Greetings 78ers…

I’m sad to report that we have more sad news this quarter with the passing of two of our own. Although he passed on 13 Oct 2011, the AOG only recently learned of Greg Peterson’s details through an on line search. He was living in Meadville MS and was interred in the Mt Olive Church Cemetery in Whitfield MS. At the time of his passing, Greg was a pilot for FedEx. His obituary can be found at http://www.moorefuneralservices.com/obituaries/Gregory-John-Peterson?obId=2341836#/obituaryInfo .

Also, Kip Self lost his incredibly valiant fight with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) on 6 Jan. Kip had an exceptional career retiring as a two star. He was a fixture in MAC then AMC for most of his career (AF bio: http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/104653/major-general-kip-l-self/ ). A moving testimony and tribute to the effectiveness and impact of his leadership was found in the local Little Rock AR paper: https://www.arkansasleader.com/articles/gen-kip-self-remembered/. Sue has asked that memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to the ALS Association; Gift Processing Center; PO Box 37022; Boone, IA 50037-0022; (888) 949-2577; www.alsa.org or to the Paralyzed Veterans of America; 801 18th St NW; Washington, DC 20006; (800) 555-9140; www.pva.org. Both he and Greg will be missed by those of us who knew and served with them. Clear skies classmates. 

Heard from a couple of folks from the heartland: UPT classmate Bill “Sureshot” Schauffert is still a captain with Delta flying the A330 out of Detroit. Says he and Liz continue to enjoy the lifestyle and might hang on till the end as long as it’s still fun. Bill retired as a two star with the Reserves after flying fighters for many years. 

Doug Whitlow also retired from the reserves in 2008 and started working full time with the VA in 2012. And…he continues to fly with American (started there in 2000) while juggling his VA duties…a very busy man! His four kids all doing well with two having added to the Whitlow line of succession. 

Larry Krauser sent in several great shots (unfortunately could only use two) from his and bride Julia’s big adventure. Now that he’s fully retired they spent most of last month (March) overseas. First was 8 days in Bali then 5 in Jakarta followed by a 2 week cruise around New Zealand from Sidney. Wow! Most of you have probably seen the “Check in With Checkpoints” feature in the front of Checkpoints magazine. Below is Larry (with his copy of the mag) having coffee with Bali’s Mt Batur in the background. Would not be surprised if we also see it in the “Check In” section this quarter or next.

Next is a great pic of Larry and Julia doing some serious rafting in Bali. Sounds like their little jaunt was a real bucket list adventure. Glad you were able to take the trip Larry and thanks for the great pix!

As we gear up for the 40^th reunion TJ Stack sent in this great shot of CS-03 future intrepid aviators as they prep for incentive rides back in 1976. From left to right are Chuck Chuva, TJ, Kevin Cochran and Steve Sargeant. All would go on to fly in the AF as far as I know. Great shot TJ and many thanks for sending in. 

Bees Kellenbence and his cohort of merry men have pretty much firmed up plans for the reunion. He sent out a letter that just about everyone reading this should have received. Is reproduced below just in case:

 Hoping that everyone can make it…rumor has it that the 40^th is the best reunion of all for most classes. 

That will just about cover it for the quarter. This article will most likely be the final one prior to the reunion with the December article being the reunion recap. Hope to see everyone there. May you all have a blessed Summer.

’78 IS GREAT!