Reunion Book

The Reunion by Hosted by Jim and Michele Stark | Make Your Own Book

Classmates,

Jim Stark here reporting that what follows are two narratives from Jim Donovan and Chuck Geiger. Donovon spent one tour with VAW-12 and then had a 30-year career flying for United. The following account is about his near tragic failed night cat launch and it’s gut wrenching.

Chuck Geiger’s report of his 31-year Marine Corps career gives a rather modest account of his squadrons and travels, retiring as a Colonel. What he doesn’t mention are his decorations, which include two Legions of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star w/combat V, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with numeral 22 and the Combat Action Ribbon. When I finally contacted Chuck, I was bringing him up to date on all his

classmates experiences and was telling him that you all had crashed four aircraft. “Make that five,” he said, “I left a Phantom at the bottom of DaNang Bay with battle damage. Read on …..

Loss of

E1B in 1966 off USS Lexington by Jim Donovon

Doing night

carrier quals as instructor with a new pilot in the left seat. On third launch starboard bow catapult holdback fitting broke prematurely just as we got the launch salute. A/C was accelerating towards the bow and we continued the T/O with engine at max power and wind over the deck but no cat thrust. The a/c staggered into the air in a stall, we pulled the gear up and dumped fuel but couldn't get flying speed so we pancaked nicely in front of the onrushing bow of the Lex. We bounced once and the second time was very violent.

Cockpit filled with water quickly and that old Dilbert Dunker training paid off as we sank in the dark. Looked for the bubbles and followed them to the surface. Inflated my vest and went for my light and flare but saw the Lex bow about to hit me. Swam away as fast as I could ,aided by her bow wave but still scraped down her hull and heard the screws churning and basically lost consciousness.

Had an 'out of body' experience where my recently deceased grandmother was welcoming me into a bright tunnel and other departed family members were also there. Suddenly I was back in the water and saw the stern passing me and the crewmen on deck were throwing their flashlights down at me to mark my position. Took a deep breath and all my senses came back in vivid fashion. I even remembered the 'tits' on the night end of my flare and lit it off.

The place was alive with floodlights from the ship and a light from the 'angel' chopper that was in a hover over me. Rescue swimmer dropped in beside me and I gave him a big hug and a 'thumbs up'. The other pilot was aboard already and we hugged again and were back on the flight deck and welcomed by the XO and the docs and taken to sick bay and really did have a shot of 'Jack Daniels' to calm us down.

The ship had stopped and launched a utility boat with armed marines due to sharks in the vicinity of the crash site. Luckily the Captain had just come onto the bridge as we launched and saw the potential danger of running over us so he ordered full rudder over, and basically did a 'weave' around us and that saved our lives. The turns were unexpected and many crew were thrown from their bunks by the evasive maneuvers and lots of wardroom china got broken.

Accident report found that the holdback fitting was defective and 49 others were found in the fleet and from the same batch. I believe an A4 Skyhawk on the west coast was also lost from the same defective fitting.

I did wind up having a water landing in my logbook printed in ocean blue ink. Kind of a nice touch.

I then decided to spend the rest of my airborne career at 35000' in short sleeves, on autopilot, trying to choose between filet mignon and prime rib. Not all was easy as I experienced a massive bird strike on T/O (Rochester), bomb scare with ransom note and evacuation on the runway (Dulles), lightning strike that burned a 3 inch hole in the radome and completely destroyed the antenna and scared the wits out of the passengers as it discharged with a loud bang from the discharge wicks on the tail (Chicago), numerous flight attendants who hesitated to give the required neck rub on their first flight. The things we pilots have to endure!

Warm regards to all my classmates. You were the best.

Jim Donovan

Chuck Geiger, Navy Preflight class 28-62 - - Abbreviated Bio

Three days after getting my wings at Kingsville TX in 1964, I married my long time friend and now life-mate and business partner, Carole. Off to Cherry Point, NC where I joined VMFA-115 which was transitioning from the F4D Skyray to the brand new F4B Phantom. We trained for deployment to WestPac. We arrived in Japan and almost immediately took up residence in sunny DaNang. 15 months later Carole and I reunited and I spent two years training replacement aircrews before returning to ChuLai myself. Another 15 months and a total of 377 combat missions later Carole, our two sons and I arrived in Scotland for our dream tour flying Mk 6 Lightnings with the Royal Air Force. The next few years were spent in professional schools, Auburn University, several fighter squadrons and deployments back to WestPac. I was proud to command VMFA-451, attend the Naval War College, pick up a total of 3 Masters degrees and serve in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. My final flying tour was as commander of Marine Air Group 15 in the Far East where Carole and I spent 2 years. By that time I was dual qualified in both fixed and rotary wing aircraft and flying the F/A-18. I completed my active duty service as Deputy Commander and (for a short time) Commander of the Naval Space Command. Since then I have served in positions of responsibility in the business world and, in 1998, Carole and I started C Geiger Consulting, a business and executive leadership consulting firm consisting of Carole Geiger PhD & Chuck Geiger MBA. We live on 17 acres in western Virginia near Roanoke and are trying to cut back just a little in our professional endeavors to enjoy DAR, Kiwanis, and visit our grand children (ages 15 and 18).

