Marcello, Baltimore, Crawford, Reeder, Vuksich, Young SEND (Mine Detection Dog for USMA 1970)

We are pleased to report that 22 of our classmates have contributed $13,400 for the sponsorship of a lifesaving mine detection dog that will represent our Class for years to come and serve on battlefields scarred with dangerous explosives.   We’re more than halfway to our goal ($25,000), and if you haven’t yet had a chance to give, now would be a great time, especially with events around the country now commemorating the 50thAnniversary of the Vietnam War. Our Class Dog will sniff out landmines and save lives in a war-torn country in honor of our four classmates who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Thanks to all who have generously supported this humanitarian effort.

Again, no contribution is too large or small. You can send cash or check (all tax-deductible) to the Marshall Legacy Institute, ‪2425 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 240, Arlington, VA 22025, or donate online at  www.marshall-legacy.org for the "USMA 70 MDD Campaign".

Serve with Integrity,

Marcello, Baltimore, Crawford, Reeder, Vuksich, Young

RIP, Max B. Kelly, A2, USMA 1970

Classmate Maximilian Bosco Kelly, from San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, Company A-2, USMA 1970, passed away on 19 March 2016 in the country of Panama.  From his daughter,  Carla Kelly VanderHeyden: "My father passed on Saturday from complications of living with CLL Leukemia for over 20 years. He lived his life to the fullest! His death was sudden as he was heading to the beach this weekend for Spring Break. I want to thank you all for your support. Today we are having a mass in Panama and hope by next week we will all be in Miami for his funeral".  Pete de la Garza also talked to Max's wife. Max died in Panama at 6:15pm on 19 March. There will be a viewing and a Mass tomorrow (22 March) in Panama. She said Max is going to be cremated. She also said they will be flying to Miami (Thursday?) where there will also be a burial (?). She said she would provide more information to me as soon as it is available.

