Greetings 78ers…

I hope everyone is enjoying (or “enjoyed” by the time you read this) their summer and the fruits of our many years of labor. 

Some odds ‘n ends this quarter whilst I attempt to put info in the order I received it if possible. I think I mentioned before that there is a bit of lag time between submitting the article and it being published. For instance, today is 14 Jul with publication in September giving about 2 months of lag time. So when you heroes send me info I might not be able to include it in the article I just sent in for instance…I very much appreciate your understanding. 

Most of you should be receiving the ZoomieNews publication every couple of weeks. In the 15 May edition we had two highly deserving classmates highlighted. First one was Gordy Curphy who continues to make significant leadership development/organizational psychology contributions through his Curphy Leadership Solutions organization. He authored or collaborated 25 books with probably the most successful (please set me straight if I’m confused Gordy) being The Rocket Model: Practical Advice for Building High Performance Teams. Back in May he was honored with a prestigious fellowship by the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology in Denver. It’s considered one of the highest honors a SIOP member can receive. Shot below is a svelt and age defying Gordy receiving his award…way to go Gordy!

Second highlight was Chuck Sonson who was one of the owners of “Sandman” one of the favorites to win the Kentucky Derby back in May. Sandman didn’t win but showed a respectable finish. Chuck has done amazing entrepreneurial efforts since his United Airlines 777 days. He not only owns a highly respected equestrian stable but also a private jet company with an impressive array of airplanes and continues to do our class proud. Well done Chuck!

After retiring from American Airlines, Doug Leja stays busy giving discovery rides and flight lessons in an ICON A5 for Spearman Aviation out of Gatlinburg TN. He flies 3-4 times per week…pretty much when he feels like it. He and bride Jan also work closely with a congressman in CA running their service academy nomination panel. He has no doubt that his ICON flying is “certainly one of the world’s best retirement jobs.” Think we all agree Doug…you look mighty happy below. You can read more about the program and maybe schedule a ride at www.iconicrides.com if you’re in the area. Thanks for the info Doug!

Wayne Hermandorfer is the proud father-in-law of President Trump’s very first confirmed federal judge! Whitney was confirmed today (US Court of Appeals for Sixth Circuit) and is married to Wayne’s oldest son. Sure is a lot to be proud of and his son obviously married well!

Paul McVinney shared about a CS-15 mini reunion back in May at Roger and Sharon Burg’s amazing home in San Antonio. Quite a few guys and their brides (three guys had to cancel at the last minute unfortunately) were able to make it out for the festivities that included “wine tasting, eating, talking, museum touring, pastry eating, talking, golfing, spa-ing, talking, pasta eating, coffee sipping, talking, BBQ eating, and talking.” Space precludes me from posting more than the group shot but Sharon did an excellent job of capturing the group. Sharon is in the front; next row L to R: Kim Spears, Francesca Bronder, Suzanne Paterson, Linda Parkhouse, Shannon Morris, Hazel Frick, Doug Morris.

Rear L to R: Elaine & Paul McVinney, Glenn Spears, TJ Bronder, John Paterson, Roger Burg, Ron Parkhouse, Glenn Frick, Mark Rodriguez and Dennis Kelly. Great work Paul…many thanks!

Long time OKC resident Jeff Kindschuh (how ‘bout that Thunder?!) is still working and keeping busy. In the past I’ve shared some of the great things Jeff has accomplished in the Civil Engineering world at Tinker air patch. He recently decided to retire from federal service (they made him an offer he couldn’t refuse after 21 years) and join the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace. Jeff works on various airport projects throughout the state (108 public airports in Oklahoma, plus the Oklahoma Air and Space Port in Burns Flat at the old Clinton-Sherman AFB, which has a 13,503' runway). Projects range from pavement rejuvenation/replacement to new hangar construction. Jeff also conducts airport pavement inspections to analyze pavement conditions, among other criteria, to develop future projects in support of airport infrastructure upgrades. Aviation is an important part of this state Jeff is certainly keeping it going.

Dr. Dan Garner is still living the good life in Chattanooga TN. He was doing some serious flight instruction at a local school but said it became “more work and less fun.” He recently attended a Laughlin air patch UPT graduation of a family member and remarked how the AF is in such good hands. He was not only impressed with the quality of UPT grads but the dedication of their spouses as well…something we can all relate to. Great to know and keep up the vital “seasoned grad” representation Dan! 

That’ll do it for this quarter. My continued thanks to you heroes who contributed and the normal appeal for info to post in future articles. Have a safe and enjoyable winter.

God Bless

’78 IS GREAT!