Fond memories of Preflight and the summer of ’62.

1. To this day I hum to myself the song you, the entire class, created to sing to me as we marched to chow and to class down that endless grinder. The song was “Teenage MarCad” (to the tune of “Teen Angel”) since I was all of 19 at the time and you were all college graduates. I think I laugh more about that now than I did then.

2. I remember the dreadful night at the ACRAC (Aviation Cadet Recreation and Athletic Club) when, with the help of a jostling crowd, I managed to adorn myself with a large pizza down the entire front of my dress whites including my shoes. Bummer.

Reunion activities and related costs are as follows:

Arrive Marriott, Monday, October 11, 2010 mid-afternoon. Hospitality room set up to meet and greet, pick up name tags, enjoy wine or beer, and visit. Six pm catered Fish Fry (and Chicken) followed by 5-minute presentations “What I’ve been doing for the last 48 years, plus one preflight memory.”

Tuesday, October 12; Breakfast and beach/pool time in morning at hotel. Afternoon Dolphin Boat Cruise with box lunch on board. Return to hotel for cocktails and a catered barbeque.

Wednesday, October 13; Early pick-up at hotel for ride to NAS and tour of base. Attend Blue Angel Practice session. Adjourn to museum to meet Blue Angel pilots who will sign autographs. Tour Museum and have lunch at Cubi Bar. Tour of Navy’s yet to be opened Flight Academy (like a space camp for kids, but simulates Navy pilot training.) Attend IMAX Theater show. Evening, dinner on own at one of several beach restaurants.

Thursday, October 14; Departure day, or for those who would like to stay and play golf, golf has been arranged at Main Side. Rental clubs are available. A historic downtown tour can also be arranged through our caterer for those not playing golf with lunch at an Irish Pub.

Rates have been quoted for all the above activities:

Monday night Fish fry $22/per person.

Tuesday Dolphin Boat Cruise with lunch $40/per person

Tuesday night barbeque $22/person

Wednesday Base Tour/Museum/Cubi Lunch/IMAX $42/person

Hospitality Room Set Up; beer, wine, decorations, etc $30/classamte

Optional Day downtown tour with lunch $42/person

Reunion Shirts $37.50 each

Everyone participating in the Monday through Wednesday activities with their significant other will need to send me a check for $282. If attending alone, cost would be $156. Hotel expenses will be charged directly to your credit card.

Anyone planning to stay an extra day (Thursday 10/14) to play golf, will pay green fees that day. The historic downtown tour is also available that day for $42 which includes lunch.

Classmate Update—The host and the hostess with the mostest!

Dean & Debbie Tuggle

My wife, Michele, and I just had a delightful visit with Dean Tuggle and his wife, Debbie, who operate a Bed and Breakfast on the banks of the Ohio River in Aurora, Indiana. Tuggles’ Folly, is a beautiful Victorian home that sits high on a hilltop overlooking the river.

Tuggles' Folly

Dean and Debbie have filled their B&B with treasured antiques and handcrafted furniture and fixtures. What a fascinating and comfortably warm accommodation it is—second only to the warm hospitality of our gregarious hosts. Dean is still the wonderful story-teller and outgoing friend-maker we all knew in preflight. Navy man Dean commands his own armada consisting of a 43 foot motor yacht and a swift (fastest on the Ohio, they say) power boat. Our first night was spent cruising up the Ohio to a lovely dockside restaurant for dinner.

As fast as an airplane---and just as expensive!

If ever in the Ohio River Valley, you must check out our classmate at TugglesFolly.com. Dean has been dealing with some health issues this past winter and is midway through his treatments. He looks great, feels great and has become our first official “sign up” for the preflight reunion this October.

Preflight Memories from Dean Tuggle

There are lots of memories from preflight, some are more worthwhile to remember than others. Here are a few of mine. It was either the second or third day; we were on a run, which was never my strong suit. I was rapidly falling behind and two guys came along side of me, each one grabbed an arm and said that I would finish that run. I had decided that I would flunk the physical and not put up with the horseshit. I was so impressed with the spirit of team work that I stayed with the program.

By being in the band, I got out of some of the drilling, which wasn't a bad deal. But when the band went to the Texas State Fair, in the admiral's plane, I might add, made for a great memory. The first weekend that we got free, I and two other guys went to Bob Stoddard's folks place over in Alabama and water skied. We're out skiing in this swamp, me on the skies, when the boat starts to slow down. I'm eating line like mad to stay up; and Bob points to what seemed like a thirty foot alligator! As soon as he saw that I noticed it he grinned and speeded up again.

Another that has stayed with me was when we got back from survival. I am sure everybody remembers that the bus was late and the mess hall was closed. We were beyond curfew. I told everybody to get cleaned up and head for the burger joint and I would take the heat. I truly wasn't looking forward to the next day and sure enough the call was made bright and early for me to get to the sergeant's office on the double. I was asked in no uncertain terms why our class was out so late. Standing there scared to death, I told the good sergeant the story. It was a great relief when he said "good decision" now "Get out of here!"

I am really looking forward to our get together this fall and sincerely hope that everybody can make it to Pensacola.

Dean

Prefilght Memory by Bob Stoddard

MOVE, HERD!

