1940
3415 Arnold Lane
Falls Church, VA 22042-3505
703 560-5557 (H)
703 560-0327 (Fax)
classof40@aogusma.org (Class e-mail)
classof40@aog.usma.edu/class/1940
Subscribers:
I believe that I have gotten all the mileage possible
from the photos that Jack Dibble took at the Florida mini-reunion. I
sorely need news and photos from you classmates and spouses in the hinterlands.
There were wonderful write-ups in the “Metro” section of
the Washington Post and on the front page of the Northern
Virginia edition of the Journal on 6 June about the town of
Pretot in France naming a square “La Place du Colonel Mendez.” This, of course,
was to honor their D Day hero, Lou Mendez. Jean is quoted extensively in
both articles.
On 16 April, the Washington contingent had a luncheon at
the Ft. Myer O Club. The Dibbles were in town for a graduation at the
Naval Academy and a wedding and attended the luncheon as did Frank Coleman;
Kermit Dyke; the Brewers, Moores, Rosens, and Mayos; Eleanor
Abbey; and Stew McKenney. The next get-together is a “bull session”
for the men scheduled for 20 June. Kerm promises an “uncontrolled discussion”
of anything that comes to mind.
Bob Cassibry reports that the Class Administrative Fund began year
2002 with a balance of $12,236.09. Income for the four-month period ending 30
April was $245.06, primarily from bank interest on fund balances. Expenses for
the same period were $161.95 that covered entries into the West Point Memory
Book for classmates who passed away during this period and for a
“thank-you” gift for the Dibbles for hosting our last mini-reunion. The fund’s
30 April closing balance was $12,319.20. No sizeable expenditures are expected
for the near future, however, donations are always appreciated and are
judiciously utilized. You are reminded that we no longer maintain a West Point
Gift Fund. With class approval, it was closed out and its funds donated to support
the Cadet Activities Unrestricted Endowment Fund. Gifts to the Class
Administrative Fund are not tax-deductible.
Those on the class internet know that Bob Warren’s
daughter, Dr. Barbara Warren, reported that Bob fell down a step and broke his
hip on 2 May. He had his hip replaced the next day and has recovered nicely. I
spoke to him on 15 June, and he continues to improve. He has graduated from a
walker to a cane and is free of pain. Bob cautions us not to walk around a dark
room at night without a light on. He sends his best to the class.
Les Schockner reports from San Antonio that the Alamo Chapter of the
class celebrated the 62d anniversary of our graduation at his place on 11 June.
Ed Verner created an impressive anniversary card for the occasion. They
meet from time to time as an occasion presents itself. They will have a
“Patriots’ Picnic” in early July. Their get-togethers are spaced throughout the
year—birthdays, spring break, July picnic, and the Bartons’ tailgate party for
the Army–Navy game. At a spring luncheon hosted by the Bartons, Nancy Francisco
took the photos shown.
Photos 1-3
Twelve members of the Washington contingent met at the
Army-Navy Country Club on 20 June for an all-male “bull session” well
controlled by president Kerm Dyke. It was decided that the major
problems we face are world over- population, national security, the tendency of
our youth to ignore the difference between right and wrong and the education
system that fails to teach that difference, dual citizenship should be outlawed,
intelligence systems need overhaul (not in order of importance), and others. It
was decided to hold another such session in September.
Taps. Chuck Harrison passed away on 14 February after
about nine years of battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His memorial service was
held on 18 February in Chelmsford, MA, and he is interred there. Mary
reports that he received excellent medical care and was surrounded by family
and friends the weeks before his death. Mary is remaining in their home as in
our class roster, but her area code has changed from 617 to 978.
Dalt Green passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on 10 May. He
appears to have died in his sleep. He recently had surgery on his carotid
artery, which had gone well, and was facing more extensive surgery to repair an
abdominal aneurysm. A memorial service was held in San Francisco on 17 May, and
Dalt’s ashes were to be scattered at sea. Dalt bequeathed $25,000 to the AOG.
Don Baumer passed away on 2 June at Palm Harbor, FL. He was interred at
Florida National Cemetery on 6 June.
—Mel
1.
1940—Grace
Verner, Susan Barton, Ed Verner, Pete Kramer, and Bart Barton.
2.
1940—Morry
Shoss, Les Schockner, Blanche Campbell, and Babs Briggs.
3.
1940—Nancy
Francisco, Grace & Ed Verner, and Pete Kramer.