IN MEMORIAM
This month is the anniversary
of these Classmates joining
the Ghostly Assemblage
in the Long Gray Line



Terry L. Alexander, A-2
**

20 Jul 1939 - 28 Jun 2000



John L. Campbell, L-2
**

19 Dec 1939 - 6 Jun 2021



William C. Clark, K-2

11 Apr 1939 - 23 Jun 2007



Clinton H. Coddington, F-1

 8 Jul 1939 - 4 Jun 2015



Ephraim W. Crews Jr., K-1
**

5 Feb 1939 - 14 Jun 1978



Daniel M. DiCarlo Jr., D-2

14 Sep 1938 - 5 Jun 2006



Jack E. Dopler, G-1

2 Aug 1939 - 13 Jun 2018



Gary L. Flack, C-2
**

27 Jul 1939 - 6 Jun 2022



Charles S. Green, Jr. M-1

29 Oct 1938 - 18 Jun 2009



John D. Guthrie, L-1

3 Jan 1939 - 12 Jun 1982



Charles N. Haas, C-2
**

1 Jan 1938 - 28 Jun 2009



Morris F. Hanson, K-1

26 Jul 1939 - 17 Jun 2022



Robert F. Harris, C-2

8 Dec 1938 - 8 Jun 2010



David A. Hastings, F-2

7 Sep 1938 - 19 Jun 2020



William H. Jacoway, L-2
**

14 Oct 1936 - 29 Jun 2010



Joseph A. Kinney Jr., C-2

7 Aug 1937 - 25 Jun 1994



James E. Lott, B-2

19 Feb 1938 - 21 Jun 2005



Jack M. Martin, D-1
**

15 Nov 1939 - 16 Jun 1998



Ronald B. Neutzling, C-1

5 Dec 1938 - 4 June 2016



Roger W. Obermeier, D-2
**

31 Oct 1936 - 19 Jun 2012



Paul T. Paben, C-1

22 Apr 1938 - 16 Jun 2006



Joseph F. Paone, A-2
**
<
30 May 1938 - 21 Jun 2007



Roger A. Parient, K-1

22 Jan 1938 - 24 Jun 1998



James B. Raynis, F-2

8 Oct 1936 - 14 Jun 1984



Lawrence A. Richards, A-1
**

11 Jan 1940 - 28 Jun 1987



William E. Ringle, B-1

5 Apr 1938 - 14 Jun 2007



Joseph P. Russo, H-1
**

3 Oct 1938 - 8 Jun 1995



John E. Skillman III, A-2
**

16 Jun 1939 - 10 Jun 2014



John O. Sommercamp, Sr, K-2
**

4 Feb 1939 - 18 Jun 2003



Robert H. Van Volkenburgh III, A-1
**

 5 Nov 1938 - 13 Jun 1958



Albert L. Wells, E-1
**

25 Sep 1938 - 12 Jun 2007



Wayne R. Williams, B-1
**

 26 Jan 1939 - 22 Jun 2001


"Well done; Be thou at peace."

Click on underlined names
to go their Last Roll Call Tribute.

  Class Business

  Class Leaders

  Profiles

  Hall Fame Inductees

  Oral History Interviews

  Recollections from the ladies
   of the Class of 1961

  Prior Features

  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

  10th Reunion

  Cadet Days

 

Welcome to the
USMA Class of 1961
Web Site

Click here for Latest Class Notes(9/16/2022)
Click here for Recollections from the ladies of the Class of 1961

Send Class Notes to Class Scribe  Martin L. Ganderson at margan6@yahoo.com

Upcoming Class Activities

For more information or to add an event, contact Ed Brown or Sam Weiss

’61 Classmates Gathered for Luncheon on 21 May 2023 in Atlanta

’61 Classmates gathered recently at Tupelo Honey restaurant in Atlanta. Mike and Rita Hale, former members of our group, were guests at this occasion, who had driven up from Vero Beach, Florida for their grandson’s graduation. The turnout was splendid and conversation was lively. Since it was graduation weekend, much of the conversation centered on grandchildren: what school they attended and where they were heading next. After the meal, Mike relayed a report he had received from Mike Eiland on Reconciliation Plaza. Two missing members of the group were: Dan Minor and his son, Napier who we hope can join us for the next luncheon.