Sergeant Hoffman did not deign to address us as a platoon, or a company, or with any other accepted military term. We were a herd, in our varying civilian attire. College boys. Know-nothings. Bootcamp babies with no earthly value to man or beast. Bewildered, intimidated, secretly amused, we were herded down a street that in no way resembled the shady lanes of our hometowns or the storied campuses from which we had so recently departed.

In our disarray, we were silently awed by the sight of other formations underway on that hot July morning. Some were under the watchful eye of other sergeants, marginally less disdainful, markedly more martial. They seemed to be in step, and their uniforms were uniformly spotless. Other groups were being marched by members of their own kind! They strode along confidently, and in their casualness they displayed more competence than we believed we would ever achieve.

We were taking our first steps (literally) toward becoming what the Navy, through its Marine Corps drill sergeants, wished us to become. A single-minded, squared-away, gig-line centered, ramrod straight cadet. Ready in all respects for sea duty. Finely-honed to be trusted with the most complex and expensive machinery our mid-twentieth-century Navy could produce. Trained to fly against the military might of the Soviet Union, braving all "though moonlit cloud or sunlit sky"! That was what motivated us to endure this demeaning and exhausting trial, and to hide our underlying amusement at the simplistic world into which we had been thrown. Being yelled at and instructed in the most basic way by men whose educational level was on a par with the janitors who swept the halls of our universities was so bizarre as to be comical; but only in the privacy of our conversations, far from the listening ears of sergeants.

Not that we didn't jump when they barked! Humiliation, physical pain, and exhaustion are stimulants to produce a strong sense of attention to duty. The threat of being singled out, made an example of, "sweated down to a puddle of piss" were ample incentive for complying with whatever unlikely or outlandish command came forth from the distended mouth of Sergeant Hoffman.

Later, though, when we had endured his tongue-lashings and sweated his rightful puddle of piss on the grinder or the obstacle course; later, when we would be yelled at by guys with golden wings on their shirts who knew how to fly while we did not; later, our incentive would shift somewhat. The immediate shame of being the direct object of Sergeant Hoffman's insults would metamorphose into the deeper, longer lasting fear of failing to get a set of those wings for yourself. No dread of bounced landings or missed approaches or "bad headwork" downs, not to even mention the fear of dying in a fiery crash, could hold a candle to the ultimate fear of going back home to announce that you just couldn't hack the program. That would be the ultimate shame, the penultimate failure, not to be contemplated. No amount of pain or numbers of sleepless nights or hours of numbing class work were enough to make us consider such a fate.

When have we faced such a daunting challenge in our lives since those days?

Preflight Memories by Bob Stoddard

As far as I know, only there is only one member of Pre-flight class 28-62 whose name appears on the Viet Nam Veterans Wall in Washington, DC. That classmate is John Abrams, killed while flying for HAL-3 in the Mekong Delta. John was also a squadron mate of mine in HS-7 in Norfolk from 1964-1966. I met John for the first time after lights-out on our very first night in Pensacola, in that crowded bunk room where about sixty of us huddled in nervous anticipation of the next encounter with our drill sergeant.

My roommate from college, Ed Higginbotham, had entered the program several weeks ahead of me, and he advised me sternly NOT to show up at Pre-flight early on the first day. I arrived around five PM, and had enough time to get the full brief about the Quarterdeck (which I traversed without the proper acknowledgement), the position of attention (which I had already memorized, thanks to Ed), and when to assume that position (whenever Sgt. Hoffman entered the massive bunk room).

I was also made aware, at the top of Sgt. Hoffman's lungs, what was expected of me (of all of us) at reveille the next morning. To wit: be standing at attention beside your bunk, with a sheet in each hand and the pillowcase over your head. Seemed a bit extreme to me, but I was prepared to do whatever the Sergeant wanted, if it meant I escaped his undivided attention.

We had turned in at taps, after a pointed lecture on how to make up a bunk with hospital corners, with the top sheet turned down so that a dollar bill fit precisely across it. About an hour later (I was not asleep, and I doubt many of us were) in comes our last arrival, John Abrams. The bunk above me was one of the only ones left, and John struggled into it with many questions, which I and those around me tried desperately to hush up.

Of course John wanted to know what the straight skinny was; and although it seemed to me that I was risking some sort of hideous torture from the sergeant, I got him somewhat quieted down and then informed him of the next morning's drill. "When the lights go on tomorrow at 5 AM, be standing beside your bunk with one sheet in each hand and your pillowcase over your head"!

"You gotta be shitting me"!!

Naturally, John was skeptical. He had not yet experienced Sgt. Hoffman's cold stare or apoplectic screams. He would soon get more of them than any of us ever wanted, when we were being outfitted with uniforms and such a few days later. That's another story.

"Listen, Buddy", I said, "I don't care if you believe me or not; but when the Sergeant flips on those lights in the morning, you DO NOT want to be the only sad sack in this room without a sheet in each hand and a pillowcase over your head! Now hush the hell up and let's get at least a little sleep"!

