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IN MEMORIAM This month is the anniversary of these Classmates joining the Ghostly Assemblage in the Long Gray Line |
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Click on underlined names
to go their Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Memorial Room Thumb
By Company
Recollections from the ladies
of the Class of 1961
60th Reunion Part I
27 Jan - 1 Feb 2022
60th Reunion Part II
19 Jan - 23 Jan 2023
55th Reunion
13-18 May 2016
50th Reunion
14-18 May 2011
Class of 2011 Affiliation
Program
45th Reunion
28 Sep - 1 Oct 2006
40th Reunion
4 - 7 Oct 2001
Cadet Days
Welcome to the
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Click here for Latest Class Notes |
Upcoming Class Activities
For more information or to add an event, contact Ed Brown or Sam Weiss |
Access to Dropbox Files
Link to the West Point '61 Dropbox folders You do not need a Dropbox account to access it. |
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NEW INFO – READ ON The online reservation site is now operating. If you have not yet done your reservation - use it.  If there is any chance you might attend our 65th Reunion READ ON!!!!! Check here to see what you have RSVP'd Click here for more registration details |
Henry J. Kenny
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It is with great regret and
sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Hank Kenny, on June
5, 2025, in McLean, VA. Hank is survived by his wife, Mary Frances; their son, Frank, and his wife, Lorie Logan; their daughter, Susan Copsey, and her husband, Matthew; their son, John and his wife, Julie; their daughter, Kathleen Gray, and her husband, James; and their grandchildren, Megan Kenny, Julia and Andrew Copsey, James, Marty, and Caroline Gray, and Patrick Kenny. Visitation will be on June
20th at 10:30 AM at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace,
McLean, VA, followed by a Mass at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at
Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be sent to
Mary Frances at 1428 Lady Bird Drive, McLean, VA 22101-3227. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Hank’s memory be sent to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gift Processing Department, PO Box 1858 Merrifield, VA 22116-9641. Well done, Hank. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Hank's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Reconciliation Plaza UpdateMichael Eiland on 28 May 2025 checked out
our Reconciliation Plaze. With landscaping completed and context
marker installed he thinks it looks good. Will look better when touch-up of the
old markers is completed.
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James W, Connors, Jr.
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Jim Connors, on May 11, 2018. Jim was buried in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. Well done, Jim Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Jim's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Harold H. Hodges
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Hampy is survived by his wife, Vicki; his daughter, Elizabeth “Muffy” Watson, and her husband, Wayne; his daughter, Elsie Gordon, and her husband, David; his daughter, Holly Howe, and her husband, Craig (USMA ’87); his daughter, Harolyn Hodges; his stepson. Brent Oglesby (USNA ’07), and his wife, Dulce; and his grandchildren, Taylor Graham Howe and his wife, Chandler, Graham Hampton Watson, James Hodges Watson, Jake Hodges Gordon, Alexandria “Alex” de Russy, Hayden Elizabeth Howe, Max Buffton Gordon, and Gabriel Leite Oglesby. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth “Buffy” Hodges. Visitation will be at 10:30 AM, May 27, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 322 Lamar Avenue, Paris, TX 75460 followed by funeral services at 11:30 AM. Burial will be at 2:00 PM at Evergreen Cemetery, 560 Evergreen Street, Paris, TX 7460. Condolences may be sent to Vicki at 804 Haskell Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2523 In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Hampy’s memory be sent to the Boys and Girls Club of the Red River Valley, 1530 1st Street NE, Paris, TX 75460. Well done, Hampy. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Hampy's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death
of our classmate, Hampy Hodges, on May 22, 2025, in Fort Worth, TX.
Robert L. Potts
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Bob Potts, on April 28, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA. Click here to go to Bob's Last Roll Call Tribute.
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William D. Esselstein
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It is with great regret and
sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Bill Esselstein, on
May 9, 2025 in San Rafael, CA.
Bill is survived his wife
Linda; their daughter, Lynne Esselstein, and her husband, Jon Joseph; their
daughter, Lisa Esselstein; and their granddaughters, Rose and Caroline Joseph.
Arrangements for a
celebration of life service are pending.
Condolences may be sent to
Linda at 1 Las Gallinas Avenue #225, San Rafael, CA 94903-3965. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Bill’s memory be sent to the West Point Center for Oral History. Make checks payable to West Point Association of Graduates and mail to Gift Operations, West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996. In the check's memo section, please designate West Point Center for Oral History. Well done, Bill. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Bill's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Mike and Karen Urette Sponsored a Breakfast at the National Museum of the US Army at Fort Belvoir for the 275 Volunteers
Mike and Karen Urette are staunch supporters of the
National Museum of the US Army at Fort Belvoir. On 12 April they sponsored a
breakfast at the museum for the 275 volunteers who make the museum go.
After breakfast the Urettes were shown a tree planted in their honor and a bench sponsored by an anonymous member of the Class of 1961.
For anyone who has not
seen the museum, it is definitely worth the trip and will make one proud of
having been a soldier. |
Prominent among the volunteers is Paul Devries. Mike and Chan Eiland were straphangers. 