Front L/R: LewAnn Cerasoli; Viviane Battle; Judi Butterworth; Rita Hale; Ellen Trauffer(Buck Shaffer’s guest) Middle: Courtney Rittgers; Mike Hale; Buck Shaffer Back: Roger Cerasoli; Frank Egan; Brendan Battle; John Cornelson; Larry Butterworth.

Article by Mike Hale

Ed and Jerry Jones Honored  4 May 2023  at WPAOG Donor Tribute Dinner

Ed and Jerry Jones were honored at the 4 May WPAOG Donor Tribute dinner for going over one million dollars in lifetime giving to West Point.

This was the citation in the program at the event.

The Superintendent, AOG Chairman of the Board, and AOG CEO presented the recognition to Ed and Jerry.

Lionetti-Vandal Hall Dedication at Fort Sill   on 1 May 2023

Fort Sill hosted a special event Monday, 1 May 2023, the dedication of the Lionetti-Vandal Hall.

The hall is named in honor of two former leaders, Lieutenant General Thomas Vandal and Lieutenant General Donald Lionetti.

The building will now live as a tribute to the legacy they leave behind, and recognize the contributions they made to the Field and Air Defense Artillery communities.

“We have such a rich history of people, and sometimes they can be forgotten,” Retired Fort Sill Commanding General David Halverson said. “We want the younger people to ask; why is it named this? They do research and understand that selfless service, in any environment, throughout our country is the strongest part of what we’re about as a nation, as an army, and as a fires branch.”

Vandal and Lionetti are recognized as two of the leaders in the development of Air Defense Artillery.

Read more here.

Jim Scott  Inducted into the Army Aviation Association Hall of Fame on 27 April 2023

Our classmate, Jim Scott, was inducted into the Army Aviation Association Hall of Fame at 6 PM on 27 April 2023 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN.

Read pictures and details here.

Special Class of 1961 Award to Gary & Button Hyde for Extraordinary Service to Classmates & Their Families

On behalf of the West Point Class of 1961, the Class Officers hereby recognize Gary and Button Hyde for extraordinary contributions to the Class and unsurpassed support of classmates and their families.   

Read entire details of this special presentation here.

Button and I want to express our appreciation for the honor and award you were responsible for having the Class bestow on us.  It was truly an amazing gesture, an unprecedented recognition, and beyond anything we ever expected. Consider this.   We were rewarded for doing what we love to do and for being with the people we love to be around. How fortunate can any couple be?

You all of all people know that you and many others do much of the work.  We just get the credit for what you all and others do.

Alexander J. Stuart III
"Sandy"

Company B-1

17 Feb 1938 - 8 Apr 2023
Place of Death: Lynchburg, VA
Interment: Arlington National Cemetery

It is with great regret and sorrow that we must notify you of the death of our Classmate, Sandy Stuart, on April 8, 2023, in Lynchburg, VA.

Sandy is survived by his wife, Linda; their daughter Sharon and her husband Jeffrey Heida; their son Alexander IV and his wife Tammy; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, along with three grandsons and two great-grandchildren by family marriage.

A service will be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, April 18th, at Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2424 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA  24503.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined. 

Condolences may be sent to Linda at 501 Ves Road, Apt W424, Lynchburg, VA  24503-4646.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Sandy's memory be sent to Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2424 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA  24503 or Westminster Canterbury Lynchburg Foundation, 501 VES Road, Lynchburg, VA  24503.

Well done, Sandy.  Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Sandy's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Class of '61 Attended Founder’s Day at Heritage Hunt, Gainesville, VA.

Class of '61 attended Founder’s Day on 12 March 2023 at Heritage Hunt, Gainesville, VA. We had 17 classmates, 15 wives, 2 surviving spouses, and 2 guests — more than any other class at the event. We are Second to None!