I don't remember who else I met on that first day. It was a shocking day, even allowing for the good advice I got from Ed Higginbotham. Was it on that first day that we learned how to enter the sergeant's office? ... Step smartly to the brass plate in the middle of the double door. Right face. Position of attention. With right hand, slam the metal-trimmed entrance as hard as you possibly can, bruising your thumb painfully in the process. Sergeant doesn't look up. Slam again, even harder. Sergeant asks the private if he hears some kind of pitiful tapping. Slam until the walls shake.

"What the hell do you want, lowlife"?

"Sir! Cadet Stoddard to see the Drill Sergeant, Sir!"

"Stoddard, why is your OD jacket over your head"?

Sir! My OD jacet was unbuttoned during RLPI, Sir"!

"Unbuttoned? You worthless puke! Assume the position! Give me thirty pushups"!

Thirty quick pushups.

"Stoddard! Who is that outside my door"?

"That's my roommate, Cadet Stark, Sir"!

"Why is he here"?

"His OD jacket was unbuttoned as well, Sir"!

"Stark! Give me thirty pushups"!

"Stoddard"!

"Sir"!

"Are you going to let your roommate do his pushups all by himself"?

"No sir, sergeant"!

Thirty more....

Preflight Memories by Ron Wilson

Prior to the Navy, the closest this Kansas farm boy had ever been to an airplane was when I was plowing and a plane flew overhead at 30,000. Because the Army was threatening, my college roommate, John Chapman, and I found ourselves checking into Pensacola. Within minutes, I was saying, “What the hell did I get myself into?” Ever since I was 12-years-old, I had made my own decisions, now, after being told how to polish shoes and bounce a quarter off a sheet, I was trying to figure out how to get back to the farm. I ended up in class 28-62, only because I had failed a math test and was put into a special week-long school. During that week, we had math class all day long. We wore poopy suits, every day—for class, chow and marching. We were outcasts. When we went to church, we smelled so bad they put us up in the balcony away from the rest of the cadets. At the end of a week, I passed the math test and joined preflight class 28-62. What an experience!

Lessons Learned in Preflight by Mike Matyas

Meaning of Stupidity: Arriving at NAS Pensacola carrying a typewriter.

Don’t drop your guard: That first day walking onto the base, meeting a guy driving a military car with a gorgeous wife, who stopped and gave Lawson and I directions, and as he pulled away saying “I’ll be seeing you.” We later learned he was the base commander.

Suffering doubt and uncertainty: Laying in the rack that first night saying to myself “What the hell have you gotten yourself into now?”

Best bluff ever witnessed: Hearing John Abrams’ gridiron answer of “Admiral Agamemnon, Sir!!” to Sgt. Hoffman’s question “Who is NAVCOMALANTICFLEET dah dah dah?” (Agamemnon was a character in Greek mythology.)

Meaning of Sheer Guts: Believing that I was as good as the guys standing next to me, and betting that they can’t kick all of us out of the program (I hoped).

Accepting the Truth: Realizing that I had found something that I was truly mediocre at (at best).

S. Mike Matyas, Jr.

Preflight Memories...by Jim Stark

Prefight was a rude awaking for this cocky college kid. The day I walked into that indoctrination battalion, I honestly thought I had mistakenly entered a POW compound. Man, what a shock that was! And when Sgt Hoffman told us that getting a sunburn was a court martial offense, I believed him.

Therefore, this memory has stuck with me all these years. Several of us—and I can’t remember who else was involved—went to the beach on one of those rare free afternoons. We knew not to stay long because of the dreaded sunburn threat, but we all rolled around in the sand at the water’s edge, enjoying the cooling waters. Then someone noticed that we were all covered with black oil stains, spilled by the Gulf tankers.

We all hurried back to the barracks and jumped into the shower. Soap didn’t remove the oil, so we used lighter fluid and stiff brushes. Our skin was raw, probably worse than getting a sunburn, but I don’t think there were any repercussions from our day at the beach. Now, who was with me? Was it you Bob Stoddard, Gordy Meyer, and Mike Sanjenis…or others? I’d like to hear from you.

Gathering of Eagles...errr Bogies

As you see in the above picture, another small get together occurred in Florida on 2/17/10. Pictured left to right are Jim Stark, Gordon Meyer, Joe Obusek, and Tom Fritz.
Jim, Gordy and Joe just finished a round of golf and Tom joined them afterwards to hear about all the birdies, pars and 300-yard drives—NOT.

Tom, whom we had not seen previously, filled us in on his intriguing 36 year, Navy career. The most surprising part, we learned, was that while all the rest of us greenhorn cadets were trying to learn to march—hup, two, three, four—and handle the M-1 rifle, Tom had secretly been a Marine for four years! “I didn’t want the DIs to know that, because I knew I would be singled out,” he said. So Tom just pretended to stumble around like the rest of us.

Clandestine behavior turned out to be Tom’s specialty, as he spent most of his career involved with VQ squadrons and in fascinating intelligence operations. Captain Tom was a spook, and if you want to hear some spellbinding stories, buy him a beer and find a quiet corner for a conversation.

Tom Fritz has been dealing with some serious health issues and we wish him continued success in that area.