USMAPS HONORS FOUNDER’S DAY CEREMONY March 2nd, 2016

USMAPS HONORS FOUNDER’S DAY CEREMONY March 2nd, 2016 Sixteen members of the Class 1970 attended the USMAPS ceremony and dinner as part of our Class 50 Year Affiliation Program. Attendees were: Lt Gen (R) James Lovelace (H4) Gary Thomas (G2) John & Mrs Wells (C2) Frank Monaco (B4) Kerry Lawrence (I4) Russell Ray (E2) “Fearless” Toby “Q-tip” Quirk Paul Fardink (C2) John Geenwalt (E2) John Cogbill (G4) Col Don Blakeslee (A2) Perry Casto (E4) Randall “Craig” Rutler (C3) Ed Hirsch (H2) William Arcuri (D1) John Veenstra (I4) A social meeting was held in the Patton Room of the Thayer Hotel the night before with ten members of the Class 1970 and the USMAPS coordinators. Major Joshua Klatzko has attended the pre-event meetings for our previous events with USMAPS. He makes a point of placing a glass of beer on the table with MAJ RANDALL ARTHUR CARLSON’S Class 1970 ring placed in front of the glass. Major Carlson is with us at every USMAPS event. Captain Elise Ffitch, B Company Tactical Officer, went over the next day’s schedule. She attended Syracuse, plays lacrosse, and had a tour in Iraq as platoon leader and commander. The ceremonial day started at 1300 hours in the USMAPS conference room. Captain Ffitch used a slide presentation to give us the rundown on the USMAPS operation. • WP Prep School moved from Ft Monmouth to WP in 2011. • School year started with 240 Cadet Candidates (CC); now 212 • Acceptance to West Point runs about 85% of each Prep School class • CCs are paid a little over $1,000 monthly; $375 is taken out and put in a savings account to make sure the CC has the required $2,000 deposit on R-Day on June 27th • Prep School is having a great sports year vs Navy Prep School; record now 4-1 • Prep School class has two Army Rangers • Prep School Class has 94 recruited athletes • Class composition chart attached • USMAPS has a team in the Sandhurst competiton and they do well A CC escort was assigned to each Class 1970 attendee. They gave us each a tour of USMAPS. In summary: Fantastic facility inside and out. The tactical officers and administrative staff and Lt Col John Cross, Commandant, Class 1993, are impressive and are doing an outstanding job. Class 1970 Fifty year Affiliation Program with USMAPS Class 2016 coordinator, Bruce Nolte, did an excellent job of “assigning” specific duties to several members of our class: • Lt Gen (R) Jimmy Lovelace as the keynote speaker • John Cogbill as our panel discussion leader • Oldest Grad Perry Casto speaker They all did a truly great job!!!!! At 1400 we had remarks from the oldest and youngest grad. Class 1966 Prepster Perry Casto entertained Class 1970 and USMAPS CCs. May not have been part of the speech, may have a been a story afterwards, however, this is the one I like: Perry wanted to be an aviator, however, eyesight stood in the way. He memorized the eye chart, took off his glasses and went in for the eye exam. He was doing it perfectly when the Doctor said: “We have a problem.” Perry says: “What, what do you mean a problem. “ Doctor says: “You are facing the wrong way. The eye chart is on the other wall” At 1430, John Cogbill lead our panel discussion. Great stories and background of what life was like in the late 1960s: gas was cheap, Viet Nam was just building up, etc.. John had a great list, too long for here. After John opened up, each member of the Class 1970 spoke for 3 to 5 minutes, pretty much discussing whatever they wanted, not always address the panel subject: “Leadership in a Hollow Army”. The panel program is attached. The auditorium portion of the ceremony highlighted with remarks from Lt Col (R) James Lovelace. Jimmy gave them both the hard core truthfulness of what they would be faced with in the future coupled with entertaining humor and CC participation. Jimmy challenged the CCs to think about what kind of leader they would be. He also stressed that the demanding jobs they would be doing had to be balanced with a sense of humor in everyday life. The auditorium portion of the day ended with the Founder’s day cake cutting. This was done with a cadet sabre held by Oldest Grad Prepster Perry Casto and CC Dakarai Johnson. At 1700 we ate in the Dining Hall. Each of us sat at a different table and had some great discussions about whatever the CCs wanted to talk about. I was at a table with CC Smoak. His three brothers all graduated from West Point. The Cadet candidates to a person are truly remarkable and impressive. They appreciate our class participation. Graduation is coming up with a parade on May 13th and graduation ceremony in Ike hall on May 14th with Gary Steele as the commencement speaker. Class 1970 is invited. Some short shots: • Col Don Blakeslee, our active duty doctor, hosted dinner in the Thayer Hotel dining room for the ten Class 1970 attendees who made it to the first night social meeting. By hosted, I mean he paid for dinner. Thank you, Don. Don also had Ed Hirsh buy a bottle of port wine so we could toast the class 1970. Ed was not really sure what port wine was, however, he bought it anyway. Don requested each tell their story and a pleasant evening was had by all • The CC escort for Craig Rutler was his grandson, Reid D’Amico • Youngest grad was 2Lt Chandler Smith, Class 2015 back at USMAPS as wrestling coach He is a nationally ranked cross-fit competitor also • Tammy Brochetti is the USMAPS and Parents Liaison person. She retired from service after 20 years in the Air Force. • On the first night at the social gathering, John Cogbill proudly informed us that on that very day, his son, John Patrick Cogbill, Class 1994, was promoted to full colonel. He is out on the west coast and John and Janet are traveling to the promotion ceremony. John Patrick and my oldest daughter, Kimberly, were both born inside the Berlin Wall. John’s other son grad Georgetown and is a Lt Col in Hawaii USMAPS Commandant Lt Col John Cross, Class 1993, was in Company C-1 as was now Col John Patrick Cogbill, Class 1994. • Bill Arcuri flies up from Florida for every event and never comes empty handed. He always has a supply of Viet Nam 50th anniversary lapel pins, commemorative certificate and a couple more pins. He gave a commemorative flag to Don Blakelsee to be flown at his West Point home. • I did not know Bill Arcuri’s history as a POW after he bailed out of his B-52. It is not my place to tell his story here, however, I will relate one part. This is a perfect example of exactly what Jimmy Lovelace challenged the 2016 USMAPS CCs: be prepared to face some tough situations and think about what kind of leader you will be and also temper that with a good dose of common sense and humor. As the newest POW in the Hanoi Hilton, those that had been there for a while were eager for the current outside news. They asked Bill if he could give them the current news. Many of the POWs were Navy servicemen. Bill agreed to do that. On cigarette paper he penciled some news and sent it out. He got it back. That was not the news they wanted to hear. Bill had written the Army-Navy football scores from 1965 to 1973. I had to look that one up. Army was 5-3-1 during that span. • Bill Arcuri discussed with his family and has announced he will donate his Class 1970 ring to be included with Maj Carlson’s ring, and there will be others, in the ring melt when the Class 2020 rings are made. • My cadet escort was Eddie Harwell. This Alabama boy has had tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has jump wings. In Afghanistan the Commander needed an RTO and asked Eddie. That commander suggested he try to attend West Point and Eddie is on his way to doing that. That commander: Maj Gen Scotty Miller, now Commanding Officer of Ft. Benning. At USMAPS, Eddie participates in Honor Flights, escorting veterans to see their memorials in Washington D.C.. For me, this was a truly humbling experience. • You have to ask Johnny Greenwalt to tell you his story about the time he decided to walk through the train tunnel at West Point and was in the middle when a train showed up. • My cell phone died at 5 pm and I missed a family announcement that was to be made at 6 pm. Got home in NJ at midnight and found my seventh grandchild will be a seventh grandson. • Bruce Nolte, our Class coordinator with USMAPS, was not able to attend this event as it was his 45th anniversary and he did not think his wife would appreciate his being gone nor would she like to spend it at USMAPS. I do not recall that the government issued us wives. • I have been to the Prep School for a couple 50 year affiliation events and I went up for a couple of their soccer games with Joe Casey ’67 as he and I have the good fortune to be within driving distance of West Point and can participate as alumni with the WP soccer program. There are four soccer recruits at USMAPS. Every time I have gone to USMAPS, I somehow run into 6’ 11” Dylan, basketball recruit from Wisconsin. This trip I gave him a copy of Bobby Knight’s biography in which Jimmy Oxley and Mike Gyovai are discussed as great basketball players from Class 1970. I also gave him copies of all Class 1970 basketball players, copied from our yearbook. A copy of what I gave him attached. • Gary Thomas’s son is currently attending the Culinary Institute at Hyde park If I said anything out of school, it is because I am out of school. BEAT NAVY! John Veenstra Another Class 1970 Member Assigned by Bruce Nolte Pictures here: https://usma1970.smugmug.com/Affiliation-with-USMAPS-2016-a Files here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8jh2il6mtxlcqvy/AABEelEDUfi1v6Oah_TlFTUGa?dl=0

