IN MEMORIAM

This month is the anniversary
of these Classmates joining
the Ghostly Assemblage
in the Long Gray Line

David H. Bailey, H-2
25 Feb 1938 - 30 May 2002
Ronald L. Beckett, A-2
3 Feb 1939 - 23 May 2000
Richard J. Davis, M-1
10 Jun 1936 - 10 May 1967
James S. Dawson III, F-1
9 Dec 1938 - 20 May 1999
John C. Sigg, E-2
19 Feb 1938 - 28 May 1965
Mark N. Silverman, E-2
15 Apr 1939 - 1 May 2005
Sanford E. Vedder, Jr., M-2
17 Jun 1939 - 26 May 1998
Allan R. Wetzel, A-1
19 Aug 1938 - 9 May 2006
James M. Winters, F-1
26 Dec 1939 - 31 May 2003

"Well done; Be thou at peace."

Click on underlined names
to go their Last Roll Call Tribute.

Class Business

Class Leaders

Profiles

Halls of Fame
Inductees

Prior Features

45th Reunion

40th Reunion

10th Reunion

Cadet Days

Welcome to the
USMA Class of 1961
Web Site


	Click here for details of the 50-Year Affiliation Program between the Class of 1961 and 2011.

River Cruise Cabin Assignments Have Been Made by Committee

The Class Committee has reviewed the options presented by the Cruise Committee regarding the assignment of cabins. Accordingly, the lottery option was selected and conducted by the Cruise Committee.

Please check the "Who is Going" list on the River Cruise web page 2008 Mini-reunion River Cruise to see your cabin assigment. A link to the Viking Europe deck plan is also there to assist you in locating your assigned cabin.

Sixteen Intrepid '61 Golfers Attend 20th Golfing Grads Outing

Sixteen intrepid '61 golfers participated in the 20th Annual Golfing Grads outing 24-27 April at the Robert Trent Jones Capital Courses in Prattville, AL. We were joined by Bill Zaldo 59' and Bill Williamson's wife, Bobbie. There were 150 golfers from different classes participating in 3 competitive days on 3 different courses.

Classmates playing were Tom Baird, Bill Griffiths, Ron Hannon, Jay Hartford, Hamp Hodges, Gary Hyde, Bob Kewley, Phil Mallory, Don Sawtelle, Dale Shipley, Bob Steege, Bill Tobin, Jerry White, Bill Williamson, Gene Witherspoon, and Red Zaldo.

Bob Kewley won low net in individual play, Dale Shipley and Bob Steege were first place in the 2 man team , and Bob Steege had the tournament's only hole-in-one.

While our class was third place in the overall event, we were first place in fun, comradery, and social activities. At the awards dinner, Bill Tobin presented the Dan DiCarlo trophy for the player with the best overall net score. (The trophy went to wife of Bob Farris 63'.) The class dinner was highlighted by "instructions" from Tom Baird and an impromptu speech by our celebrity golfer, Hampy Hodges.

A great time was had golfing and being together. Kudos to the hospitality efforts of Gary Hyde and the overall coordination of Bob Kewley and Jerry White. We encourage more '61 players next year.

To view the slide shows of pictures taken at the gathering click here and also click here.

A Digital Tribute to Those Who Fell in Vietnam With Names on "Wall"

More than 30 years have passed since the Vietnam War ended. Maybe you've visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. With 58,320 names on the wall, one person could be difficult to locate. The Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter dated March 29, 2008 had this article that could be of interest to our Class.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial has gone digital. The digital version is stitched together from more than 6,000 photographs. You can search for a name on the wall quickly and easily using the search box. It will take you to the name instantly.

Once you find the name, you can click on it. This will bring up details on the person, such as rank, hometown and cause of death. But you can help show the person behind the name. You can add photos and comments about them. This is a fitting way to pay homage. To visit the site, click here.

Company K-2, aka Kappa Dos, Gathered for Reunion at Hilton Head Island 13-14 Mar 08

Company K-2, aka Kappa Dos, gathered for an unprecedented reunion of all former members of the company at Hilton Head Island on 13-14 March 2008. The dates and location were chosen so that a former K-2 Tactical Officer, Colonel (Ret) Thomas G. McCunniff, could be honored on his 86^th birthday near his home in Hilton Head.