Joe Obusek highly recommends all Navy vets join the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN). This organization was previously concerned with Navy Reserve interests, but in 2009 broadened its focus to include all Navy matters. AUSN is an advocacy organization that has huge impact on veterans’ health care issues and other benefits. Membership is $40 per year and includes a monthly magazine. Check it out at http://www.ausn.org/

I would also recommend everyone consider membership in the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. The Foundation puts out a biannual magazine that I read cover-to-cover the day it hits my mailbox. Stories inside are written mostly by WW II pilots with great pictures and other features. I love that publication! Membership is $35 annually. Check it out at http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/

I’m putting some thoughts together on a reunion in 2011 and will be asking for your thoughts on the details shortly.

Go Navy and 28/62!

Old Friends Meet

Hi Guys,

Joe Obusek, Pete Moffett (and his son, Matt), Gordy Meyer and I, recently met at a golf course in Florida to play a round together. That’s a round of “golf” for you with dirty minds. Joe is the “stick,” Pete was our course official, and Gordy and I relived our days at Whiting Field, when on non-flying days we used to play 54 holes of golf. Back then, we established “7” be the par for every hole. It is gratifying to know that after 48 years, Gordy’s and my game has not changed one iota. What a great get together!





Joe (L) Gordy (R)



L to R, Meyer, Obusek, Moffett, Stark

Gordy Meyer Visit

I had the opportunity Jan 15th to visit with Gordy Meyer and his wife, Anne. He lives just a short distance from my winter digs in Central Florida. Even after Gordy’s glamorous life as a TWA Captain, he’s still an Iowa country boy at heart. When I saw him, he had just returned from a week of hunting wild boar in Alabama. The old fart on the left in picture is yours truly, Gordy on right.

Knot Tying

Mike Matyas sent me this great picture taken on his wedding day, the day we were all commissioned. The ceremony took place in the Pensacola chapel and those appearing in the picture from left to right are : Clair Splittstoesser, Mike Sanjenis, Paul Davis, Owen Hafer, Jim Cook (Matyas' friend), Sandy Matyas, Mike, Tom Callahan, Jim Stark, Dick Deters, Bob Stoddard, and Chuck Geiger. I think Stoddard was trying to "out-Marine" Geiger. Gad, what a brace! Mike and Sandy recently celebrated their 47th anniversary. Congrats, you two!



If any of you have photos of other classmates, send them to me and I'll post them.

Jim

Current Roster of Preflight Contacts

The following is a roster of the classmates I have been able to contact from our preflight class-28/62. Each cadet picture from 1962 is accompanied by a brief summary of their naval service as well as a recap of the years following the Navy. The information has been gathered from telephone and email communications. I encourage all those appearing here to contact me regarding errors I have made, or information they would like changed or added.

George E. Artman George extended in the Navy until January 1970. After BNAO school at Sherman Field, he was sent to VR-7, first flying in C-121 (Super Connies) and later C-130Es. After a stint as a BNAO instructor in Pensacola he spent time with VA-42 at Oceana and VA-176 flying A-6As. After separation from the service, George worked for BAE Systems for 30 years specializing in military avionics. George is presently living in Georgia. His email address is gartman@charter.net

Harry B. Anderson "Bucky" flew as an NAO with an AEW squadron out of Barber's Point, HI, on EC-121Ks. After three years, their mission was replaced by satellites and Anderson was assigned to the Navy Missile Center in CA. He got out of the Navy at the end of his five years and joined a family business in Valdosta, GA where he is still working. Wife's name Gloria. His email address is ganderson@yahoo.com

Lloyd Babby Lloyd was assigned to VAW-11 flying as an NFO(C) in the EA-1E and E1B out of North Island. He made two deployments to Westpac flying off the USS Bennington. He stayed in the reserves after active duty, serving in the VP community with COMRESPATWINGPAC at Pt. Mugu. He retired as a Captain in 1989. Lloyd worked for the Navy as a civilian staff member with several engineering centers at Port Hueneme, California for 30 years until his retirement in 1997. Lloyd and his wife, Pat, now live in Southwestern Idaho and enjoy traveling via their motorhome. His email address is lpbabby@aol.com

J.P.Bullard, Jr. John didn’t mention his assignments while in the Navy, other than to say that he left after one tour. On separation from the service, he first worked as a stock broker in Washington DC, then as a banker in NC, then at Commission of Indian Affairs in Raleigh. In 1983, John moved back to his childhood home to assist with the care of an ailing father and brother, and taught in the public school system. He is now retired, living on his father’s farm in NC. His email is jpbullard@bellsouth.net


T.D.Callahan III Tom had an exciting career flying F-4s as part of VF-102 & VF-213 off the America & Kitty Hawk. Surviving his Vietnam tour, he separated after one tour to join Pan Am.. Furloughed a short time later, he started and operated a flight school outside of Ft. Wayne, IN, for 11 years until called back by the airlines. Tom and his wife Mary live in NJ. His email is Callahan_tom@hotmail.com


Paul W. Davis Paul didn’t give me much detail of his Navy flying activities, but I somehow think he flew in a VR squadron. Paul joined the airlines after one tour and although starting in Chicago, spent most of his career based on the west coast. He is now retired—from United—and lives in Texas looking after his 96-year-old mother. Paul’s email is paulwdavis@embarqmail.com