50 Year Affiliation March Back and Mini-Reunion is Less Than Six Months Away!

Classmate USMA 1970 Bill Trivette bill.trivette@gmail.com sends -

Our 50 Year Affiliation March Back and Mini-Reunion is less than six months away.  Those who have registered and paid for class activities are below.  I know more will come but you just haven't signed up.  If your name is not on below list, go to: https://secure.west-point.org/usma1970/marchback   

Complete Info Follows:

1.   50 Year Affiliation March Back and Mini-Reunion -  In August 1966 you finished Beast Barracks by marching from Lake Frederick back to the unknowns of Reorgy Week.  Join classmates Saturday, August 6 through Monday August 8 for our 50-Year Affiliation Marchback & Reunion.   Bring your spouse and guests - they can participate in every event except the actual march.   To see photos of last year’s Marchback, go to: 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/west_point/sets/72157656649671850  

2.   GO TO THIS CREDIT CARD WEBSITE TO REGISTER AND PAY FOR CLASS EVENTS:  https://secure.west-point.org/usma1970/marchback/

(NOTE: MARCHERS MUST ALSO REGISTER WITH DAA LATER THIS YEAR TO TAKE THE ACTUAL MARCH)(Note:  if you cannot register by credit card contact bill.trivette@gmail.com).

