds the form.
Please share this information with your company mates.
Wishing you an enjoyable summer. Thanks again.
Bob St. Onge
C 571-344-3739
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Greetings! This message is being sent to memorial article lead authors, those who graciously volunteered (or were volunteered!) to pull together a TAPS memorial for a fallen classmate. Thanks. Here is an update:
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(Tips on
Writing Selfies)
PS note from classmate Bill
Rice's family: "When
they are thinking about their eulogy, they might think of a story that they
could offer for
http://thedaysforward.com
Use Vital Statistics Form items you've completed in your (always keep up to date) Cullum file, accessed at: https://www.westpointaog.org/services/cullum-file/
2 September 2017 [added later]
Gentle Grads [4um]:
4YI, here's something to consider if you find yourself with time on your hands over the next couple days [Labor Day weekend]. Why not work on your own TAPS Memorial Article?
Here're some ideas about "selfies":
1. Find/purchase a binder/large-envelope/file-folder and mark it
"Memorial Article AOG."
2. Print a copy of
Inventory Sheet and Sample Memorial Article
https://www.westpointaog.org/file/MemorialInventorySheet.pdf
and start backwards-planning at how you'll get there.
3. Devote 2
hours to improving your file (adding your resume, vitae, all
items written about you in West Point publications and other media (Howitzer,
Legacy Book, etc), as well as a collection of
articles, awards, newspaper clippings, appropriate photograph(s), list of next of
kin, friends, and contacts, etc., and
eventually drafting your article) on each
4. Memorial Article word count is a minimum of 850 words; maximum 925 words (see other guidelines in references below. If you're using Microsoft Word, look at Tools to get a word count on your various drafts and work-to-date.
If you're not great at writing, try this:
Please realize that your
legacy may be at risk, unless the last man standing in the Class has the energy
and desire to write Memorial Articles for the likely growing number of those
passing without having any other remembrance. At risk, not just for your
remaining classmates, but maybe for your own children and grandchildren. Make
sure what you believe is most important about your life is remembered. You can
do something about this by starting on your selfie this weekend. Don't put this
off for a better day you may not be blessed to get. Remember: "God helps those
who help themselves!" : )
And just like our "March Back," you/we can do it! You've/we've also done
other great things. So fall in, look out for your classmates, and, with just
one, easy, left-foot forward, begin the march...now!
Some other tips: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/06/20/30-days-to-a-better-man-day-21-write-your-eulogy/
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-Your-Own-Eulogy
REF: https://www.westpointaog.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=757
https://www.westpointaog.org/file/MemorialInventorySheet.pdf Inventory Sheet and Sample Memorial Article
http://www.west-point.org/class/usma1969/MemorialArticles.htm
http://www.west-point.org/class/usma1969/class%20memorial%20article%20matrix.htm
http://www.west-point.org/class/usma1969/class%20memorial%20article%20matrix%202.htm
I'll be posting this on the Memorial Articles matrix page, so you can refer to it at any time.
Other ideas/comments/recommendations, please let me know. Stay healthy and start writing!
Best regards & BOTL
Bill Bahr
P.S. I'll be happy to quickly review your emailed Draft Memorial Article before you send it to AOG; just let me know. I'll mainly be checking for word-count (925 max), grammar, and punctuation. Use my comments or not; no offense given/meant or taken.
P.P.S. For a West Point funeral, you will need to send a copy of your DD214 (with SSN redacted) to AOG for your Cullum file.
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2 June 2017
Dear BOTL Classmates,
I hope that your Memorial Day was a good one, that you had the chance to do something special, and that you thought about those '69 brothers no longer with us. Joan and I attended services at Fort Logan National Cemetery and visited the grave sites of Adolf Carlson (G4) and Dan Buechner (D2). Fort Logan is a typically beautiful and well maintained VA cemetery in Denver. The ceremony was solemn and the weather superb.
Our campaign to memorialize our fallen classmates is going well thanks to you. We started this latest effort in late 2016 with two goals: 1) to complete all the outstanding memorial articles by our 50th reunion, and 2) to prepare for success in completing future memorial articles over the rest of our lifetimes.
You have responded magnificently to our first goal. Of the 43 classmates who had not yet been memorialized in late 2016 you have volunteered to author every one of them. Seven articles will be published in the 2017 edition of TAPS magazine. Seven articles are already accepted by AOG for 2018 edition of TAPS. Many more are nearing completion well before the February 2018 deadline for that edition. To see who is working on which memorial article, where you can post eulogies, and the latest overall status please go to our website at www.west-point.org/class/usma1969/MemorialArticles.htm.
