Greetings 78ers…

I hope this finds everyone well as we gear up for Christmas!

Speaking of Christmas, our own Ron Burton has the perfect gift…to yourself! Gun manufacturer Auto Ordnance (they make the Thompson Machine Gun interestingly enough) in partnership with AA Engraving have created the USAFA Class of 78 45 Cal commemorative pistol. The picture below provides and an excellent depiction of the pistol. Cost is about $2700 and if you’re interested contact Mr. Jack Haines at gunrunr@aaengraving. My thanks to Ron for doing all the grunt work on this and especially for letting us know. Ron has been slugging it out in Tallahassee, Florida since retiring as a Navy pilot. He predominantly has worked for the FL Department of Education as a program manager and still keeps his hand in local events. 

Got a very nice message and the below pic from Mark Werthmann. Back in May, Mark earned his “inadvertent” (his words) BA in French from Boise State University. As he explains it, he got the “bug” to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders in logistical support about 5 years ago. Further, he felt that improving his language ability was important so as not to be English dependent. About two years into the journey he got hurt in a running accident but since it wasn’t “life threatening” he could continue with the course work. He then spent a challenging semester in France earning 18 credit hours towards the degree then finished up in residence. The end result is what you see below which is quite an accomplishment in my humble opinion. He feels this isn’t the first and probably won’t be the final degree our class earns even at our ages…well done Mark.

I was perusing the internet and saw that our own Hawk Carlisle continues to do exceptional things by being named as the Chair of the Stimson Center Board of Directors. The Stimson Center is an internationally recognized organization that “promotes international security and shared prosperity through applied research and independent analysis, global engagement, and policy innovation.” You can read about what they do and Hawk’s greater role at www.stimson.org.

Last quarter when I published the picture of several of us at the Stealth Fighter reunion I inadvertently omitted Rick Glitz’s name and participation in the program. Rick came on in the very early days and flew A-7s as part of the program cover story. He was also at the reunion and I regret that I didn’t realize that and hunt him down for the picture…am blaming that on a senior moment on my part. After his F-117 tour, Rick went into Vipers then transitioned into the AFRES and retiring as an O-6. He also flew for several years at Southwest and is now enjoying full time retirement living at the Academy. In a past article I shared how Dan Garner attends grad funerals at the Academy to ensure there is a robust showing of fellow grads during the solemn occasion. Rick actually lives on base and is looking to help Dan and other grads out. My apologies Rick and thanks for all you did in the F-117 program and honoring grads and their families at USAFA. 

Speaking of doing great things out in the world, you read about what Tiger 10 does with their “Huzzah Hoops” event last quarter. What I didn’t realize is that our own Chris Krisinger is also an accomplished author of several excellent articles on “The American Thinker” website. If you haven’t seen the site I recommend you review some of its offerings in general and Chris’ excellent piece on the current fossil fuel conundrum . Regardless of your personal or political views of the current situation, I’m confident that you will find Chris’ article logical and well written. Doing an archive search I found that he’s contributed more than two dozen pieces since his first in 2016. Well done Chris!

Finally I would like to put in a truly shameless plug for myself in the upcoming AOG Board of Directors election. After many months of reflection and prayer I’ve decided to throw my hat in the ring once again. I feel that the AOG is truly a well run organization that ably represents the grad community but faces quite a few challenges (without too much elaboration) both within the institution as well as from without. Having been on the board nearly 30 years ago during our AOC tour (and seeing a great deal more since then), I’m confident that I can make a solid contribution to the institution and do our class proud. I would humbly ask that everyone participates in the election and if you feel I’m worthy of your vote please do so. If you would like to personally discuss my perspective on the many issues we as an institution collectively face, I would welcome contact at either my e-mail (Robert.kay78@gmail.com) or over the phone 661-974-1417. Given the normal quality of the slate of candidates (as of this writing I haven’t seen who else is running) It would be honor and humbling if you would consider pulling the lever for me next year. 

That’ll do it for this quarter as I’ve hit the word limit. My sincere thanks as always to you guys who shared their info…great examples to be sure!

May you all have a blessed winter until next time.

God Bless

78 is Great!