Richard A. Deters Dick was another Vietnam warrior, flying A-4s as part of VA-23 off the Midway. Having survived his Vietnam tour, he was assigned to VA-81 and had a Med deployment flying off the Shangri-La. One tour was enough and Dick signed on with the airlines, retiring in 2000 from TWA. He and his wife now live in NY and FL. Dick's email address is rdeters@optonline.net

James M. Donovan Jim flew E1B Tracers after he got his wings. Initially assigned to VAW 12 flying off the USS Independence, he so enjoyed his exciting life, he volunteered for additional cruises and did two Med cruises, one Arctic cruise, and one Vietnam cruise. Jim had over 200 carrier landing and one night cat shot that, thanks to a broken holdback fitting, found him in the drink as the ship nearly ran over him. One tour was enough and he married and spent the next 30 quiet (and enjoyable) years flying for United. Jim’s email is Skypuncher27@aol.com

Samuel J. Duckett I contacted Sam Duckett by phone and he acknowledged that he had been in the Navy in the early 60s. Beyond that, communication was difficult. Sam said he wasn't doing to well. The phone was hung up. I have written a letter to Sam, in hopes he or a caregiver will give me more information. Sam is living in SC, no email info available.

Thomas W. Fritz Tom was career Navy with over 36 years of service. He retired as a Captain. Although an AOC in preflight, eye problems put him in the NFO ranks where he flew in the VQ community in EA-3Bs and EP-3Bs. He had several command tours before moving into Intelligence, finishing his outstanding career as Deputy of Naval Intelligence, retiring in 1994. Tom and his wife, Janie, live in Florida. His email is tjfritz9220@gmail.com

Charles R. Geiger Chuck spent 31 active years in the Marine Corps, retiring as a Colonel. He started out in VMFA-115 and later was commanding officer of VMFA-451. Chuck had many combat missions in Vietnam, mostly flying F4B Phantoms and was highly decorated. He lost one Phantom in DaNang Bay from battle damage. Geiger was dual rated in fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. He finished his military career as commander of the Naval Space Command. Chuck and his wife, Carole, live in Virginia. His Email address is cgc@cgc.bz

Marshall P. Harris Marshall was a NAO (NFO) who flew with VR-7 on the West Coast. He had numerous flights into Vietnam. He got out of the Navy after one tour and worked with Mobile Oil, in the insurance industry and presently with the Food and Drug Administration. Marshall lives near Boston. His email address is trunkport@aol.com

Kenneth R. Jenkins Ken was in VR-22 as a NFO until the squadron moved from Norfolk to Moffett on the west coast. Moving with them would have meant extending his service, so he finished out his tour in mantenance at NAS Memphis. After the Navy he operated a construction company in Illinois, where he still works. Ken's email is carolken99@verizon.net

William L. Kraus Bill was another of our Vietnam warriors, flying A-4s off the Coral Sea as part of VA-153. Surviving his first tour, Bill stayed in the reserves and joined TWA in Kansas City. Bill one one of the few to work for the airlines without a layoff right up to retirement. Bill and his wife, Carol--celebrating 50 years of marriage--spend part of the year in Kansas City and part of their year in North Palm Beach, Florida. Bill's email address in wlkcgk@att.net

John W. Lacey John flew in VR in northern CA until the end of his active tour. Staying in the Navy Reserves for 11 years—get this—he then switched to the Air Force and finished his 20 total yrs with them. (Hope he taught those boys how to fly.) In the meantime John was working with the Atomic Energy Commission. During those years he picked up a Ph.D and led a fascinating life. John worked on Reagan’s Star Wars Project, lived in Heidelberg, Germany for 5 years, was involved in a fusion energy effort and took a couple trips to Russia as head of the US delegation. After retiring from the DOE in ’99, he took a position as professor with the University of Maryland. Dr. Lacey now lives in FL and CA. His email address is jwlacey@hotmail.com

Archie B. Lawson Who in our class doesn’t remember little Archie? I didn’t realize how small he was until I read his book, View From The Cockpit: Looking Up, and discovered he was only 5’6” and weighed 118 pounds when joining the Navy. Good things come in small packages. Archie flew C-130’s in a VR squadron which included Vietnam missions. Getting out after one tour, Archie joined Western Airlines eventually retiring as a Delta captain. Archie’s book is a wonderful memoir about his faith and his career in aviation. It can be purchased through his Website at www.viewfromthecockpit.com Archie'a email is archiebl@msn.com



John A. McFadden John was a VR-1 pilot, flying C-130s (I assume). He reports he also had temporary duty with one of the NAS Brunswick VP squadrons when they flew a South American tour. John left the Navy after one tour to fly with United. He now lives near NAS Pax River on a horse farm. John at one time was president of the St. Mary's county school board. John’s email is bayside@erols.com