The majority of attendees had been cadets during his tenure from 1956 to 1960. Also in attendance was a K-2 veteran who was there when the company was created in 1946 and another who was the company’s last commander just before the guidon was furled in 1965.

For an interesting detailed history of K-2, a 45 page detailed script of the reunion banquet, and slide shows of pictures taken at the Reunion click here.

Detail Information Available About River Cruise and Extended Stays

Viking has made an advance copy of the Nuremberg-Budapest 2008 River Cruise Brochure available to us. It contains detail information about arrivals and departure arrangements. There is a day-by-day detail itinerary. Details about the ship and the services available are covered. In other words, just about all the questions you might have are covered in this Brochure. You can view a copy of the Brochure by clicking here.

There is a detailed beverage price list available by clicking here.

A brief Itinerary outline is available by clicking here.

The email you received that contained additional detailed information can be viewed by clicking here.

Please check "Who Is Going" List on the River Cruise Page for who has been confirmed for which Extended Stay Option.

There are still 4 Budapest Extended Stays vacanies. Call Elma Korzick at (1-800) 243-1723 or email her at e.korzick@worldtek.com if interested.

Larry D. Smith

Company C-1

12 Sep 1939 - 28 Jan 2008

Place of Death: Tucson, AZ

Interment: TBA

Larry Smith passed away in Tucson AZ of leukemia.

Larry was a Plebe Classmate of ours. He left the academy and later graduated from Bowling Green University in Ohio. He went on to a career coaching football. He was the head coach at Tulane, Arizona, Southern California, and Missouri.

The funeral was Monday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 7650 N. Paseo del Norte Tucson, AZ 85704

He is survived by his wife Cheryl, his daughter Alicia and his son Corby plus several grandchildren.

Well done, Larry. Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Larry's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Cruise Extended Stay Reservation Confirmations Announced

Worldtek has announced reservation confirmations for Cruisemates who requested Extended Stay Options for Prague prior to the cruise and for Budapest after the cruise. Please check "Who Is Going" List on the River Cruise Page for who has been confirmed for which Extended Stay Option.

Washington DC Area Class of 1961 Social Events Calendar for 2008

Ed Brown, Class Secretary, has released the Washington DC Area Social Events Calendar for 2008. Any Classmate who is in the DC area on one of those dates is invited to attend. For additional information please contact Ed Brown at: edbrown61@verizon.net.

31 January: Luncheon at Fort Myer Officers Club
6 April: Sunday Brunch at Fort Belvoir Officers Club
7 May: Luncheon at Fort Myer Officers Club
7 June: Kopcsak's 8th Annual Pig Roast
5-12 October: Danube River Cruise
13 November: Luncheon at Fort Myer Officers Club

Roger C. Lee

Company H-1

17 Dec 1936 - 20 Dec 2007

Place of Death: Shawnee Mission, Ks

Interment: Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Ks

It is with great regret and sorrow we must inform you of the death of our former classmate, Roger Lee. Roger was turned back during our cow year and graduated with the class of 1962.

Roger C. Lee, Company H-1, died tragically as a result of a single car accident in Shawnee Mission, Kansas on December 20, 2007. Roger is survived by his wife, Laura, of Olathe, Kansas, as well as a number of children, and grandchildren from an earlier marriage as well as extended family in the Greater Kansas City area and other locations.

At this time, we believe that a Memorial Service honoring the life and service of Roger is going to be held on January 4, 2008, at approximately 1000 hours at the Fort Leavenworth, KS Post Chapel, subject to change. The family realizes that the timing of this service as well as travel requirements may present difficulties for classmates to attend. However, the family sincerely hopes that classmates, in the area, will be able to attend and participate in this tribute to Roger. It is anticipated that a reception will be held following the Memorial Service at the Fort Leavenworth Officer Club; however, the details are yet to be confirmed due to the holidays.

Additional information will be forthcoming concerning the family's desire with regard to memorializing Roger; however, it is believed that it will be in the form of donations in the name of COL (Ret) Roger C. Lee to the Class Fund with specific intentions to support the endowment of the Class of '62 Room. Additional information with be forthcoming in this regard.

Well done, Roger. Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Roger's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Pete Gleichenhaus Retirement Dinner Hosted by Charles Burns

In recognition of his retirement as the Director of Public Works of Daly City, Pete Gleichenhaus and his spouse, Barbara, were the honored guests at a sit-down dinner for fourteen classmates, spouses, and friends on November 3, 2007 at the home of Charles and Vera Burns of San Francisco CA.