Tennessee Valley Founders Day Function
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Ann and I were the only ‘61ers attending the Tennessee Valley Founders Day
function on April 5 this year. I was the second oldest grad there. Our table
included the oldest from ‘56, and one each from ‘62 and ’63. Other area
classmates, Hans Wagner, Dick Jackson, Bill Born, Gerry Dombrowski, Tom Leech
and Joe Stringham had other things to do that evening. 
Bob Kewley Included When 4 West Point Championship Baseball Teams Recognized
View video of
Kewley on the Mound here. Bob is on the far left
in
this video throwing to #3. He threw a strike, of course. |
On 29 March
2025 four West Point championship baseball teams were recognized before the Army -
Bucknell doublheader. Bob Kewley was the sole representative of the 1960 EIBL
championship team. Representatives of each team threw a ceremonial first pitch.
Robert N. Gilliam
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Bob Gilliam, on January 20, 2024. in Trophy Club, TX. Bob is survived by his wife, Sally; their son Jeff and his wife, Stephanie; and their granddaughter, Avery. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be private. Condolences may be sent to Sally at 116 Oakmont Drive, Trophy Club, TX 76262-5470. The family has asked that donations in Bob’s memory be sent to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231. Well done, Bob. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Bob's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Many Attended Founder’s Day at Heritage Hunt in Gainesville, VA on 9 March Twenty-two classmates and spouses, plus one daughter and son-in-law, attended Founder’s Day at Heritage Hunt in Gainesville, VA on 9 March. The reunion committee, led by Bob Glass and Cy Shearer, did its usual great job in organizing and conducting the affair. Click here to see details and pictures |
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Greetings to all
REMINDER – IF YOU HAVE NOT RSVP’D DO SO NOW
Attached are some references from past reunions to remind you of
the many things to see and do at West Point |
2025 Orlando Mini Enjoyed By All Who Could Attend
Here is a report of the Mini Reunion in Orlando last week. Jim Oaks has imported some scaled down pictures that he made and will attempt to weave a story among them. From one of the last lists Gary Hyde sent out, 27 grads from the class were anticipated. We ended up with 21 making it. We were missing Barrick, Bitner, Chelberg, Connolly, Hale and Jerry white. Those who made it were David and Mimi Brooks, Ed and Rina Brown, Bob and Janice Cairns, Will and Kathy Conley, Steve and Missy Denney, Mike and Chan Eiland, Joe and Ginna Fishburne, Rod and Jan Grannemann, Mac and Nancy Greeley, Al and Sylvia Hokins, Gary and Button Hyde, Ed and Jerry Jones, George and Karen Joulwan, Phil and Babbs Mallory, Jim and Ann Oaks, Paul Palmer, Courtney Rittgers, Mike and Karen Urette, David and Linda White, Gene Witherspoon and Woodie and Pat Woodward. Company D-1 is credited with the most former cadet attendees, three. They were Brown, Denney and White. Four other companies, M-1, E-2, I-2 and K-2 tied for second with two each. First Regiment won over Second Regiment, 12-9. |
D. Peter Gleichenhaus
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Pete is survived by his wife, Barbara; their son, Joseph, and his wife, Lori; their daughter, Wendy Veneris, and her husband, Phil; their daughter, Morissa; and their grandchildren, Max Veneris, Sidney Veneris, David Gleichenhaus, and Noah Gleichenhaus. Funeral services will be at 10 AM, January 3, 2025, at Congregation Am Tikva, 625 Brotherhood Way, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA 94132 or on zoom, for those unable to attend in person. Burial will follow at Salem Memorial Park, 1171 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014. Condolences may be sent to Barbara at 1324 Portola Drive, San Francisco, CA 94127-1510. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Pete’s memory may be sent to West Point Jewish Chapel Fund, P.O. Box 84, West Point, NY 10996. Well done, Pete. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Pete's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our
Classmate and Class Vice-president, Pete Gleichenhaus,
on December 25, 2024, in San Francisco, CA.
First Annual WA '61 “Last Man Standing” Luncheon Held 3 December 2024Charlie Welsh got the 5 of us 61ers together for a “Last Man Standing” luncheon last week. Will be an annual event – next date is 12 November 25. Believe we are the only ones left in WA state. Was fun. Enjoy the Holidays and Beat Navy!
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Thomas W. Paskewitz
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Tom Paskewitz, on December 2, 2024, in Princeton, NJ as a result of Lewy body disease. Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara; their daughter, Mary Beth Bartlett and her husband, John; their son, Mark; their grandchildren, Kira Borlenghi and her husband, Alex, and Justina Hudgens and her husband, John; and their great grandchildren, Luca and Jose. Funeral services were held on December 7, 2024 at St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Church, Allison Park, PA and can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0je1RydlIE. Burial was on December 9, 2024 at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA. Condolences may be sent to Barbara at 4 Ironwood Road, Skillman, NJ 08558-2380. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation in Tom’s memory be made to St. Basil's House, 5 Valley View Avenue, Gladstone, NJ 07934-2024 Well done, Tom. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Tom's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Beverley E. Powell, JrCompany B-2
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It is with great regret and
sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Bev Powell, on
December 1, 2024 in Bedford, TX. Bev survived his first wife
who passed away in 1997. Today, he leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda.