LT Gen. Robert D. Chelberg, Class of 1961, Inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame

LT General (retired) Robert D. Chelberg was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in February 2022 for his work as volunteer chairman of the Wounded Veterans Relief of Florida established the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in 2013 to recognize and honor those military veterans who through their works and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the state of Florida.

For more information click here.

 

Videos From 60th Reunion Part II Now Available

Videos of the 60th Reunion Part II Sing-a-Long and Memorial Service are now available here.

Army vs. Air Force Game Gathering 4 Nov 23
as of 13 March 2023

The 2021 and 2022 Army-Air Force Commander’s Classic games were held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX.  Rod Grannemann hosted the Class for these games.  All that attended had a great time.  Army won the 2021 game and AF won the 2022 game. 

The 2023 game will be held at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver on 4 November.  Air Force will be the home team for this game.

Read details here.

Clarence G. Matsuda
"Clancy"

Company A-2

18 Jul 1937- 11 Feb 2023

Place of Death: Sioux Falls, SD.

Interment: South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery

It is with great regret and sorrow that we must notify you of the death of our Classmate, Clancy Matsuda, on February 11, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Clancy is survived by his wife; Connie, their son Matt; their daughter Leilani Komatsubara and her husband Takeshi; and their grandchildren Kohta and Kay Komatsubara.

Visitation will be at 4:30–6:30 PM, Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, 112 E Annabelle Street, Brandon, SD 57005.

Memorial Services will be at 2 PM, Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church.

Burial will be at 2 PM, Tuesday, February 22, 2023, at the South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery, 25965 477th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 with Full Military Honors. 

Condolences may be sent to Connie at 1517 Custer Parkway, Brandon, SD  57005-1533.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Clancy's memory be sent to the charty of your choice.

Click here to go to Clancy's Last Roll Call Tribute.

John O. Turnage
"Jack"

Company H-2

5 Jun 1939- 16 Feb 2023

Place of Death: Augusta, GA

Inurnment: St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church Columbarium

It is with great regret and sorrow that we must notify you of the death of our Classmate, Jack Turnage, on February 16, 2023, in Augusta, GA.

Jack is survived by his wife Helen; his son John Jr. (USAFA ’88) and his wife Deann (USAFA '88); his daughter Annalyle Andrews and her husband Chris; his daughter Emilie McCombs and her husband William (USAFA '94); and his grandchildren Adelaide Turnage, John Turnage III, Bennett McCombs, Calvin McCombs, Dunn Andrews, Annie Andrews, and Isaac Turnage.  He was predeceased by his son Taylor.

Visitation will be at 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM, February 20, 2023 at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, 1420 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM, February 20, 2023 at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church. 

Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.

Condolences may be sent to Helen at 1120 Glenn Avenue, Augusta, GA  30904-4614.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jack's memory be sent to St Mary on the Hill Catholic School: 1220 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta, GA  30904 or Aquinas High School, 1920 Highland Avenue, Augusta, GA  30904.

Well done, Jack.  Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Jack's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Additional Oral Histories Published

New Oral History Interviews by Kathy Boylan, Peter Boylan, Channing Greene, George Kopcsak, Phil Mallory, Paul Vallely and Jack Veatch have been published 13 January 2023.

Go here for details.

Impact of West Point Prep School (USMAPS) on Class of 1961

December 2022 Jim Oaks would like our ZOOM sessions to be built around the members of our class who reported to the Man in the Red Sash on July 2, 1957 who had been at Stewart Air Field in Newburgh, NY at the USMA Prep School..

Ed Brown, who was one of the 90 new cadets who reported from the Prep School that day, tells me that 38 of them graduated in 1961, two more in 1962 and one actually graduated from the Naval Academy in 1964.

Ed and Art Downey will lead the session and they will try to contact as many of that group as possible to join in.

Go here for details.

Football at West Point 1957 - 1960

The following was prepared by Jim Oaks in preparing for some Class ZOOM Meetings… Here are some things to consider when thinking about Army football when we were cadets.

Patrick J. Murphy
"Pat"

Company K-1
24 Jun 1939 - 24 Oct 2022
Place of Death: Rochester, NY
Interment: St. Lawrence Church parish cemetery, Louisville, NY

It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Pat Murphy, on 24 October 2022 in Rochester, NY.

