This news appears in the
Sep 2002 issue of Checkpoints

Deadline for inclusion in this article was approximately 15 Jun 2002.  

Click on a link below to scroll to that particular update

E-mail from Heather Wilson
3 Jun 02

OK, here I am trying to figure out how to survive reunion weekend with Air Force playing New Mexico and I get wisecracks on the class web site! (see the 30 May entry...). . .

Maybe I'll have to sponsor the "DMZ tailgate party". . . . Everybody can wear purple. . . . We'll serve grilled falcon and roasted wolf to satisfy the tastes of all our customers. . . They can wash it down with Rio Grande water or Arnold Hall 3.2 beer, and I'm not sure which of those is worse. ;)

Heather

p.s. Ratman, this is my home e-mail (HAWilson(nospam)@aol.com) for your list.

p.p.s. Jim, we're still sorting out whether we will be able to come to the reunion. They're looking at that week for the ceremonial session of the Congress in New York City and there's a little thing called an election in November. But at least several thousand of my constituents will be in Colorado Springs. . . wondering why their Congresswoman isn't wearing a red sweater. . .

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E-mail from Freddie Peralta
2 Jun 02

Jim

Thanks for updating my non-grad contact information. I was in 82 until mid sophomore year. I still haven't received anything from AOG on the reunion but I made some tentative plans to attend. They assure me something will be in the mail soon.

Thanks for the great website. It's a great way to follow old friends.

I'm currently a GS-14 career broadener at the Pentagon and a reservist at the Defense Intelligence Agency. I've already run into Kirk Hunigan and my SERE-mate, Col (S) Glenn Payne. Also, I had lunch one day with a person I just met and found out he is an 82er, Skip Gresko. Steve Bragado periodically comes out to the area also.

I still keep in touch with Tom Potier, who just had a baby boy and I found out that just prior to my move to the DC area, Greg Leiker lives in my old San Antonio neighborhood. I also ran into a female Lt Col who happens to be married to Troy Hithe, who I hear is at Mildenhall now.

Thanks again for the great website! Hope to see the old Doolie Thunderbirds in September!

Freddie Peralta

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E-mail from Eddie McAllister
1 Jun 02

In case you haven't heard, we're moving back to N. Virginia. In fact, the movers pick up our computer tomorrow. This address will no longer be valid and we'll be off-line for the next couple of months, at least. In the interim, you can use the following addresses to keep in touch.

Eddie: eddiemac_c130(nospam)@yahoo.com  (that's eddiemac_c130)

Jeannette: nettermac(nospam)@yahoo.com

Eddie's new work address will probably be edward.mcallister(nospam)@pentagon.af.mil.

Please don't add us to any distribution lists as we won't have be able to check our email very often until we get settled.

Enjoy your summer!!!!
Eddie and Jeannette

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E-mail from Chris Cain
26 May 02

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E-mail from Dave Ryan
25 May 02

Jim,

I attended the Prep school and was in the class of 82 - left at the end of the first year.

Please add me to your e-mail list for non-grads and on the AOG list for the reunion.
(Dave -- I passed your info to the AOG)

Dave Ryan
355 SW 194th Court
Beaverton, OR 97006
503.690.8626
dr355(nospam)@easystreet.com

I am a Senior Client Account Manager at Xerox and I am assigned fulltime at Intel - Colorado Springs is part of my territory so I hope to be able to tie in a business trip with the reunion weekend.

Thanks,
Dave

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E-mail from Keith Brunson
24 May 02

Hey Jim -

Here's one for you:

Since I've had little need to care about protocol in several years, I'm wondering if you would clarify something for me. My wife Julie and I are trying to decide whether she'll accompany me for the reunion.  Are most of the activities on the reunion schedule appropriate for spouses to attend (e.g., parties, open house, class dinner, meal at Mitch's, etc.)? (Keith--spouses are welcome and encouraged to attend!)

