HELLO ’68! Our 55-Year reunion was incredible with beautiful weather, a winning football game, and many “old” faces to match-up with the cadet photos on our nametags. Many thanks to Gary Hoffman and our reunion committee for putting on such a truly first-class event.

“Last Call at Chez Janssen. From L to R: Gene Rose, Don Caughlin, Chuck Jones, Garry Dudley, Barney Mills, Steve Staley, Pat Russell, Dale Oderman, Mark Torreano, Gary Hoffman, Bill Wood, Rock Buraglio, Doug Wilson, Duey Mrosla, Jim Thompson, Carl Janssen, Frank Palermo, Ben Stevens and Neal Starkey.”

FINI-FLIGHT AT THE JANSSEN’S: After decades of providing a place for classmates and friends to get-together for Dark Ages parties, following classmate funerals or memorial services, and a variety of other social occasions, Carl Janssen and his bride, Debbie, decided to pull up stakes and down-size to a comfortable and new set of living quarters nestled in the shadow of the Garden of the Gods. As a fitting gesture for a “last hurrah,” they co-hosted a final party with Garry and Tina Dudley. Many thanks to Carl and Debbie for their years of friendship and service to the Class of 1968! Additional information may be found on our Class website under Photos.

TIDBITS FROM THE REUNION: Jim and Brinda Thompson were unable to attend the reunion because they were in Ghana. I have asked Jim to send me a trip summary and some photos. Cecil Castro and an entourage of Armando’s and her children attended our gala. Mark Torreano hosted the family and Jim and Marcia Reese participated in making the family feel welcome. Steve Staley’s vocals are still magnificent, as witnessed during the Memorial Service at Arnold Hall. Gene and Jan Rose’s after-reunion Sunday-social was incredible with a panoply of delicious options for food and beverage and gracious hospitality to spare. Dr. Mark Danney told me of his fulfilling medical career and mission work in Angola. I am hoping that Mark will follow-up with some photos and stories about his journeys. I saw many photos being taken and hope that you will see fit to share them with Pat Russell and me. Please send same with names of those in the photos and any stories that can be told in public.

“I do! Newly Weds Mike Nash and Valerie Gosnell.”

‘68ERS AND NEW BEGINNINGS: After several years of friendship, visiting back and forth, Mike Nash and Val Gosnell realized they were in love and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They had a small family wedding on June 17, 2023 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Littleton, Colorado with their combined grandchildren as attendants. See the Class website for their beautiful wedding photos.

‘68ER SELECTED CITIZEN OF THE WEST: It was a pleasure to read about one of our very own receiving well-deserved recognition for the meaningful achievement and impact he has had upon our nation. In an article from the September 25, 2023 edition of the Denver Gazette, it reads: “The National Western Stock Show has picked a former commander of the U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command as the 2024 Citizen of West, an honor the group bestows on an individual who embodies the ‘spirit and determination of the Western pioneer.’ The honoree is retired Gen. Ralph E. ‘Ed’ Eberhart, who has had an illustrious career in the military. ‘He exemplifies our Western way of life and all the qualities befitting a great Citizen of the West,’ the group said in a statement. Each year, the National Western Stock Show picks an individual whose life personifies that “true representative of Western lifestyle ideals, agricultural heritage, and traditions.’ Eberhart, the 45th Citizen of the West, will be honored in a ceremony in January.” Ed, your classmates send you our heartiest congratulations for this latest honor and your selfless service to our country.

“Doolie 7th Squadron Breakfast. From L to R: Dave Kozak, John Rominger, Jim Reese, Roger Sorensen, Gary Vasek, Bill Fridinger, Richard Vihel, and Tim Davidson.”

ORIGINAL BAND OF BROTHERS: The gathering of those of us who went through the right-of-passage in 1964, known as Basic Summer, carries a special bond of personal and group achievement that cannot be easily defined by some psychotherapist’s Freudian description of human emotions. Our commitment to one another during tests to our physical, mental, and spiritual essence, is something that endures for a lifetime. It was good to have our band back together, again! Please send your squadron’s Doolie Breakfast photos to Pat Russell and me with names, anecdotes, and stories, as appropriate.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: We were saddened by loss of our classmates. Clark L. Mobley, who passed away in St. Augustine, Florida in October 2022. Notice of his death came during our 55-Year Reunion. We also received notice of the recent loss of Rocky Gaines’ wife, Lynn, and the current battle our classmate Chuck Jones is facing with small cell lung cancer. Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers.

THAT'S A WRAP: Mind the flak; keep ‘em flying, and keep those cards, letters, e-mails, and photos coming in to Pat Russell and me. Ciao for now. Tim