3.  USMA DIRECTORATE OF ACADEMY ADVANCEMENT (DAA).  The DAA runs Marchback. Probably in June, DAA will open its Marchback registration site where marchers register and pay for the following: whether you take 12 or 2 mile march; whether to attend the optional New Cadet Talent Show and dinner at Camp Buckner on Sunday afternoon; whether to attend the post-march luncheon at Ike Hall.  

GET DAA EMAIL NOTICES AND UPDATES.  The following will enroll you to receive DAA notices and updates, such as when its Marchback registration site will open.   Go to this website:   http://www.usma.edu/daa/SitePages/Graduate%20March%20Back.aspx

Scroll down to 2016 GRAD MARCH BACK. Scroll a bit further and click on:   Click here to receive updates on this event.  I will also keep you informed.

4.  EXPECTED TIMELINE AND EVENTS (subject to change).

Saturday, August 6:

0900.  Golf with classmates at West Point Golf Course.  POC is Gil Harper who is coordinating with the Golf Course.  You will pay at the golf course but notify bill.trivette@gmail.com that you will participate - we need the count.

1700.  Take a two-hour, low-frills Hudson cruise on Supe’s Ferry.  Wives & guests welcomed.  Hosted by Company C-3.  Cost is $12 per person.  Departure from South Dock at 1700; loading starts at 1630.  Limited to first 125 to register.  Beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks provided.   After cruise, plan to go to Thayer Hotel Zulu Lounge to meet other classmates.  Dress Casual.

1800 - Until.   Meet classmates at the Zulu Patio Lounge at Thayer Hotel. Hosted by Bill Knowlton and Company D-1.  Beautiful view of the Hudson; order your own food and drinks. Parking available at Buffalo Soldier Field.  Dress Casual.  For picture of Zulu go to: http://www.thethayerhotel.com/Dining/Zulu-Time-Rooftop-Bar-and-Lounge.  (Notify bill.trivette@gmail.com if you plan to attend so we have a rough count - there is no registration or fee for this event).

Sunday, August 7:

1200-1430.   Mandatory check-in at Herbert Hall for all marchers.  

1500.  Bus departs Herbert Hall for optional trip to Camp Buckner for briefing by Cadet Chain of Command, Bar-B-Q dinner in Barth Hall,  New Cadet Talent Show.  Good opportunity to meet Class of 2020.   Return bus to Herbert Hall after Talent Show.  Twelve-mile marchers have option to spend night at Barth Hall.  (You will pay for this trip when you register online with DAA later this year).  Dress - Grads wear Marchback uniform; guests casual.

Monday, August 8:

0300-0320.  Twelve-mile marchers board bus at Buffalo Soldier Field for ride to Camp Buckner. Hot breakfast at Barth Hall.  Dress - Marchback Uniform set by DAA.

0500.  Marchback begins; staggered company departures.  About 4-5 Grads assigned to each new cadet platoon.  One rest stop during march.  Companies stop at Ski Slope to await final 2-mile walk down Washington Road.  Coffee and food at Ski Lodge.

0800.  Two-mile marchers meet at Buffalo Soldier Field for bus trip to Ski Slope to link-up with 12-mile marchers.  Dress - Marchback Uniform set by DAA.

1000.  New Cadet Companies begin final 2-mile march down Washington Road to Supe’s House.  Grads in separate formation behind new cadet companies.  Class of 1970 will have separate formation at very end.  If you haven’t marched to a drum in 50 years you will be surprised how well we still march.  It is hard-wired unless you were corps squad and never went to a parade.  Washington Road will be full of parents, staff and faculty, military families living on post - a neat walk.  We will be in step and looking sharp.  I recommend spouses and guests congregate to watch near Supe’s House.  If your guests are driving on post, arrive early and park at or near Ike Hall where luncheon will be after march.  

1100.  Class of 1970 is “eyes right” as we pass in review before Supe and Official Party at Quarters 101.  Shower and change clothes at Gym, then to Ike Hall for lunch.  Don’t miss Ike Hall lunch with your spouse and guests.  Dress for luncheon is casual.