Together, they created a loving, blended family of six children and 13
grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5
to 7 PM on December 9, 2024 at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville
Boulevard, Colleyville, TX 76034. Funeral services will be at
11 AM on December 10, 2024 at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home. A family only internment
service will be on December 11, 2024 at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to
Linda at 828 Autumnwood Court, Bedford, TX 76021-4329. In lieu of flowers, the
family requests that donations in Bev's memory be sent to the St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Well done, Bev. Be
thou at peace. Click here to go to Bev's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Warren B. SchullCompany I-1
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Warren Shull, on November 18, 2024, in Jonesboro, AR. Warren is survived by his wife, Martie; their daughter, Mary Keeter, and her husband, John; their daughter, Molli Beaverstock, and her husband, Drew; and their grandchildren, Alex Keeter, Molly Keeter, and Mac Beaverstock. There will be a Rosary at 6:30 pm followed by visitation on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1107 E Highland Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401. The funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment at Blessed Sacrament Columbarium will follow at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Marti at 2202 Morningside Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72404-8045. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Warren’s memory be sent to Blessed Sacrament School Endowment Fund, 1105 E. Highland Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401 or Kiwanis Club of Jonesboro, P.O. Box 17233, Jonesboro, AR 72403. Well done, Warren. Be
thou at peace. Click here to go to Warren's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Gerard H. ClementsCompany
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Jerry is survived by his daughter, Cristin Miller, and her husband, Brad; his son, Stephen, and his wife, Hope; his son, Jud, and his wife, Helen; his grandchildren, Cole Miller, Carson Cone and her husband Luke, Z Clements, Camden Miller, Hank Clements, Hallie Clements, Charlie Clements, and Sarah Cate Clements; and his great granddaughter, Hensley Carlisle Cone. He was predeceased by his wife, Pam, who died on December 20, 2023, and their son, Sean. Jerry was buried in Dallas National Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Stephen Clements, 3928 Regent Circle, Dallas, TX 75229. The family has requested that donations in Jerry's memory be sent to St. Rita Catholic Church, 12521 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75244. Well done, Jerry. Be
thou at peace. Click here to go to Jerry's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
It is with great regret and
sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Jerry Clements, on
June 19, 2024, in Dallas, TX.
Gunnar C. Carlson, Jr.Company
D-1
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Gunnar is survived by his wife, Beverly; his stepson, Daniel McKinney, and his wife, Rebecca; his stepdaughter, Cindy Bookout, and her wife, Jamie; his stepson, Torre Bookout, and his wife, Gwen; and his step grandchild Ariel McKinney. He was preceded in death by his step granddaughters, Anya and Annalise McKinney.
Condolences may be sent to Beverly at 865 Cedardale Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88005. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Gunnar’s memory be sent to the Valley of Las Cruces Scottish Rite Learning Center, PO Box 357, Las Cruces, NM 88004. Well done, Gunnar. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Gunnar's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
It is with great regret and
sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Gunnar Carlson, on October 29, 2024, in Las Cruces, NM.
Funeral services will be at
1:00 pm on November 9, 2024, at the Scottish Rite Temple, 195 E Boutz Road, Las
Cruces, NM 88005 followed by burial at the Masonic Cemetery, 760 S Compress
Road, Las Cruces, NM 88005.
Robert C. Harrell
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Bob Harrell on 8 September 2023, in Spoken, WA. Well done, Bob. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Bob's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Bob Hampton's VISITING HISTORIC WEST POINT, NEW YORKThe most complete Vistor's Guide to West Point you have ever seen. Prepared for us by Bob Hampton. |
Let’s Review the Bidding for the 65th ReunionWe did a survey a couple of months ago click here to see what the preferences were for where and when. |
Golfing Grads 2025, April 28-30 RegistrationRegistration for 2025 Golfing Grads of USMA will begin on 1 December. For the third year in a row, the competition will be at Mission Inn Resort, Howley-in-the-Hills, Florida north of Orlando. The format is outlined below and once again, '61 will be the senior class competing. So far, Cairns, Clarke, Grannemann, Mallory and Witherspoon are committed. We need three more players to round out a second foursome. Interested classmates email Gene Witherspoon (eswitherspoon2015@gmail.com) for more info.