Thanks for all your work over the years - and especially the great setup you and your team have put together for our 20th.

Keith Brunson
jkbrunson(nospam)@yahoo.com

Check out our family's web page at  http://www.geocities.com/jkbrunson/homepage.html
Catch some of our pictures, prose, poetry and music at our community's site at  http://www.villagersonline.com
Join or start a discussion at http://www.villagersonline.com/forums/ultimatebb.cgi

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E-mail from Mike Berry
24 May 02

Hi Jim,

Could'a sworn I emailed with news and email correction earlier......

Please change email address to mrberry(nospam)@vla.com

Would be glad to host SQ party, put me down for grad SQ only for now, I'll check with the boss, maybe we'll do both.....

Planning on bringing the whole Berry tribe, plus my Mom to help watch them, so hoping to get two adjoining suites--prime party venue.

Contact info, email address above, and 505.662.5258

Cheerios,
Mike

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E-mail from Chip Dorman
22 May 02

Jim,

OK, I know this is like a note from the grave. "Who is this guy? I wrote him off for dead." Just keeping a low profile, Jim.

I've been secretly checking the website for the past few years. The site has been great and always gets better - I thought I was sort of, but you really are a computer geek Jim. Since all older, fatter, balder jokes are off limits, I'll just go into my brief "where I'm at" run-down.

Married with two kids. Bonnie's from south Georgia and I'm totally unworthy of her. The boys are 10 (Wil) and 8 (Alex) and are great kids. We're living outside DC in the eastern panhandle of West "by God" Virginia - Its beautiful out here. We're close enough to the city for all it offers, yet far enough away from the "madness."

I'm flying for FedEx, one of four CS-24 82'ers. I've also been flying C-130's in the WV Air Guardfor the past five years. I'm transferring to the Reserves to be an Admissions Liaison Officer which I had been doing as an additional duty (Ray Blust, USAFA-83, is our state director).

I'm definitely up for the reunion and the Catholic Choir get together. The question is... Are you going to tickle the keys for us again Jim? (Doubtful Chip, very doubtful!)

Best always,
Chip  :)

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E-mail from Mike Sinisi
16 May 02

Jim,

Looking forward to the reunion, should be fun! I also get to spend time with my sponsor family, yes, I still keep in touch with them! I stayed with them during our 10yr reunion, will do the same for the 20th!

I'm still at CENTCOM, looking to leave in the next year, though now I have no control over my assignment! (one of the perks of promotion, but that's better than the alternative!) It is busy here, though since I work the money and manpower for J6, my "battles" are in the HQ building and at the Pentagon trying to get more funding, always a challenge.

Florida is not the utopia folks dream about, it has been unbearably hot and humid the past 2 months, well above normal, but now the "normal" has caught up with the "above normal", which means we missed out on part of Winter and all of Spring! It just messes up my running, can't train as hard in the heat and humidity. I'm still racing, and our race season is just about over (not many races here in the summer).

Anyway, hope you are having fun--see you in September!

Mike

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E-mail from Ron Williams
15 May 02

Jim,

I'm a lost little 82 grad. I'm not sure what info you put on the site, but my basic info is:

Lt Col Ronald J. Williams (Ron)
e-mail: ronleatyjosh(nospam)@yahoo.com
Current Address (but PCSing to JCS Legal Counsel's Office this summer)

PSC #3, Box 3817
APO AP 96266

Current job: Staff Judge Advocate, 51 FW/JA, Osan AB, ROK

Thanks for helping keep tabs on everyone. If you have any questions or require additional information please let me know.

Warm Regards,
Ron

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E-mail from Harry Leach
8 May 02

Just updating my e-mail addresses:

whleach(nospam)@earthlink.net & walter.leach(nospam)@andrews.af.mil.

My family and I are now getting settled at Andrews where I will replace Dan Hargrove as 89 OG/CD (Ops Group Deputy Commander)--as soon as the Air Force lets him retire. Until then, I plan on enjoying a comprehensive overlap--a rare experience these days! See you in September.