Stephen M. Matyas Mike was a helicopter pilot flying with HC-2 out of Lakehurst. He had two 8 month Med cruises, one on the Shangri-La and the other on the America. He got out after one tour and went to work for IBM. Dr. Mike took a 4 year leave of absence to get his Ph.D, returned to IBM working in their Cryptographic Competency Center. If you’re curious what that is all about, read the books he has written on the subject or check out over 100 patents he has as inventor of numerous IBM products. Mike and Sandy live in Virginia. I remember his wife, Sandy, because I was in their wedding party 48 years ago, the day we were all commissioned at Pensacola. Also in his wedding were Sanjinis, Callahan, Deters, Geiger, Stoddard, Hafer, Davis, and Splittstoesser. I have a wedding picture to prove it, and will post it in a future Blog posting. Mike’s email is smmatyas1@comcast.net


Gordon C. Meyer Gordy flew E1Bs off the Ranger and the Boxer as part of VAW-11 out of North Island. One tour with the Navy and then off to the airlines starting with North Central and ending up with TWA. Gordy lives in Florida with his wife, Anne. I saw Gordy recently and he’s still the tall (slightly stooped), fair haired (mostly gray), good looking (a bit wrinkled) guy we all knew. Gordy played with the Goshawk football team as a placekicker back in preflight (does anyone remember that?) and looks like he could still kick the ball 55 yards (well maybe 20). Pictures will be posted later. Gordy’s email is gdgordo@tampabay.rr.com PS: Meyer and Fritz live 10 minutes apart, but didn’t know it.

Andrew P. Miller Andy was a career naval officer, retiring in '86, but continuing in the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in a civilian role--where he still works. During his Navy years, Andy flew as a NAO (now NFO) in A-6 Intruders. He and Pete Moffett were in the same squadron together (VA-75) aboard the Independence. Andy also spent time in Test Pilot School testing the A-6A and A-6C. Andy and his wife live near NAS Pax River and his email address in andrew.p.miller@navy.mil

Peter F. Moffett Pete was a NAO ordered to VA-75, flying in the A-6. Early in his deployment flying off the Independence, a bomb exploded in the bomb bay. Although Pete was injured, he was able to eject and was recovered. Pete left the service and after first working for Shell Oil, operated a restaurant for 11 years. Pete is now a real estate broker, living in Florida. His email is pfmoffett@cfl.rr.com


Joseph B. Obusek Joe was a NAO flying in RA-5s. He was also on the Independence and happened to be on the deck when Pete Moffett was recovered after his crash. Joe said something like, “Pete, you lucky SOB, you’re going home.” Joe has some harrowing tales of his own about returning to the ship in a shot up aircraft. Joe stayed in the Reserves and made Captain. He worked for GTE. He is now retired and he and wife, Mary Ann, live in Florida. His email is joeobusek@earthlink.net


H. Wayne Paul Wayne was a career Navy guy and as an NAO served as Bombardier/Navigator in A-3B Skywarriors and A-6A Intruders. Squadron assignments included VAH-10, VAH-123, VA-196, VA-128, and VA-115 resulting in deployments aboard the USS Constellation, USS FD Roosevelt, USS Ranger and USS Midway. The deployment covered the Golf of Tonkin Resolution through the evacuation of Saigon. Staff assignments include Op Nav and the staff of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe. In addition he was the USS Enterprise’s first Training Department Head. Fight activities were typical of those serving four combat tours with the exception of an ejection resulting from an engine fire in February of 1970. After retiring as a Commander his after-Navy activities include working for Science Applications International Corp (SAIC), registrar of his alma mater, Northwest Nazarene University, and information systems manager for College of Idaho. He has a number of active hobbies, one of which is soaring. He is the domain owner of http://www.soaridaho.com/. Pictures of his current sailplane can be seen at http://tinyurl.com/N990-6F. Check it out. Wayne’s email is wayne@soaridaho.com

Gerson P. Rafer Gerson flew as a NAO (now called NFO) for one tour, first with VR-7 and then with VR-3 in C-121s out of Moffett Field. After the Navy he worked for Honeywell for a while, then ended up with Codex, a similar hi-tech company. Gerson retired in 2001 and lives on Cape Cod. His email address is gersonrafer@verizon.net

William G. Saddington Bill was assigned as an NFO to VP-7 on the west coast. Although he got out after one active tour, he remained in the Reserves for 20 years. Educated as a chemical engineer, he worked in that capacity for several different companies. His final assignment was working for Uncle Sam--once again--on the interesting Super Fund Project. Bill is retired, living on the outskirts of Richmond, VA. His email is william.saddington@verizon.net

Michael L. Sanjenis Mike had an interesting Navy tour flying F-8s out of Guantanamo Bay. When his squadron was pulled out of Gitmo, he was sent through the F4 RAG at Miramar. In his words “they didn’t know what to do with me after the RAG (only a year to go in his hitch) so he was assigned to the McDonnell factory delivering F4s to various squadrons around the country. Immediately after the Navy, Mike traveled to Tokyo where he was having a 40’ Trimaran sailboat built with intentions of sailing it around the world. He changed his mind about that and signed up with TWA. It was tough times for airlines (as all you commercial flyboys know) so he picked up a law and finance degree. The next several years found him practicing law in NYC and working for various financial institutions. After his kids were grown, Mike once again heard the call of the wild blue yonder and rejoined the flying community flying as a contract pilot for various airlines. Now retired, mike spends his leisure hours sailing on Long Island Sound, flying his Barron and Citation airplanes and babysitting for his six granddaughters. Mike’s email is msanjenis@gmail.com He would enjoy hearing from classmates and looks forward to the possibility of a reunion.

