Greetings 78ers…

We sadly begin our reunion addition with the tragic news of the passing of the ’78 #1 Graduation Order of Merit cadet Rick Searfoss. Rick passed on 29 Sep in Bear Valley Springs (up the road from Edwards AFB) with his funeral service conducted on 12 Oct at the LDS temple in Tehachapi CA. He will be buried at the USAFA Cemetery on 30 Nov (probably will have been held by the time this is published). Julie and the girls can be reached at 24480 Silver Creek Way; Tehachapi, CA 93561-8399 and his obit is posted at: https://www.woodmortuary.net/obituaries/Richard-Searfoss/#!/Obituary . Rick was an amazingly kind, generous and humble individual…his larger than life accomplishments certainly speak for themselves. Jack Anthony found a great tribute here: https://www.space.com/42062-astronaut-rick-searfoss-obituary.html?utm_source=sdc-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20181009-sdc

Doing my best to transition to the 40^th reunion recap. The details (who and how many signed up) can be viewed at: http://www.cvent.com/events/40th-reunion-class-of-1978/agenda-827d5d15c8c04215b5057c46e52e1a9b.aspx and there are three class photos taken after the memorial posted here: https://www2.usafa.org/Reunion/1978. Bees Kellenbence and the entire reunion committee really nothing short of a phenominal job with the entire event…we won’t be able to thank them nearly enough (but you can sure try at beesf16@hotmail.com.) The Double Tree was the ideal location with their amenities and service. Everyone I talked to enjoyed the food, facilities and layout. The AOG also was on top of their game with registration and overall event support. Special thank you to the AOG rep, Brandi Lortz for all the help with the myriad of details and support. 

Wednesday was casual with reservations and hanging out in the registration room and hotel bar. As with most reunions, it took a long time to get anywhere due to running in to folks not seen in years or mybe just last month. The formal action started Thursday (27 Sep) and pretty much kept going all day. The golf tournament, organized by John Hicks was sold out with 88 players and from the registration table view, everyone was having a tremendous time. The awards were presented at the main banquet Friday night and I don’t have a list of the winners…if someone could send that please I’ll post in next quarter’s article. The class social/reception kicked off at 1900 and went to ?...I left around 11:00 PM and there were plenty of night owls left. 

Friday the 28^th was the big day starting with our class memorial at the chapel with perfect timing as it’s due to soon close down for a few years for its first major renovation. Kip Warton spent many hours creating/coordinating the event, lining up squadron reps (all 40 squadrons were represented) and conducting the ceremony. He also showed that he can still sing! Special thanks to Keye Sabol and Bill Chambers for their heartfelt prayers at the beginning and the end of the ceremony. I think I can safely say that all 650+ that were in attendance were moved at remembering those of our class that have gone before us. The rest of the day was spent with open house, lunch at Mitch’s or Arnie’s, and the class meeting. We sat with ’83 and ’88 in the auditorium (where just about all of have enjoyed quality naps in the past) as we were briefed by the USAFA senior staff from the Supt (Gen Sivleria) on down. The briefings were informative and well put together. Don Avery, who has taken on the class gift committee gave an excellent presentation on what the money is earmarked for. The campaign is ongoing so please contact the Endowment or Don directly (1978usafa@gmail.com) if you still wish to contribute to this very worthy cause. A special event organized by our class and USAFA historian Jack Anthony was the walk to Cathedral Rock. Below is a great compilation shot of some truly hardy individuals (Jack actually did three tours) who braved the elements and geography to see/hear about a special place.

The USAFA Memorial Ceremony was also conducted that afternoon to honor all grads that had passed this calendar year. Given that it was Homecoming, the attendance was huge and unfortunately, way too many names were read. USAFA did an excellent job organizing it as usual. 

Finally, Bees kicked off the class banquet that night when EVERYONE wore their red suspenders (well done gents!). The food was great as usual and we had a severally good time as demonstrated by how tough it was for Bees to kick off the event and herd the cats. Our class president, Steve Dalbey was not able to attend but did send his greetings for the group. The high point was when we were absolutely dazzled by In the Stairwell for several songs and a couple of encores. It was easy to see why they did as well as they did on America’s Got Talent for several months back in the Summer of ’17. The many standing ovations that the cadets received was certainly testimony to that. 

Saturday was a blast at the main AOG tailgate along with several squadron events. We were subdued (not!) sitting above the cadet section with Brian Livie leading classic cheers as he has for several of the past events (think his fave is “Slash ‘Em With a Beak”). Would have sure been nice if the score had of been different (especially only losing by 3 points!) but sure seemed like the group had a fun time. There were many post game tailgates as well.

Finally, most squadrons had their get togethers after the game. I’ve only had two squadrons send pix and info so far so please send whatever you have for future articles. First off was CS-13 (hey, I was there so I received the info first J) who met at a wonderful Italian restaurant downtown as arranged by Ted Roush (who still looks 20 years younger than the rest of us and has forever). We were able to somehow gather for a group shot posted below:

From L to R top row: Mad Al Meyers, Bill Chambers, Steve Slick (being typical Slicker J), Pete Shockey, Mike Ausserer, Tom Lash, Ken Light, John Parrot; Second row: Rick Dunham, Mike Ritchey, Brent Bristow, Scribe; bottom row: JB Betz, Rick Aulicino, Ted Roush (or some blonde haired kid who snuck in) and Gary Storey. 

Tom Keohane’s always faithful bride Amy send a great shot of the Barnstormer crew at Friday night banquet. . 

From left to right back row: Roger LaFrance, Mike Skolaut, Ben Troemel, Tom Keohane, Chuck Brininstool, Kevin Kregel. Front Row: Sam Therrien, Gary Hughes, Ken Baier and Doug Hagedorn. Mike was out of the room when the picture was taken and also hosted a great get together at his Black Forest spread.

Since Amy was the only one who sent me stuff and I get four pix for the reunion article below is a great shot of Tom, Amy and their daughter Andrea at the main AOG tailgate. Major selet Andrea is stationed at Nellis and is an anesthesiologist. 

Finally, Chuck Valle sent the following and asked to have it included in this article:

Fellow classmates

As I stood at our 40th class reunion banquet with over 600 of our fellow classmates toasting our fallen classmate heroes I thought, 'what an honor it is to be in the same room' with all of you!

Here were patriots who for good portion of their lives did the nation’s work all over the world: fought in wars, accomplished diplomatic missions, rescued our fellow man in disasters, advanced scientific knowledge for all mankind, explored space, performed aviation demonstrations to the thrill of millions, advanced aviation safety, demonstrate character and leadership still today and much, much, more.

The resulting collective impact we have had on the world is enormous! I am reminded of a quote from President Kennedy’s inaugural address, “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” We have helped the United States of America do its part!

Godspeed Air Force Academy Class of 1978!

Wow…’nuff said…thanks Chuck!

Reminder to again send pix and info from the reunion for inclusion in future articles. I hope everyone had a great time at our 40^th as it was one to remember. Have a great winter and see you next year.

God bless

’78 IS GREAT!