Harry

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E-mail from Jim Alexander
29 Apr 02

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E-mail from William Bizzell
17 Apr 02

Hello Jim,

This is William Bizzell, CS-23 and former co-CIC of the Academy Honor Guard. You are doing a great job on the website. I believe you have the best work of any of the classes I've seen so far. I want to leave my e-mail address so the former Barnstormers and Hitler Youth can drop me a word. It's usafabiz(nospam)@hotmail.com. Thanks again for the great work.

BIZ

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E-mail from Brian Neal
10 Apr 02

Jim,

I am here in Charlotte, NC with Dave Zartman. We are both in the NC Air National Guard and just spent 54 days in the SWA as part of Opn Enduring Freedom and Opn Anaconda.

Dave flies for FedEx and I am holding on after 13 years with USAirways. Both are married. He has three girls, I have two and we both have wonderful wives who are great mothers.

Brian

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E-mail from Abel Barrientes
10 Apr 02

Jim,

I noticed that there were no pictures in the latest Checkpoints so I thought that I would submit one.

Click on Picture for larger version
(Warning: 322Kb file!)

It is a picture of Manny Guerrero and Myself after a flight. Manny sat in my jumpseat on the way to work.  We are both captains on the 737-800 at Delta. I'm still in the Reserves at Travis and flying the C-5.

That's all for now. I'm looking forward to the reunion.

Abel Barrientes

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E-mail from TL Johnson
8 Apr 02

Hi, Jim!

Thanks for the class coin, which I just received!  It looks good! Your "check is in the mail" (ha! ha!). Seriously, it is.  I just sent it, in fact...  (And I got it.  Thanks!)

Heidi and I have made our reservations at the Wyndham, and we're really looking forward to the reunion.  By the way, would you please add us to the e-mail listing.  Our e-mail address is simply tlandheidi(nospam)@aol.com. 

Also, I noticed on the website that 3 of our brethren who haven't updated their AOG info are with me at United.  They are Kevin D. Smith, Bob Malacrida and Lee Harvey. I'll try to get a hold (choke hold ;-) of them and have them get on the ball.  I'll put the pressure on them and give them the guilt trip of not only making our class look bad, but also giving the United gang a bad rep.  Do you think they'll be intimidated?  Not!... 

Thanks again, Jim, for all your hard work and keeping us informed.  The '82 website is outstanding, full of useful data and references.  Looking forward to seeing you at the reunion! 

Take care,
TL

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E-mail from Steve Vogt
5 Apr 02

Jim:

Well, the latest checkpoints is out, which means it's time for me to be reminded that I haven't updated you on the Vogt's latest goings on...

We never sent out a Christmas newsletter this year. I had a theme all picked out, but it may not have been appropriate because of the events of Sept 11.  Then I just plain got lazy.  (No excuse, sir!)

We spend most of our free time getting the kids back and forth to sporting events- mostly hockey and volleyball.  I pretty much bid my monthly schedule based on which days I need to be home to help with the kids.  I've been pretty lucky lately, esp. considering my slide backwards due to layoffs, and been able to bid for or trade for the weekends off (with the notable exception of Easter - no way could I get that off).  It looks like things at work are picking back up - I stopped sliding back as of June and actually start moving up a little again in July. In June, I will be in a lower spot on the bid list than I was when I checked out as a Capt 3 1/2 years ago, but at least I didn't lose my seat (or job!).