1730-2030.  Class of 1970 “We Did It” Reception at Haig Room atop Jefferson Library.  Best view on post.  Stay for this reception.  You will enjoy the comraderie and the venue.  Park  above Thayer Hall, along street, or in parking lots near Jefferson Library.  Dress casual or business casual.

5.  THE 2 OR 12 MILE MARCH?  Around June, marchers register with DAA for the Marchback and you select either the 2 or 12 mile march.  Our Class is limited to 50 slots for the 12 mile march but an unlimited number can take the 2 miles from the Ski Slope.   We want every classmate who wants the 12 miles to get a slot so don’t sign up for 12 unless it is important to you.  If you sign up for 12 and later cancel, the Class will lose your slot.  Feel good about taking the 2 miles, or if you have medical issues, don’t march at all – just come for the affiliation and reunion aspects of the weekend.   (If you plan to sign up for 12 miles notify bill.trivette@gmail.com even if you told me before).

6.  HOTELS.  Stay where you wish; here are some suggestions:

You might still be able to book a room at Thayer Hotel for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights but not on Monday night.  Thayer is more expensive but it is convenient and I expect most classmates will be there.  Book at Thayer now if you want it as it will continue to fill.  Go to: http://www.thethayerhotel.com/

The former Five Star Inn is now IHG Army Hotels Five Star Inn at West Point,  run by InterContinental Hotels Group.  Since you are in an unofficial status, you cannot register until you are within six months of check-in.  Go to:  https://www.ihg.com/armyhotels/hotels/us/en/reservation

Holiday Inn Express at Fort Montgomery.  Go to:  http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/fort-montgomery/ftmny/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-ex-_-USEN-_-ftmny

If you have a camper or RV, consider Round Pond. They open reservations on February 16 for military retirees.  The cost for full hook ups is only $27 per night.  To reserve, call 845-938-8811.

7.  For a complete explanation of what to expect on the actual Marchback, open this document.  It is the 2015 Marchback Information Sheet and the 2016 info should be the same.

8.  QUESTIONS:  email bill.trivette@gmail.com or call me at 336-580-2238.  Serve With Integrity.   Bill

Class Registration So Far

First Name	Last Name	Company	Golf	Cruise	Haig Reception	Spouse
Bill	Arcuri	D-1		1	1
John	Beasley	F-1	Golf	2	2	Karen
Joe	Boswell	A-4	Golf	2	2	Dee
Tom	Bradley	D-1
Bob	Brand	F-4	Golf	2		Debby
Tom	Brandtner	D-4		2	2	Jackie
Luke	Brennecke	C-3		2	2	Barbara
JB	Burns	F-4			5	Ruth Ann
Bill	Cater	C-1		1	1
Geoff	Charest	G-2	Golf	2	2	Katharina
Roger	Cross	F-4
Paul	Cunningham	F-1	Golf			Paulette
Phil	Doleac	H-1		1	1
Barney	Forsythe	C-1			2	Jane
Clif	Gidlund	C-2				Jean
Fritz	Goeth	F-4
Kim	Golden	A-4		2	2	Adriana
Phil	Harris	A-1		2	2	Audrey Ziebelman
Rolf	Knoll	F-4
Bill	Knowlton	D-1			1	Ruth Ann
Bill	Lane	C-4
Brad	Larsen	D-3		1	1
Tim	Lavelle	G-1
Kerry	Lawrence	I-4		2	2	Kathleen
Pete	Lilly	I-4		1	1
Mac	Love	A-4		2	2	Lydia
Victor	Madeja	D-3
Charlie	McGee	A-4		2	2	Patty
Frank	Monteith	A-1		2	2	Linda
Bob	Newman	D-1		2	2	Teresa
Bruce	Nolte	F-4		1	1
John	Norton	B-3		1	1
Jim	Price	B-2	Golf	1	1
Dale	Reagor	H-4		2	2	Cathy
Ralph	Rogers	C-2		1	1
Dave	Rosenblum	A-1	Golf	2	2	Jean
Craig	Rutler	C-3
Skip	Ryder	D-2		2		Fran
Pat	Sculley	I-2				Mary
Nick	Sebastian	E-1		1	1
Rich	St. Denis	A-4		2	2	Kathy
John	Stidd	D-1			1
Bill	Taylor	A-4		2	2	Teri
Rick	Thibodeau	I-2
Dave	Trammel	B-2
Bill	Trivette	C-3		2	2	Paula
Charlie	Velez	A-4		2	2	Marilyn
Bob	Werner	H-4		2		Luzhelena
Terry	Young	F-2	Golf	1	1