Click here is view Summary - The Formats |
Robert M. Herrick
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Bob Herrick, on October 15, 2024, in Naples, FL, as a result of complication from Lewy body dementia. Bob is survived by his wife, Jenny; their daughter, Holly Yoders, and her husband, Sam; their daughter, Kelly Deaves, and her husband, Brian; their daughter, Sally Herrick; and their grandchildren, Hope Tschiegg, Harry Yoders, and Frank William Spinelli. A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held from 2 to 4 PM on November 17th, 2024, in the Main Dining Room of the Stonebridge Country Club, 2100 Winding Oaks Way, Naples, FL 34109. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined. Condolences may be sent to Jenny at 24120 S. Tamiami Trail #2303, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bob’s memory be sent to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. Well done, Bob. Be
thou at peace. Click here to go to Bob's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Second Annual Final Pig Roast 12 Oct 2024 Was a SuccessMichelle and George Kopcsak outdid themselves in hosting the Second Annual Final Pig Roast at their Full Circle Farm on 12 October. The lucky attendees included 41 classmates and spouses, as well as children, grandchildren, and neighbors. The guest of honor was a 180-lb hog that George roasted all night. As a bonus, the group helped George celebrate his birthday. It was a grand occasion, and as George says, “pass one up, die one short.”
Video 1 of
2nd Annual Kopcsak Pig Roast at Full Circle Farm |
George D. Lenhart
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Denny Lenhart, on October 2, 2024, in Moraga, CA. Denny is survived by his wife, Kitty; their daughter, Aimee Cassulo, and her husband Frank; their son, Daniel, and his wife, Ayano; and their grandchildren, Ethan and Eleanor Cassulo and Reina and Emma Lenhart. Denny's Celebration of Life service is at 3 PM on January 4, 2025 at The Grill at Point Pinos, 79 Asilomar Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. Burial will be at El Carmelo Cemetery, 68 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 on a date to be determined. Condolences may be sent to Kitty at 16 Arroyo Drive, Moraga, CA 94556-1203. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Denny’s memory be sent to CSU Foundation, P.O. Box 1870, Fort Collins, CO 80522. Please include “In Memory of George Dennis Lenhart” and the “French Lenhart Student Veterans Scholarship” on the memo line or in an accompanying note. Gifts can also be made by calling the CSU Foundation at (970) 491-7135 or via a secure online giving by visiting https://advancing.colostate.edu/GIVE. Please type 086163 in the designation field, select French Lenhart Student Veterans Scholarship, and use the “Include Tribute” section to indicate this gift is in memory of George Dennis Lenhart. Well done, Denny. Be thou
at peace. Click here to go to Denny's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Thomas R. Gordon
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Tom Gordon, on September 2, 2024, in Clearwater, FL. His wife of 57 years, Francy, was by his side. Tom is survived by his wife, Francy; their son, Thomas, Jr., and his wife, Sarah; their son Steven and his wife, Sarah; their son, Robert (USMA 2000), and his wife, Mariangela; their grandchildren, Joseantonio, Hayden, Justin, Tyler, Brooke, Claire, Jillian, Mia, Abigail, Blake, and Teagan. Visitation and Celebration of Life will be at 2:30 PM on September 13, 2024, at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5750 49th Street N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709. Burial will be at a time and date to be determined at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, St. Petersburg, FL 33708. Condolences may be sent to Francy at 13883 Tern Lane, Clearwater, FL 33762-4553 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Tom’s memory be sent to the Veteran’s organization of your choosing, in honor of Tom's faithful service to our Nation. Well done, Tom. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Tom's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Donald L. McBee
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Don McBee, on August 29, 2024, in Grand Junction, CO, as a result of Parkinson’s disease. Don is survived by his wife, Janis; their daughter, Stephanie Fowler and her husband Andrew; their daughter, Deanna McBee Galanis; their grandchildren, Hannah Murphy Fowler and her husband Mac Murphy Fowler, Matthew Fowler, Joshua Fowler, Mason Galanis, and Paige Galanis; and great grandchild, Naya Murphy Fowler. He was predeceased by his son, Derek. A private memorial service will be held at First Click here to go to Don's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Richard H. Fanning
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Dick Fanning, on August 14, 2024 in Minneapolis, MN. Dick is survived by his daughter, Kathy, and her husband, Bob; his daughter, Gail; his son Rick; his son, Andrew and his wife, Molly; his son, David and his wife, Perla; his daughter, Karen; and his grandchildren, C.B., Amanda, Sean, Kevin, Kyle, Felipe, Casey, and Sofia. He was predeceased by his wife, Mille, and sons, Matthew and James. A celebration of life and veterans memorial service was held on 22 August 2024 at Kapala-Glodek-Malone Funeral Home, 7800 Bass Lake Road, New Hope, MN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dick’s memory be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. Well done, Dick. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Dick's's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
The Mini is on!!!!!!
Here is what you need to do ASAP
1.
Homework
2.
RSVP
3.
Hotel Reservation SO READ ON BY CLICKING HERE... |
Podcast: A Lifetime of Service with Lee Anderson '61Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lee Anderson, Class of 1961, as we explore his remarkable journey from his childhood in Minneapolis to his influential career and philanthropic efforts. Anderson shares intimate details of his upbringing with his father’s transformation from an orphaned Swedish immigrant to a successful plumber and his mother’s time in an orphanage. Discover how his father and half brother led him to West Point, setting the stage for a life of leadership and service. Anderson reflects on his formative years at West Point, significant mentors, athletic achievements in basketball, and his deep appreciation for his classmates, which instilled in him resilience and teamwork. |
From 27 July to 3 August 2024 a Selection of Classmates and Their Halves Cruised Around Iceland Aboard the Viking Mars
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Grigg '61 Named Distinguished Member by American Society of Civil Engineers
Neil Grigg '61 was first introduced to the American Society of Civil
Engineers (ASCE) as a graduate student at Auburn University in Alabama.