Gina and I took a trip to Rome last summer for our 15th anniversary and had a ball.  We went 3rd week of august, so we got it in before the proverbial feces started flying.  It was fantastic!!!  We stayed in a premium hotel not far from the Spanish Steps and had a nearly perfect week.  The weather was great, the Romans friendly (at least those who were in town - most of them were gone on vacation), the sights incredible, and the company unparalleled!  it was one of those times when you can relax (no kids), renew your relationship and say, "now I remember why I married you!"  We saw the coliseum, St. Peter's (including a Papal general audience), the Vatican museums, the pantheon, the forum, the Spanish Steps, and even took a day trip via train up to Florence (way too little time to see Florence properly).  Our favorite part of the trip was just sitting at cafes on the piazzas, having a  leisurely meal, and people-watching all evening, then going out for gelato (ice cream) after dinner.  In fact, we now use that as a code word to relax.  If one of us is getting overly stressed out, the other will just get their attention and say (soothingly), "Gelato!"  That brings back the memories of how relaxed we were on our vacation.

Gina and I are convinced that now that we're over 40, it's all downhill for our bodies.  Although we are both still very active (tennis and weightlifting), we've started sustaining injuries easier.  Right now, she's battling tennis elbow (tendonitis), and I'm looking at surgery later this month for what's called a sportsman's hernia.  It's not like your usual hernia - no bulge, just a tear in the abdominal muscle wall. the doctor said it probably wouldn't even show up on an MRI.  They diagnose it just by the symptoms. It's usually from participating in sports with aggressive lateral movements. I got it playing tennis doubles with Gina.  You don't know embarrassment until you've pulled a groin muscle in front of 3 women. I later found out it was an abdominal tear along with the garden variety groin pull.  I thought I was healed (all that happened just prior to Christmas, and since I could hardly walk, I got Christmas off), but i tried to skate with mark (10) and his hockey team in early march and really ripped it good.  Half my abdomen and hamstring turned purple. Now I really know I must be getting older, 'cause all I can do is ramble on about my ailments!!!  Anyway, outpatient surgery later this month to put in mesh over the tear, and the doc says I will be better than new ("we can rebuild him..." - maybe from then on, when I run or jump, it will be in slow motion and there will be cool sound effects!)

Mom & Bob built a new house somewhere north of I-70 near Troy Pike, I believe.  Just moved in late March. I've seen pics, but haven't been there in person.

Ran into tom Sylvester in the new Detroit terminal last week. Hadn't seen him in a year or two.  he's flying the 757 out of DTW and doing some web site maintenance, i believe he said, on the side.   Sounds like it's been pretty lucrative for him.  He's still the same - one of the most upbeat, outgoing guys you'll ever meet.  Later that day he was gonna head out to Vegas to meet his wife and daughter for a vacation.

'Nuff for now. See you in colorado, if not sooner (altho I'm still working on getting my vacation changed to early Sept).

Steve

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E-mail from Rich Miller
30 Mar 02

Jim:

Great Web Site! We barely knew each other from USAFA Prep School days (77/78). I was in "A" squadron for about 10 months before leaving for another life.

It was a stroll down memory lane to visit this site and see some familiar names and faces. It sounds like you have had a fine career in the AF serving our country. Thanks!!!

I now live in Collierville, TN outside of Memphis and from time to time I see USAFA grads around town. They are all pilots with FedEx, Northwest etc.

I saw Doug Rehder (class of 82)last year at an Air show in Millington TN. It turns out he lives in Collierville about a mile from me. Small World! Doug and I played football together at the Prep School.

Do you ever hear from guys like Jim Dahlmann (aka - Rooty Cazooty, Ready for Duty) or Rick Burgess? They were squadron/teamates of mine. I saw Rick Burgess on a "Wings" episode (Discovery Channel) during the Gulf War. He had a brief bit part explaining some technical aspects of a piece of ordinance of some sort. I also saw another Prep classmate (tall Black guy whose name escapes me) who was flying F111's during the Gulf War. He also appeared briefly on a "Wings" episode. It is hard to believe that it has been over 20 years.

I am an Insurance Agent with Nationwide Insurance here in Collierville. Our Corporate HQ is in Columbus, OH. About twice a year I fly to Columbus on Corporate business and as time allows, I head over to the AF museum in WP AFB. It would be good to see you on one of those trips if you are ever available.