Mine Detection Dog (MDD) - A USMA Class of 1970 Initiative

FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE USMA CLASS OF ’70:

Last month, 6 USMA 1970 classmates met and committed to engage the Class of 70 to sponsor a life-saving mine detection dog (MDD) to represent our Class in detecting landmines, IED’s and other dangerous explosives that maim and kill hourly, paralyze communities and deny access to needed resources.  After rigorous training in Texas, our Class dog will serve 6-8 years in Iraqi Kurdistan, or some other war-torn country that we as a class would choose.

In 1997, classmates Perry Baltimore, Dan Layton and Joe Reeder, under the leadership of 32^nd Chief of Staff of the US Army and 2003 Sylvanus Thayer Awardee, General Gordon R. Sullivan, set up a non-profit (Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI)) that so far has trained 210 dogs that have worked extensively in clearing millions of acres of land in 12 severely contaminated countries. (For the past 19 years, Perry has devoted himself as full time MLI President). These 210 dogs have been sponsored by private Americans, foreign countries, and Members of Congress. The U.S. Department of State over the years has provided funding to train local handlers to employ the dogs safely and effectively abroad.  MLI, strongly endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, has not lost a single dog in the line of duty.

The per dog cost to acquire, train, certify and deliver in country is $25,000.  The 6 of us have pledged $5,000 to jumpstart this, and very much welcome all classmates to help here, and add to the lives saved well into the 2020’s.  No contribution is too large or small. You can send cash or check (all tax-deductible) to the Marshall Legacy Institute, 2425 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 240, Arlington, VA 22025, or donate online at  www.marshall-legacy.org for the "USMA 70 MDD Campaign".  We tentatively liked the name Nam iho our 4 fallen classmates in Vietnam, but will defer to the donors, if there’s a better suggestion. 

On behalf of the families and children who, because of these dogs, can work and play without further fear of landmines, thank you for considering this appeal, and for helping us put Class of 70 "paws on the ground".  

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact John Marcello jjangler@aol.com;  or Greg Vuksich gvuksich@gmail.com

GO ARMY!

Perry Baltimore, Jim Crawford, John Marcello, Joe Reeder, Greg Vuksich, Jim Young

Here are some pictures of MDDs in action -


Again, no contribution is too small; nor is one too great! All  contributions for the dog  are fully tax-deductible. You may send cash or check to the Marshall Legacy Institute, 2425 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 240, Arlington, VA 22025.  You also may donate online at  http://www.marshall-legacy.org for the "USMA 70 MDD Campaign"

Thanks!

RIP John M. Forbes, H1

RIP, classmate USMA 1970 John M. Forbes, H1

Obituary

USMA 1970 Class Officer Elections

Gary Steele sends -

Members of the Class of 1970:

• With this communication the nominating committee presents the slate of nominees for our Class Officer positions.  

• We ask that you take a few moments to reacquaint yourselves with the nominees by reviewing their Bios on the Information Sharing Sheets.

• Those elected will serve in position until the next Class Reunion in 2020 when, in accordance with our Constitution, we will again begin the nomination and selection process.

• We certainly thank all nominees and we should all be inspired by their willingness to serve in whatever capacity needed. Administrative Guidance.Voting is now officially opened.
• Here is the link to vote:
• https://www.westpointaog.org/connections/class-vote-1970
• The site will remain open ONLY until 312400R Dec 2015. To cast your vote you must log in to the AOG website.

• If you have forgotten your login information, please click the "forgot id/password" link. It will take 24-48 hours to update.Let's get engaged and take the time to review candidates and make your selection!!

Nomination Committee:

Gary Steele

Don Blakeslee

John Norton Jr

John Stidd

Jim Sullivan

Problems to Monaco