Knowing he planned to pursue a career in civil engineering, he thought
joining a professional organization in the field would be a good idea. Sixty years later, ASCE has named Grigg a “Distinguished
Member,” the society’s highest honor for a member. ASCE recognized Grigg for “his extraordinary
contributions in water resources management, integrating physical,
statistical, economic, social, legal, and political factors to solve complex
problems, sharing his knowledge through publishing seminar papers and books,
technology transfer, and mentoring colleagues, and students around the
world.”
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July 2024 Mini-Mini ReunionDick Clarke Wayne Ploger Sam Enfield
have mini-mini lunch today in Fredricksburg VA
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Members of the Class of ‘61 Bid a Final Farewell to Mick MausThirteen members of the Class of ‘61 gathered at the West Point Cemetery on 15 July to bid a final farewell to Mick Maus. Well done, Mick. Be thou at peace.
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James S. Blesse
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Jim is survived by his wife, Bobbie; his son, Joseph, and his wife, Susie; his daughter, Debra; his son, Steven, and his wife, Lisa; his stepdaughter, Meg Souder and her partner, John Williams; his stepson, Bryan Souder, and his wife, Stephanie; his grandchildren, Jacob, Logan, Claire, and Joseph; and his step-grandchildren, Hannah, Grace, and Eleanor. Jim Blesse's funeral service will be at 11 AM, 23 August, at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 S Church Street, Smithfield, VA 23430. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined. Condolences may be sent to Bobbie at 2 Fenwick Road, # 609, Fort Monroe, VA 23651-1130. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Jim’s memory be sent to the American Battlefield Trust, 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005. Well done, Jim. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Jim's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
It is with great regret and sorrow that I
must notify you of the death of our classmate, Jim Blesse, on July 11, 2024, in
Fort Monroe, VA from prostate cancer.
The Texas Panhandle War Memorial in Amarillo commissioned this video tribute to Ron Hines
MediaEnhancementsGroup.com - Our Latest Documentary
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The Texas Panhandle War Memorial in Amarillo commissioned this
video tribute to Ron Hines, a native of the Panhandle who was one of our first classmates to give his life in Vietnam — 26 April 1964. Ron’s fellow mule rider,
Rod Grannemann, was instrumental in the project.
Gail P. BurchellCompany D-1 10 Dec 1938 - 5 Jun 2024Place of Death: Lebanon, OR |
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 It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Gail Burchell, on June 5, 2024, in Lebanon, OR. Gail is survived by his wife, Patti; his children, Anne, Mara (Howard), Cynthia (Edward), and Theresa; his stepchildren, Sherri (Mark), Linda (Scott), Dawna (William), Richard (Andrea), Jason (Wendy), and J; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Margaret. Gail's Memorial Service will be at 1 PM, August 31, 2024, at American Legion Santiam Post 51, 480 Main Street, Lebanon OR 97355. Gail’s family will spread his ashes according to his wishes. Condolences may be sent to Patti at 22 N. 5th Street, Lebanon, OR 97355-2709. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Gail’s memory be sent to SMART Reading, 101 SW Market Street, Portland, OR 97201. Well done, Gail. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Gail's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
John Solomon will be inducted into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF)John Solomon will be inducted into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) In Memory Program at 10 AM, June 15, 2024, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. John’s Honor Roll page is at https://www.vvmf.org/Honor-Roll/502590/John-K-Solomon/. Information on the VVMF In Memory Program is at https://www.vvmf.org/In-Memory-Program/. |
Thomas K. Mercer
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Tom Mercer, on March 17, 2023, in Dallas, TX, as a result of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Tom is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his daughter, Sandra Kathleen Muse, her husband, David, and their children, Corey and Jeremy Muse; his daughter, Debra Jean Cifone, her husband, Rocky, and their children, J.R. and Tommy Cifone; his step-son, Leonard Scott Schroeder and his daughter, Haley Schroeder; his step-daughter, Jill Elizabeth Schroeder, and her children, Niccolas Schroeder, and Dylan and Julia Alderete; their son, Alexander Thomas Mercer, his wife, Lindsay, and their children, Henry and Charlotte Mercer. Funeral services will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined. Condolences may be sent to Cheryl at 5817 Penrose Avenue, Dallas, TX 75206-5519. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Tom’s memory be sent to the West Point Association of Graduates, Attn: Gift Operations, 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996. In the check’s memo section enter Superintendent’s Annual Fund. Well done, Tom. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Tom's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Reynold M. Maus
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Mick is survived by his wife, Coralinn; their son, Mike (USMA ’87) and his wife Eileen; their daughter, Cynthia Maus; their daughter, Christine Kerlin and her husband Stephen; their grandchildren, Michael Maus and his wife Melissa, Alexis Maus, Jamie Maus, Caleb Kilpatrick (USMA ’19), Samantha Kilpatrick, Abigail Kilpatrick, Paul Kerlin, and Daniel Kerlin; and their great granddaughter, Isla Maus. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, May 3, 2024 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 110 St Gabriel Way, McKinney, TX 75071. The service will also be live streamed at stgabriel.org/funerals-online. The funeral for Mick Maus is at 1:30 PM, July 15, 2024, at the Old Cadet Chapel, West Point, NY, with burial to follow in the West Point Cemetery. Those attending should meet NLT 1:00 PM at the Visitors Control Center located in the West Point Visitors Center in Highland Falls. So far, Will and Kathy Conley, Mike and Chan Eiland, Rod Grannemann and daughter Tori, John and Teri Grisoni, John Kilkenny, and Pat Shroyer are planning to attend. If you plan to attend,
please RSVP by reply e-mail as soon as possible. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Mick’s memory be sent to Subiaco Academy and Abbey, 405 North Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, AR 72865. Please write “In Memory of Mike Maus” in the check’s memo section. Well done, Mick. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Mick's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
It is with
great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate,
Mick Maus, on April 23, 2024, in McKinney, TX, as a result of pancreatic cancer.