My email address is millerrx(nospam)@nationwide.com. It would be great to hear from you and catch up on Prep School classmate who you keep in contact with.

Thanks again,
Richard Miller
(Would have been class of 82)

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E-mail from Bob Guessferd
21 Mar 02

Jim:

After reading the latest Checkpoints, I finally decided to send an email updating you on what's happening here in New Hampshire. I read about Alex and since I'd lost touch with him about 5 years ago, it was great to find a way to reconnect.

I'm living in Hudson, New Hampshire (near Nashua) as a single father of three children - they live with me and keep me very busy. I have a fifteen year old freshman son, Robert, Jr., a fourteen year old daughter, Terin and a six year daughter, Christina. Robert is an honor rolll student at Alvirne HS with aspirations to become a Marine Biologist. Terin is a high achieving clone of her Dad (Although she'd never admit it!), involved in everything from singing to karate to cheerleading and Christina is a delightful little girl who enjoys gymnastics, skiing and karate and is looking forward to going to the "Big School" next year as a 1st Grader.

I currently work as a Senior Contracts Negotiator for BAE SYSTEMS I&EWS (Formerly Lockheed Sanders) and also am a Reservist working for the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). I just ended my tenure as Liaison Officer Commander for Western Massachusetts, where I managed recruiting activities for USAFA and AFROTC (in my spare time). I'm continuing as a Liaison Officer, doing the truly rewarding job of visiting schools and interviewing candidates - telling them what it's really like and how much tougher it was "when we were cadets..."

I sing, golf, ski and train in martial arts on the side when I can get a few moments to myself.

Looking forward to seeing you and other classmates in the fall at the reunion. I don't have a room yet, but I will. I'll be able to host either the 24th SQ Doolie party or the ninth Sq. Graduation party. If you don't have anyone for either one, put me down for the 24th sq freshman party...(Done, Bob.  Thanks!)

Please let me know if you got this. Take care.

Bob

Robert J. Guessferd
Countermeasures, ESPS Contracts
BAE SYSTEMS
Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc.
email: robert.j.guessferd(nospam)@baesystems.com
(603) 885-2472(voice)
(603) 885-9027 (fax)

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E-mails from Kim Corcoran
19 Mar 02

Jim -

Please add another "R" to my last name. I'm sure there'd be no mistake about who it is, but the correct spelling is Corcoran. Thanks a lot. (Done, Kim.  Sorry...)

Just got back from 5 months at "Base X" in Oman for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Really glad to be back. Saw Doc Kimminau there...he's doing well and, now that his academic credentials match his nickname, is enjoying life as a squadron commander at Offutt.

I'm off to enjoy SSS at the Geneva Center for Security Policy in Switzerland next September. I was delighted to discover our early reunion date, since it means I'll get to go!

Still enjoying your Class News articles....you're doing a terrific job...Thank you for your hard work!!!

v/r,
KimC.

Later, Kim sent this follow-up in reponse to my congratulations on doing Senior Service School in Geneva:

Jim,

I've discovered I will be one of 26 students at GCSP, where there will be a 15 page paper and no tests! So far this is sounding like a really REALLY good deal (can't imagine how I got it). It's Switzerland's PfP (Partnership for Peace) contribution, and most students are from PfP countries, but there are 2 each from the US, UK, France and Russia.

As I reviewed your articles, I was struck by how cool it is that this is OUR TIME to run the Air Force. Not just our class, but the other classes who were there while we were there, as well. It's just NEAT!

v/r,
KimC.

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E-mail from Rick Burgess
18 Mar 02

Jim

Looking forward to seeing you in September. We'll do our best to be at the reunion.

Plz update my home email to: burgess(nospam)@incirlik.future.net.tr

Thanks!

Richard J. "Moses" Burgess, Lt Col, USAF
39 OSS/CC
DSN 676-8511/8512

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E-mail from Mike Ryan
17 Mar 02

Mike

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