Jay F. Shinn Jay flew Super Connies in VW-13. He spent time in Keflavik, Iceland; Argentia, Newfoundland, and also Rota, Spain (to thaw out no doubt). Jay joined PAA, and then when furloughed, got his MBA and taught at a junior college. Jay ended up with Delta and in now living in GA. His email is tybia@charter.net


Charles M. Smith Chuck had a skydiving accident while at Whiting Field and was not able to continue in the flight program. He went to the fleet and left after his first tour. Joined the Navy Reserves at Glenview NAS affiliating with a VP squadron. Stayed in the Navy reserves 5 years. Chuck returned to the Chicago area and took over a family business where he still is working.
His email is marshall@mortonsuggestion.com

Clair D. Splittstoesser Splitts was a B/N in VAH-2 and was deplyed to Nam aboard the Coral Sea in '65. He was part of the first bombing raid into North Vietnam, flying A-3Bs. After his one tour in the Navy, he used his engineering degree to get involved in the Lawn and Garden industry in '74. He is credited with several patients for lawn equiptment. He retired in 2002 and he and his wife now spend their spare time traveling via motorhome. His email address is spitts@coffeyvilleks.net

James F. Stark, Jr. I got orders to VP-21 in Brunswick, ME flying P2V7s. As an east coast sailor, we had deployments to Rota Spain (2) and detachments to Key West, Bermuda, Puerto Rico and short term activities in Nova Scotia, France, and Sicily. I was plane commander of a crew and had a great tour. After the Navy, I stayed in ME for 4 years, working in the insurance business for man who became Gov of the state. In 1971 I moved to Indiana to join a family electrical wholesaling business where I worked until retirement. I continue to live in Indiana and snowbird for three months in Florida. My email is stark3217@aol.com


Robert A Stoddard Bob flew helicopters in HF-7 aboard the Intrepid. Bob tells a funny story of having been trained in ASW, but only used by the carrier for plane guarding duty. In frustration, the HF guys had friends aboard a nuclear sub they talked into sneaking close to the carrier and taking close up pictures of the ship through their periscope. When the HF crew showed the pictures to the carrier’s skipper, they suggested the skipper might want to take the potential threat of hostile submarines a bit more seriously. Bob also did some flight instructing in T-28s at Whiting Field. After the Navy, Stoddard went from Braniff to Piedmont and finally to US Air. He now lives in Alabama, just a few miles from his childhood home. Bob’s email is bobstod3@gulftel.com


Leon F. Tarsa Leo flew for a VR squadron. After one Navy tour, he joined his family’s business, manufacturing something called disposable microtome blades for the medical professions. The company has an international presence. To learn more check out http://www.sturkey.com/ Leo lives in PA. His email address is louandarb@comcast.net


Dean O. Tuggle Dean left the flight program at Saufley. He went to the fleet on the west coast. After the Navy, Dean had a career in sales, but now he and his wife operate a Bed & Breakfast in Aurora, IN called Tuggle’s Folly. His email is stay@tugglesfolly.com


Anthony J. Vicar Tony flew A-4s as part of VA-83 & VA-23 off the Forrestal. After one tour, he joined Western Airlines which later became Delta. Tony still works for Delta as a flight trainer. Tony and his wife live in GA. His email address is tvic5@comcast.net

Hiram Les Willingham Les was a Super Connie driver, flying C-121s for an early warning squadron AEW-12 out of Barbers Point, Hawaii. His squadron deployed to Midway where they patrolled the Aleutian Islands. Getting out after one tour, Les joined the Holiday Inn Corp., spending his career in the hospitality business. Les lives outside Memphis. His email address is nandlwillingham@bellsouth.net

Ronald A. Wilson Ron left the flight program because of vision problems and went to the fleet as CIC of a Radar Pickett ship. Ron owns a company in CA and is still working. His email is ron@heiusa.com

Clayton E Wright Clay was assigned to VA-44 & VA-46 flying A-4s on the east coast. Clay was a hot pilot and won several distictions for his prowess. Due to a circumstance I'll let him tell you about, he finished the last two years of his tour as an AI officer in Sigonella, Sicily. After the service he had a career in the petroleum industry. Clay flys for fun and is retired living in Colorado Springs. His email address is cnpwright@comcast.net


I have also learned that the following classmates are deceased:

John L. Abrams John was killed in Vietnam in 1967. Tony Vicar reported that John was flying a Cobra helicopter when he was shot down.

Richard P. Bonawitz Dick’s college notified me that he had died, but gave no further information.

Jerry L. Cunningham Archie Lawson reported that Jerry was killed in the Reserves while flying an A-4.

W.W. Donnelly, Jr. Donnelly’s college notified me that he had died in 1991 of Emphysema.

Owen Hafer Owen’s college notified me of his death, but gave no details.

Gerald T. Zelfer I talked to Jerry's brother in Abbyville, KS and learned Jerry had died following a heart attack in spring 2009. He told me Jerry stayed in the Navy for 11 years, first flying C-130s and later P-3s. Leaving the service in 1973, he ran a hog operation in KS with his son for several years, then became a commodities broker.