On behalf of the Best of the Line, I offer my sincere thanks to all those who authored and contributed to these articles and those still in preparation. I am particularly moved by the extraordinary efforts by two C1 guys for researching and completing articles long overdue: Phil Holden for Mike Bostwick and Jim Calandro for Robert Capel. As you will recall, Mike was killed and Bob severely injured in a car accident returning from Christmas leave firstie year, 48 plus years ago. Bob was medically retired and ultimately died in 1999 of complication from his life-changing injuries. To see them memorialized side-by-side in the 2018 TAPS will be poignant indeed. Thanks, guys.
Three former classmates who are recognized as associate members of AOG are also eligible for articles if we choose to do them. The F3 team has stepped up to memorialize Larry Saska. Walter Crump and Stephen Ross are the other two. I did not know them or their cadet companies. Information about them or volunteers to write a memorial for them are welcome.
Our second goal is important for the long haul when there will be more memorial articles to write and fewer classmates to research and write the articles. We have learned the hard way that finding the next-of-kin (NOK) and discovering the biographical information needed to prepare a proper memorial is often very difficult. The Privacy Act prevents anyone but the NOK from getting cadet and service records. Here is how you can help:
• Organize your own
biographical data, including NOK and possible classmates and relatives who you
trust to write your memorial.
• Fill in the attached outline provided by AOG
and file it in your Cullum file at AOG, in your personal papers, and/or with a
classmate.
• Write a starter memorial article, a "selfie," and
file it with the other important documents that support this effort.
• Tell us that you have prepared these documents so
we know where to turn when necessary. Latest information about your status is
listed on our
website at the selfies links.
Your personal Cullum file is maintained by AOG for the primary purpose of assisting in the preparation of your memorial article. You should file your service record (DD214) there, especially if burial or inurnment at WP is contemplated. It is also appropriate to include copies of military orders, resume, biography, diplomas and other important papers.
I encourage all classmates to share their fond memories and anecdotes of our fallen classmates with those writing the memorials. You enter them on our website or call or email the author directly.
Lastly, TAPS is the official and unique annual memorial magazine of the Long Gray Line. The 2017 edition will be the largest ever, with over 250 Memorial Articles! Unlike the West Point magazine which AOG sends to all graduates for free, you must order your copy of TAPS for a nominal subscription fee. Please do so today by calling 845.446.1545.
Please contact me if you have questions or concerns. Thanks for the tremendous effort so far. I am confident that we can accomplish our two goals because we are the Best of the Line!
Bob St.Onge
rjstonge47@gmail.com
(c) 571-344-3739
2 Attachments: AutobiographicalMemorialDataPacketJan2011 Cullum File Contents
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31 January 2017
Subject: No Soldier Left Behind...No Classmate Forgotten
Dear BOTL Classmates,
As you have read, our class is re-doubling our efforts to memorialize each of our deceased classmates. These articles used to be a part of Assembly magazine. They are now published in AOG's TAPS magazine, which is totally dedicated to that purpose. The memorials are also archived in one's Cullum file and on the AOG website for all to read.
While every class eventually finds itself playing catch-up, the good news for our class is the Legacy of the West Point Class of 1969 and the massive amount of effort the team and you collectively contributed to produce it. This labor of love includes the story of every '69 graduate. Your stories and the research done on fallen classmates are priceless.
While the intended audience for this proud legacy is broad, so is the audience for TAPS memorial articles. I devoured these memorials as a kid reading my dad's Assembly magazine. The stories of graduates who fell in battle, or of heroes on the beaches, or of those who changed our Army, or ran successful corporations or were just solid citizens, husbands and fathers inspired me. I wanted to follow in their footsteps, to be a part of something lasting and important, and to enjoy the obvious love and camaraderie I read about and sensed from these testimonials written by classmates and families.
Our time to organize this effort is now. As the attached chart shows, 43 of our deceased brothers have not yet been so honored. Many classmates have volunteered and several memorial articles (three to date) will be included in the 2017 edition of TAPS. But we need your help in a couple of ways.
-First, we need battle buddies or other volunteers to take the lead on classmates not yet covered. While this task may seem daunting, the process is straightforward and frankly very rewarding. AOG dedicates a single page in TAPS for each article which accommodates up to 950 words and one photo (personal/Howitzer). The steps are what you might expect:
1) Identify and contact the next of kin (NOK),
2) Collect information and fond memories on the entire life of the classmate
with the help of the NOK, family, friends
and classmates,
3) Write a draft and share it broadly for adds and edits,
4) Go final and gain NOK approval, and
5) Submit article and inventory sheet to AOG.
We know that some situations are more complex than others, especially for
classmates long deceased. We (and AOG)
will help you work through such issues as finding the next of kin as they arise.