Arlen C.T. MillerCompany L-2
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Arlie Miller, on April 10, 2024, in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Arlie is survived by his daughter, Deborah McClure; his son, David, and his wife, Tracy; his son, Douglas, and his wife, Robin; and his grandchildren, Nicklas Miller, and Spencer, Bryce, and Bryan McClure. He was predeceased by his wife, Susan, and their grandson, Ricky Fraley. A Memorial Service was held on April 20, 2024 at Clifford Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. Condolences may be sent to Deborah McClure at 5005 Portland Cv, Stow, OH 44224. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Arlen’s memory be sent to Christ Community Chapel, 750 W Streetsboro Street, Hudson, OH 44236. Well done, Arlen. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Arlen's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Eggleston ’61 Releases “Second to None: The West Point Class of 1961”
The book largely focuses on Vietnam since nearly all members of the Class of 1961 on active duty at that time served there, but members also served in other conflicts during the Cold War and beyond. |
Mike Eggleston ’61 and members of his Class of 1961 have produced a book about their class history.
The book tells the history of the West Point Class of 1961 over the past 63 years.
These classmates have a long list of accomplishments, and some members of the class are recognized internationally.
Some of members of the West Point Class of 1961 have published books and others have written articles. These are included in the bibliography, and excerpts are included in this history.
George L. ShambleeCompany B-2
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, George Shamblee, on March 8, 2024 in St. Augustine, FL. George is survived by his son, Christopher; his daughter, Kimberly Hill, and her husband, Chris; and his granddaughters, Olivia and Ella. He is also survived by his former wife, Priscilla. A Celebration of Life was held on March 29, 2024 at the Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Rd NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. A funeral service will be held at the Old Cadet Chapel, West Point, NY, at 10 AM on June 3, 2024, followed by burial in the West Point Cemetery. Those attending should meet NLT 9:30 AM at the Visitors Control Center located in the West Point Visitors Center in Highland Falls. Condolences may be sent to Kimberly at 1712 E Cobblestone Lane, St. Augustine, FL 32092-3601. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be sent to West Point Chaplain Tithes and Offerings Fund, 692 Biddle Loop, West Point NY 10996 or the AOG Memorial Support Program. Well done, George. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to George's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Gustav H. Stiehl, IV
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Gus Stiehl, on February 2, 2024, in Sun City West, AZ. Gus is survived by his wife, Charlotte; Michael (son) and Laura (daughter-in-law), Ryan (grandson) and Breeana (wife), and Nathan (grandson); Steven (son) and Jennifer (daughter-in-law), Kendall (grandson), and Kate (granddaughter); Diane (daughter) and Todd (grandson); and Cynthia (daughter) and Andy (son-in-law), Matthew (grandson), and Jacob (grandson). A Celebration of Life Service was held on April 6, 2024, at Advent Episcopal Church, Sun City West, AZ. Burial plans are pending. Condolences may be set to Charlotte at 13919 W. Gable Hill Drive, Sun City West, AZ 85375-5504. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Gus's memory be sent to Advent Episcopal Church, 13150 W Spanish Garden Drive, Sun City West, AZ 85375 or the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 Well done, Gus. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Gus's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
AOG Has Established a Full-time Staff Position to Assist Grads & Family in Getting Benefits From Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA)Jim Nicholson has sent us this important information. Thanks to the good leadership of the AOG, they have been successful in establishing a full-time staff position there whose only responsibility is to assist graduates and their family survivors in understanding and obtaining benefits that may be due to them from the Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA). The current occupant of this job is Sue Irons (Class of ’89). Sue has a strong background in VA benefits, and possesses a great attitude about helping people navigate the sometimes complex VA benefits system. Additionally, Sue has agreed to schedule a zoom call with members of our class, if desired, to enhance their awareness of possible VA benefits. Sue is also available to assist people on an individual basis. Her telephone number is: 845-446-1623. Her email is: sue.irons@wpaog.org. This is a very good move on the part of the AOG, and it will prove to be very helpful. |