Pat is survived by his wife, Willa; their daughter Loreen; son Bryan and his wife Patricia; granddaughters Megan and Bonnie Anderson; and grandson Sean Murphy.  He was predeceased by their son, Patrick James.

Visitation will be from 4-7 PM, November 11, 2022 at Phillips Memorial Home, 64 Andrews Street, Massena, NY  13662.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM, November 12, 2022 at St. Lawrence Church, 5472 Willard Street, Louisville, NY  13662.  Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to Willa at 85 West Hatfield Street, Massena, NY 13662-2510.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be sent to Massena Rescue Squad, 371 E. Orvis Street. Massena, NY  13662.

Well done, Pat. Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Pat's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Kenneth H. Geiger
"Ken"

Company H-1

14 Aug 1937- 28 Aug 2022

Place of Death: Raleigh, NC

Interment: Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.

It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Ken Geiger, on 28 August 2022 in Raleigh, NC from natural causes.

Ken is survived by his wife, Joan; son Roy Blakey and his wife Rebecca, daughters Megan King and her husband Steve, Mechele Peterson and her husband Richard Croushorn, Melisa Allen and her husband Tommy, Corinn Lanzone and her husband Tommy, 14 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.

Condolences may be sent to Joan at 2204 Effingham Circle, Raleigh, NC 27615-3826.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken's memory may be sent to the Superintendent's Endowment Fund.  Make checks payable to West Point Association of Graduates and mail to Gift Operations, West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Road, West Point, New York 10996.  In the check's memo section, please designate Superintendent’s Endowment Fund.

Well done, Ken.  Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Ken's Last Roll Call Tribute.

James A. Scott III
"Jim"

Company K-2

5 Aug 1938- 18 Aug 2022

Place of Death: San Antonio, TX

Interment: West Point Cemetery

It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Jim Scott, on August 18, 2022, in San Antonio, TX, as a result of complications related to Agent Orange exposure.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kelly; their daughter Schell; their son James IV and his wife Kathie; their daughter Lacy and her husband Michael Wyant; and their son Rusty and his wife Brette; their grandchildren Alicsha, John, Madison, Katherine, Landyn, and Lincoln; and their great grandchildren John and Alaina.

Jim's funeral will be at 10 AM, 12 June, at the West Point Cemetery.  A reception will follow.

Condolences may be sent to Kelly at 5303 Churubusco Drive, San Antonio, TX  78239-3071.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be sent to the Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 40726, Nashville, TN  37204.

Well done, Jim.  Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Jims Last Roll Call Tribute.

Classmates Took  2 Weeks Mediterranean Cruise from Istanbul 6 May thru 20 May 2022

John & Donna Java, Jim & Dollie Stokes, Gene Witherspoon, Pat Shroyer, John & Teri Grisoni, Mike & Chan Eiland and Mick & Coralinn Maus spent 2 weeks cruising from Istanbul to various Turkish, Israeli, Greek, Maltese, Italian and Spanish ports. Our ship was terrific and the crew was very attentive to our every wish, plus the evening entertainment was superb, in my opinion. The excursions were the highlights; Ephesus, the Holy Land, Istanbul and many Roman & Greco ruins were once in a lifetime treats. Highlights probably differ from couple to couple, but most would agree that both Istanbul and Barcelona were impressive cities. Istanbul, of course had Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Christian church and converted to a mosque after the Muslims conquered what had been Constantinople. Barcelona has the Sagrada Familia by Antonia Gaudi, as I recall it was started in 1883 and is still under construction. It is indescribable, I would say that it rivals St. Peter’s basilica. If you would like to visit, one needn’t worry, it will be under construction for many more years (decades?)  I was impressed by the number of fortifications we saw built by the Knights at the time of the crusades. The Knights ruled in Rhodes Greece from 1309 until 1522.

Our guides were generally very good. Some of the outings were very strenuous for octogenarians, but worth the effort. Covid took a toll on some of our fellow cruisers, but the class had only one Covid casualty for a few days. Confinement to one’s cabin on a cruise with food delivered to your room and you having to police your cabin is not what most think of when cruising. This was another outing arranged by Lois Bradfield, LB Tours LLC. Perversely, both Lois and Bill Bradfield were Covid causalities for a good portion of the time.