-Second, we need roommates, company mates, teammates, and all who knew these fellows well to share with the leads your fond memories of them. The leads can either write the articles themselves or find others to help. Call or email the designated leads directly. Leads can share information they collect on an interim basis (which may stimulate further input) at:
www.west-point.org/class/usma1969/MemorialArticles.htm .
-Third, our reality is that the next two decades will witness the final roll call for many of us. We can each help ourselves and those who will write about us by assembling our key information including a short draft of our story. AOG is ready to assist, has a form you can complete, and will secure these items for future use in your personal Cullum file.
Our goal is to be caught up and organized for the future by the 50th Reunion. Will you volunteer to memorialize a classmate and help us fill the pages of the 2018 and 2019 editions? Will you update your Cullum file and do a brief autobiography (a "selfie") that can be the basis for a memorial article someday? Those interested in sharing their own personal article status on the Memorial Article page can view the matrix there and email their status to wbahr@west-point.org .
Please visit our website at www.USMA1969.org and click on "Memorial Articles," where we will post additional information. Feel free to contact me if you need help in any way. Attached are the list I mentioned of our deceased classmates not yet memorialized and the AOG instructions for preparation of articles.
Bob St.Onge
rjstonge47@gmail.com
(c) 571.344.3739
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Tip for Writing Memorial Articles
RE: USMA Class Leaders May Connect - TAPS articles discussion
Ray Kimball
<family.kimball@gmail.com> Fri, May 10, 2024 at 6:58 AMAs promised, here's my standard process for writing Memorial Articles:
0. Make sure you have the most
current standards and release form for memorial articles. The standards are very strict, and if you don't follow them, you're wasting everyone's time.1. Gather material. Before even trying to do an outline, I gather as much material as possible. Often this lets me see an angle on the article from the start; frequently it allows me to cut and paste stuff that's already been written. Google is your friend, of course, but the below sites are also pretty helpful. Also, if it's a recent death, look on your class's social media space. There will often be short remembrances there that you can use. Finally, if you don't have a copy of your class's Howitzer and the most current Register of Graduates (you can also access t
he Register online), get one. Both are invaluable for getting info on classmates that can be useful for entries (even simple things like their assignments).Arlington National Cemetery Website Title Page
WPAOG GWOT Fallen
WP-ORG West Point Eulogies
Find A Grave
Honor the Fallen
2. Figure out the angle or theme. A chronological recounting of someone's life is boring, and if it's someone who passed away relatively early, can really fall short. The angle should be something that you can lead and sum up the article with; you may even be able to sprinkle references throughout. Below are some of the themes I used for 95ers, just to give you a sense of the options:
The Hippocratic Oath (for a classmate who was an MD)
This quote "If it weren't for the rocks in its bed, the stream would have no
song" (for a Rock Swimmer classmates who was also a big dude)
Blue Skies (from a classmate's Howitzer Entry)
3. Organize the article and write the first draft. I like to use The Economist style of obituary, which typically starts with a key anecdote or event about the person, and then tells their backstory. As long as you're willing to credit people, you should not be shy about copy-pasting existing obit material. We handled this by using the standard byline of "Classmates, Family, and Friends."
3.1. For actual sourcing of material, I keep it anonymous: "Classmates remember her as.., "A classmate recalls hearing... It's just easier. If it's something that's been posted in a public forum, I don't ask for permission to use it. If it's posted privately (e.g., on a class FB page) or sent 1v1, I ask for permission to use it even though I'm not attributing it.
4. Get a classmate who knew the fallen person to review. This is not mandatory, but it has saved my ass multiple times from embarrassing errors.
6/12/24, 3 45 PM Gmail RE USMA Class Leaders May Connect TAPS articles discussion
https //mail google com/mail/u/0/?ik be9c1caf35&view pt&search all&permmsgid msg a r7800452022349171445&simpl msg a r780045202234917
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6/12/24, 3 45 PM Gmail RE USMA Class Leaders May Connect TAPS articles discussion
5. Get the next of kin's permission for release and approval of the article. This is the part of the process that usually takes the longest. AOG Memorial Affairs is the starting point for NOK contact information, but they won't always have the most
current stuff. Classmates may have to assist on this point. For one or two families, I've had to take shots in the dark on Facebook. One thing they'll need to approve is the picture; most families will opt for the Howitzer photo, but some will
want a current picture instead.
6. Send the article and release to AOG Memorial Affairs. After a month or two, they will send you a proof version of the article. Review it carefully for any errors or incorrect changes that came into the document.
Please feel free to ping me directly with any questions:
family.kimball@gmail.comRay Kimball
USMA '95 Scribe
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