Highlights From the Mini Reunion in Charleston 17-22 Mar 2024Joe Fishburne and Gary Hyde planned and executed an outstanding mini reunion for the Class of 1961 in Charleston, SC (actually Mount Pleasant, SC) during the third week of March. This is an outline of activities during the week. Interestingly, all but three cadet companies were represented by someone. F-1, A-2 and F-2 were missing. There were 39 from the first regiment and 35 from second. D-1 had the most there (9) with the Browns, Denneys, Lelands, Whites and Carol Jean MacLean. I-2 was next (8) with the Jones, Kovacs, Oaks and Trish Buckner and Ann Marie. I don’t think Joe Fishburne and Gary Hyde could have picked a more convenient hotel than the Homewood Suites in Mt Pleasant. It was right across the street from multiple restaurants and shops, all in easy walking distance. The hotel breakfast was good, the evening meals Joe had coordinated with a caterer were outstanding and the hospitality room accommodated our group nicely. Gary had brought his sound system along with enough West Point memorabilia to fill the tables with things to occupy spare time. I should mention that both Joe and Gary were in M-1 together. Go here for more details and pictures. |
2024 Founder’s Day Festivities at Heritage Hunt in Gainesville, VA |
On 10 March, 23 classmates, spouses, widows, and offspring attended the Founder’s Day festivities at Heritage Hunt in Gainesville, VA. As usual,
the West Point Alumni Glee Club put on a stellar performance, highlighted by a solo performance by Greg Parks ’52. The meal was outstanding, but the best part
of the evening was the bonding and fellowship.
'61 Classmates and Wives Gathered at West Point to Bid Farewell to Pete Boylan
Attendees pictured are, L-R: Ed Leland, Teri and John Grisoni, Rod Grannemann, Mike Eiland, Dawn and Bob Glass, Kathy Boylan, John Kilkenny, Karen and George Joulwan. |
On 29 February classmates and wives gathered at West Point to bid farewell to Pete Boylan, along with a large number of Pete’s family and descendants.
Pete was accorded full honors, including a 13-gun salute. The Superintendent attended the Mass and subsequent ceremonies at the cemetery, and presented the
flag to Karen Boylan. He broke from the usual script to acknowledge Pete’s bond
with his ’61 classmates. The funeral services were followed by sharing of
stories and reminiscences at Eisenhower Hall.
Donald H. Lewis
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It is with great regret and sorrow that I must inform you of the death of our classmate, Don Lewis, on March 1, 2024 In Evans, GA. Don is survived by his daughter, Sandra Knezevich and her husband Michael; their son, Donald and his wife Edith; their daughter, Keri Monteith; their son, Jeffrey and his wife Jennifer; and their grandchildren, Shelton Lewis, Raven Lewis, Brayton Lewis, Harrison Monteith, Sullivan Monteith, Cooper Lewis, and Benjamin Lewis. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on March 18, 2024 at Christ Church Presbyterian, 4201 Southern Pines Drive, Evans, GA 30809. The funeral for Don and his
wife Pat, who died on April 3, 2024, will be at 10 AM, October 28, 2024, at the
West Point Cemetery,
Those attending should meet NLT
9:30 AM at the Visitors Control Center located in the West Point Visitors Center
in Highland Falls.
Condolences may be set to Pat at 4275 Owens Road, Apt 2325, Evans, GA 30809-4063. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Don’s memory be sent to the American Junior Golf Association Foundation, 1980 Sports Club Drive, Braselton, GA 30517; the West Point Association of Graduates, Attn: Gift Operations, 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996 (write Army Football Team Endowment in the check’s memo section); or Christ Church Presbyterian, 4201 Southern Pines Drive, Evans, GA 30809. Well done, Don. Be thou at peace. Click here to go to Don's Last Roll Call Tribute. |
Rings of Classmates of '61 Donated to 2024 Ring Melt
The five donors to the 2024 Ring Melt from the Class of 1961 begin at about
the 1:02 mark during this
youtube For more about this year's Ring Melt
read this article |
New Recollections from the Ladies of the Class of 1961 Feature HereLadies and Gentlemen of the Class of 1961: What you may how read in our Class
Website are
responses to a pursuit in the making over the past few years. Aided by several
of our ‘mates and Ladies, we now will include the
Recollections from the Ladies or click
on the Recollections from the Ladies of the Class of 1961 |
Time to Focus on Preparing Memorial Articles for the 2023 TAPSNow that the suspense for the 2022 edition of TAPS has passed, it is time focus on preparing memorial articles for the 2023 edition. As of today, memorial articles have been published for 115 of our 227 deceased graduate classmates. Attached is the list of the 112 without articles. The suspense for submission of articles for the 2023 edition of TAPS is 28 February 2023. If you would like to write a memorial article, please review the Guidelines for Writers of Memorial Articles. Note that the article’s author is required to obtain the next of kin’s written approval of the article. Without approval, the article cannot be published. However, if no relatives are found after a reasonable, good faith search, the author may obtain approval from the graduate’s class president. I have next-of-kin contact information for 97 of the 112. You could also write your own memorial article to save the burden on your survivors. At a minimum, you should complete the Autobiographical Data in Support of Future Memorial Articles and send it to the AOG to assist the person who will write your memorial article.