Mick  Maus

Darlington F. Andrews
"Dart"

 

Company C-1

10 Mar1938 - 2 Nov 2019

Place of Death: Boulder, CO.

Interment: Arlington National Cemetery

It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you I have learned of the death of our classmate, Dart Andrews, on November 2, 2019, in Boulder, CO. 

Dart is survived by his wife, Pat; his sons, Jay and Jason; daughters-in-law, Kimberly and Jessica; grandchildren, Sydney, Camryn and Paloma; step children, James Kacsmari and Kathleen Saffelle; and step granddaughter Courtney North.  Dart was predeceased by his wife, Doris. 

Burial was in Arlington National Cemetery on May 17, 2021. 

Condolences may be sent to Pat at 1935 Ute Creek Drive, Longmont, CO  80504-2368. 

Well done, Dart.  Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Dart's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Gary R. Lord

Company K-1

22 Jul 1939- 15 Jul 2022

Place of Death: Portland, OR

Interment: Body donated to science.

It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our classmate, Gary Lord, on July 15, 2022, in Portland, OR.

Gary is survived by his wife, Ruth; their son, Bradford and his wife Jana; their daughter, Kristin Gundersen and her husband Joel; their daughter, Kelleen Deboni; their son, Reese and his wife Jennifer; and grandchildren James, Gabrielle, Alice, Collin, Lucy, Ryan, and Penelope.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 AM, July 29, 2022 at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 4112 SW 6th Avenue Dr, Portland, OR  97239.

Gary donated his body to science research.

Condolences may be sent to Ruth at 841 SW Gaines Street, # 103, Portland, OR  97239-3062.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be sent to Knight Cancer Research Center, South Waterfront Campus, 3485 S Bond Avenue, Portland, OR  97239.

Well done, Gary.  Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Gary's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Gary L. Flack

Company C-2

27 Jul 1939- 6 Jun 2022

Place of Death: St. Augustine, FL

Interment: Arlington National Cemetery

It is with great regret an sorrow that I must notify you of the death of our Classmate, Gary Flack, on June 6, 2022 in St. Augustine, FL, following a long, courageous battle with kidney failure and heart disease.

Gary is survived by his wife, Eloise; sons, Sean (Stephanie) and Bary (Tina); Nikki Holm (Michael) who he loved and considered his daughter; and grandchildren, Emily, Shannon and Braydon Flack, and Shaelyn, Chris, Caitlyn, and Emilia Holm.

Funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery are pending.

Condolences may be sent to Eloise at 1220 Springhealth Court, St. Augustine, FL  32092-2460.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be sent to the Superintendent's Endowment Fund.  Make checks payable to West Point Association of Graduates and mail to Gift Operations, West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Road, West Point, New York 10996.  In the check's memo section, please designate Superintendent’s Endowment Fund.

Well done, Gary. Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Gary's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Darwin L. Richards
"Punky"

6 Feb 1939 - 13 Jun 2022
Place of Death: Greenville, NC
Interment: Pinewood Memorial Park, Greenville, NC

It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify of the death of our classmate, Darwin “Punky” Richards, on June 13, 2022 in Greenville, NC, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Punky is survived by his wife, Dolly; their children, Darla Rhea Richards (Angie Slade) of Nashville, TN, Brett Richards of Seattle, WA, Bartt Richards (Angela) of Plano, TX, Randa Richards Scott (Simon/Abby Willow) of Goldsboro, NC, Sharla Richards Lincoln (Duffy) of Greenville, NC, Bryan Richards of Tallahassee, FL, Brandon Richards (Faii) of Bangkok, and Kristal Richards Gauthier (Thomas) of Greenville, NC; thirteen grandchildren, Austin, Melissa (Stephen), Zachary, Bennett, Sarah, Samantha (Jesus), Sadie, Darwin, Maia, Roman, Chandler, Dillon and Lillie; one great-grandchild, Laini Parker; his sister, Gloria Fields of Winston Salem, NC, and her children, Richard and Wendy and their spouses and children.

His Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, June 17, 2022 at St. James United Methodist Church, 2000 E. 6th Street, Greenville, NC  27858.  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a military graveside service at Pinewood Memorial Park, 4150 E. 10th Street, Greenville, NC  27858.  A reception will be held following the graveside service at St. James United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent to Dolly at 1953 Cherry Stone Lane, Greenville, NC  27858-9415.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Punky's memory may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, 2000 E. 6th Street, Greenville, NC  27858.

Well done, Darwin. Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Darwin's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Mike Urette & Karen’s Recent Adventure

Mike Urette tells us about the most recent adventure for Karen and him. Given the following description of their visit to one of the WW II final resting place for America’s honored dead, publication of his report is timely at this time of year, the observance of Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Mike Sends:

“Sixty Years! When we graduated in June of ’61 we could hardly imagine what the next sixty years would bring let alone what we might be doing. So, to celebrate sixty years and our sixtieth wedding anniversary, Karen and I embarked on a two-week trip to northern France.

Photo Left: The Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and Memorial—-one of eight WW II military cemeteries on foreign soil

 

To read more of the Recent Adventure click here.

 

A-2’s Grand Re-Opening of Company Activities

Shortly before his passing which saddened us all, Jack Zimmerman [1939-2021] with his typical concern for his A-2 family, wanted our Class to learn of A-2’s grand re-opening of their Company activities. In some ways the words that follow may now be read as Jack’s farewell posting.

Photo: Mary Frances & Hank Kenny; Sandy & Jack Zimmerman; Thomas Jefferson; Sue & Paul Devries; Bobbie& Jim Blesse

Jack’s report: Our A-2 Company ’mates rose to the occasion to gather for another of its now traditional style mini-reunions. The venue was the highly regarded Wintergreen resort high in the mountains of central Virginia, and by coincidence very reminiscent of the locale for earlier A-2 minis we held at Ellie & John Skillman’s [1939-2014] mountain retreat near Roanoke. Bobbie & Jim Blesse carried out the top-notch planning, allowing for an easy and wonderful five days.

Check here to read more about this.

Donald A. Dreesbach
"Don"

Company B-1
4 Mar 1938 - 11 May 2022
Place of Death: Orlando, FL
Interment: West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY

It is with great regret and sorrow that I must notify of the death of our classmate, Don Dreesbach, on May 11, 2022 in Orlando, FL of natural causes.

Don is survived by his wife, Cathy; their son Scott and his wife Amy; their daughter Tracy Dillon and her husband Mark; and grandchildren Connor Dreesbach, Tristan Anstadt, Hunter Anstadt, Madison Anstadt, Griffin Dreesbach, and Olivia Anstadt.

Funeral services will be at West Point on a date to be determined.

Condolences may be sent to Cathy at 8741 Hildreth Avenue. Orlando, FL 32832.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Don may be sent to the charity of your choice.

Well done, Don, Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Don's Last Roll Call Tribute.

West Point Center for Oral History (COH) '61 Classmates Interviews Available

During the 60th Reunion in Orlando 22 interviews were conducted with Jerry White, Hank Kenny, Mike Hale, Jim Connolly, Ed Jones, Charlie Hansell, Gene Witherspoon, Phil Mallory, Hans Wagner, Paul Vallely, Mike and Chan Eiland, Mick Maus, Bill Williamson, George Kopscak, Al Hokins, Todd Counts, Gary Lord, Jack Veatch, Bob Chelberg, Pat Hoy and Trish Buckner.

As these are posted I encourage you to view them. You may learn some things about members of the Class of 1961 that you never expected. Also, take time to watch others interviews that are posted. There are many by people other than West Point graduates that you will find inspiring.

For more information about this read these details.

Michie Stadium Preservation Project Spotlight: Class of 1961

A $5 million gift has been anonymously awarded to the Michie Stadium Preservation Project in honor of the United States Military Academy Class of 1961, providing substantial momentum to the most ambitious gift-funded construction project in the history of the Academy.