This is a list of our Classmates that do not yet have a published TAPS article. |
AOG Announces The Rockbound Highland Home Program Welcoming Grads Home
Most alumni love to visit their alma maters, and West Point graduates are certainly no exception. However, because the Academy is on an active-duty Army post, gaining access and touring West Point present unique challenges. To enhance services for the Long Gray Line, the West Point Association of Graduates has launched The Rockbound Highland Home Program, a new program ensuring that every graduate coming back home to the Academy is welcomed in the special way that family should be. The Rockbound Highland Home Program was created exclusively for USMA graduates and is designed to assist you in navigating post security procedures, offer special access to select MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facilities and services, and provide “insider” tours for you and your guests. For information on how to support the Rockbound Highland Home Program and other WPAOG initiatives, click here.
For more information on each aspect of this program, please
click below or contact: |
Who
says you can’t go home again? For 47 months, West Point was
your home—through Beast Barracks, Mess Hall meals, clubs and team experiences,
competitions on the fields of friendly strife, the Indoor Obstacle Course,
graduation, and even the gloom period.
Should You Be Enrolled Into The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor - Consider
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, located in New
Windsor NY, commemorates Purple Heart recipients through its Roll of Honor, a
database of Purple Heart recipients representing all wars for which the award
has been available. All enrollments are done voluntarily The Roll of Honor is viewable both in the Hall of Honor and on-line. The version that is viewable in the Hall allows for a total of six screens per recipient. Profiles can contain pictures as well as written narratives of the experience of the recipient. The on-line version is an abbreviated, single page commemoration for each recipient and can be viewed from any computer via the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor website, www.thepurpleheart.com According to information gathered from the 2010 Register of Graduates and the 50th Anniversary Yearbook questionnaires, at least 50 classmates have received 64 awards of the Purple Heart. I have compared this information with that on the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor website and believe that only 5 classmates are included in the current Roll of Honor. If you are a Purple Heart recipient, I encourage you to complete and submit the necessary enrollment information that can be found at www.thepurpleheart.com/enrollment. |
50th Reunion Class Gift Presentation Given to the Center for Oral History
Established in Spring 2005 and supported by leadership funding from the Francis Sehn Family and the Class of 1961 and Class of 1967. During the Class of 1961 50th Reunion in 2011 the Center for Oral History was presented a gift of $1,000,000. Visit the COH website to watch some remarkable videos. |
The West Point Center for Oral History is dedicated to
archiving the story of the American soldier, in both war and peace. It will
record the professional experiences of West Point graduates and other
accomplished soldiers, along with others who have had a prominent role in
shaping history, such as former Secretaries of Defense and State, Congressmen,
and Senators.
40th Reunion Class Gift of Reconciliation Plaza at West Point Described on Web Site
Click here for pictures of Reconciliation Plaza. |
The Historical Marker Database is a web site providing information about many national monuments. Reconciliation Plaza, our Class Gift to West Point, is described in great detail.
The web site is well worth viewing at:
June Week 1961 and Related Activities from July 1961 Assembly Now Available Online
ASSEMBLYY Magazine and various other historical reports on a web site that allows you to access and download articles and information. Copies of ASSEMBLY from 1942-1993 are currently available. Click here for the archived issues of Assembly Click here for the Summer 1961 issue. You will find it very interesting. There may be a problem for some as the huge file is 72MB. |
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In Remembrance: Classmates can send their remembrances, comments, pictures to Sam Weiss and they will be edited for inclusion with the Last Roll Call Tribute for that person. Current Profiles In order to create a “Current Profile” for every member of the class, graduates and former members of 1961, we
need your input. If you are interested in participating, email your “vita” information to Sam Weiss
with photos in "jpg" format, if you can. If your profile is already online, check to make sure it is up-to-date and send us any changes or additions.
Prior Features In order to keep this page more current with items of interest to the Class, after a reasonable length of time items will be moved to the
PRIOR FEATURES Page (click here to go to them). If you have any announcements of interest to other Classmates, comments, questions, or suggestions, please
e-mail them to Sam Weiss. DISCLAIMER: This
private organization is a non-Federal entity organized by graduates of the
United States Military Academy. Non-Federal entities may not be endorsed by
the United States Army or the Department of Defense. As such, the views of
this private organization are not to be considered as the official views of
the United States Military Academy. |
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WEST POINT Long ago when this Country was new
We must find a place where young men can be
West Point was chosen as the place
They were taught to serve, and only then
Duty, Honor, Country for all time
By Joan Seibert
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Counters reset 30 June 2025 |