Since its official launch last month, West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) and Army West Point Athletics Association (AWPAA) have raised a significant amount of the proposed $95 million that will support the Academy’s vision to reconstruct the East Stands of Michie Stadium.

“This has been a great week for the Michie Stadium Preservation Project,” Director of Athletics Mike Buddie said. “We have been so fortunate to receive the support that we have from our community in the short time since we launched this effort. It’s been really exciting to see our people come together to support Michie Stadium and help us as we push to establish it as one of the finest facilities that college athletics has to offer.”

Michie Stadium, built in 1924, has become a West Point icon and serves as the gateway to the Academy for many Americans. Whether seen on a nationally televised game or experienced in- person, Michie Stadium is an established avenue for visitors to engage with, learn about and immerse themselves in West Point culture.

The proposed reconstruction of the East Stands has integrated cadet feedback into the reimagination process to reflect the Corps’ ideals of “Duty, Honor, Country”. The upgrades, which include all-new premium areas for guests with the addition of suite, loge, ledge and club- level seating, will put into action what has already been established as one of the Superintendent’s top priorities at the Academy.

See more about the Michie Stadium Preservation Project.

New Recollections from the Ladies of the Class of 1961 Feature Here

Ladies 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 tab in the left column of this page.

Time to Focus on Preparing Memorial Articles for the 2023 TAPS

Now 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 ArticlesNote 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.

Memorial & Family Planning Documents

The Class of 1961 Memorial Article Project has now made the appropriate AOG Forms available for your use. Click here to go to the Class Website article that explains what is available and has links to the documents.

AOG Announces The Rockbound Highland Home Program Welcoming Grads Home

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.

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:
Program Coordinator: Lindsey Eisenlohr,
Phone: 845.446.1622
Email at RockboundHighlandHome@wpaog.org  

Grad Insider Tour

The exclusive Rockbound Highland Home Grad Insider Tour includes a series of tour stops not available to the public and allows graduates to share unique experiences of West Point with their families and guests.

Depending on the chosen tour time, you could have the opportunity to visit: the Cadet Mess in Washington Hall, Jefferson Library, Thayer Award Room, Army Sports Hall of Fame in Kenna Hall/Kimsey Center, Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center (ACPDC), or the Cadet Uniform Factory.

Please LOGIN to view the link for the Rockbound Highland Home Reservation site.

You must be a graduate to access the site.

Grad Insider Tours

Grad Insider Tours will be conducted twice a day Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and must be reserved at least three days in advance. Schedule of home football Fridays varies. Please allow two to two-and-a-half hours for the tour. Please also be prepared to walk approximately two miles and maneuver stairs.

WPAOG will provide transportation for the Grad Insider Tour, which will begin and conclude at Herbert Hall (698 Mills Road). Vehicle size and exclusive arrangements with USMA restrict tour size to 10 participants. A fee of $25 per graduate and $10 per guest will be collected when reserving your spot on a Grad Insider Tour.

Please Note: At least one graduate ticket must be purchased for your group. A graduate MUST be present in your group on your tour. Tours are for graduates' leisure purposes only.

For information on how to support the Rockbound Highland Home Program and other WPAOG initiatives, click here.

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 and are made by recipients, their families or friends. There is no comprehensive list of recipients maintained by the US Government.

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

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.

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.

40th Reunion Class Gift of Reconciliation Plaza at West Point Described on Web Site

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:www.hmdb.org/marker.asp marker=35359

Click here for pictures of Reconciliation Plaza.

June Week 1961 and Related Activities from July 1961 Assembly Now Available Online

The USMA Library Archives office is putting ASSEMBLY 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.

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.

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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.

 

 

 

 

WEST POINT

Long ago when this Country was new
Our forefathers said here’s what we must do.

We must find a place where young men can be
Trained to serve this great country.

West Point was chosen as the place
Where they learned to serve with honor and grace.

They were taught to serve, and only then
Were they sent to become leaders of men.

Duty, Honor, Country for all time
The world is encircled by The Long Gray Line.

By Joan Seibert
in honor of the Class of 1961 50th Reunion

 

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6/01/2023

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