Bud Coddington, Pete Gleichenhaus, and Pete Offringa in the kitchen.

Pete Gleichenhaus stands beside 'Tin Woman' who resides in the Burns’ dining room. 'Tin Woman' is an award-winning plated mannequin created by Vera Burns, a student of sculpture at San Francisco State University.

The Burns’ dining room set for fourteen (14) classmates, spouses, and friends of the Gleichenhauses.

Class Luncheon at Ft Myer Officers Club 1 Nov 07 Well Attended

Click here to view slide show of pictures taken at the Luncheon.

Record Crowd Attend 7th Annual Pig Roast Also Celebrate George Kopcsak's Birthday 13 Oct 07

A record crowd of 75 including classmates, spouses, and guests showed up for the 7th Annual Pig Roast hosted by George and Michele Kopcsak at their "Full Circle Farm" in Browntown, VA on 13 October 2007. George scheduled the pig roast to be on his 68th birthday so they also celebrated that event.

It was beautiful, sunny day with a high of 68. Wasn't that fitting? As a surprise, Michele had arranged for George's son, George, and his wife, Connie (who is seven months pregnant), to come from Georgia as a special birthday surprise. The two George's did a masterful job on the pig!! Other guests of George and Michele were Meghan Howard (Michele's daughter), Al and Joyce Maxfield (Michele's parents), and Jerry and Sue Hall.

There were classmates who came from AZ (Nick Vay with Dianne Bonnivier), CA (Jack and Barbara Nevins), MN (Tom and Christiane Lund with Jeanine Callahan, Christiane's sister from Fredericksburg, VA), GA (Gary and Grace Webster), OH (Ed Smith with Diane Boeser), PA (Dan and Pam Barney, Will and Kathy Conley, and Ken and Rachel Meissner), NY (John Lischak with Kay White), TN (Jon and Mary Nitkowski), MD (Todd and Millie Counts, Mac and Nancy Greeley, Russ and Marie Phelps, Pat Prather, and Marty Walsh), and VA (Bob and Judy Boykin, Ed and Rina Brown, Emmy Brown, Dick and Trish Buckner, Tom and Grace Cuthbert, Joe and Ginna Fishburne, Bob and Norma Gants, Bob and Dawn Glass, Gene Goodell, Bob and Nicole Hamilton, Bob and Priscilla Hardiman, George and Marianne Henderson, Pat and Jan Hillier, Hank and Mary Frances Kenny, John Lawton, Bill and Okja Mackie, Lucy Paone, Mark and Kay Popovich, Bill and LuAnn Reno, John and Mary Jane Solomon, and Sam Wilder).

Once again, Ken Meissner's spud gun was a hit.

Click here to view slide show of pictures taken at the Pig Roast.

Farewell Ceremony Honors Jim Nicholson Retirement as Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Jim Nicholson was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs on December 9, 2004 , and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate on January 26, 2005. He was sworn into office as the fifth Secretary of Veterans Affairs on February 1, 2005. Jim's retirement from that position was honored by a Farewell Ceremony September 25, 2007 in the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Veterans Conference Center in Washington, D.C.

Click here to view the Farewell Ceremony program.

New Feature to Honor Class of 1961 Halls of Fame Inductees Added to Class Web Site

A link (located in the left portion of this page) to a page in our Class Web Site that lists our Classmates who have been inducted into Halls of Fame has been added.

At this time there are entries for three Classmates who have been inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame.

Your Webmaster would appreciate the sending of information about ALL other Classmates who have been so honored to Sam Weiss at WeissSam1@comcast.net so that these Classmates can also be listed on that page and where possible their Induction Citation included in the web site. Please check first to see if that Classmate is already included on the Halls of Fame Page.

Alvin W. Kremer, Jr.
"Webb"

Company F-1

30 Nov1939 - 14 Sep 2007

Place of Death: Washington, DC

Interment: Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC

It is with great regret and sorrow that we must inform you of the death of our Classmate, Webb Kremer, on September 14, 2007 at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC after a long and courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Webb is survived by his wife, Judy and their children Todd and Brooke.

Relatives and friends may call at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22315 on Friday, September 21 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm.

Funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 3313 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201 on Tuesday, November 27 at 12 Noon with interment following at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Attn: Office of Development, Research Building, Suite E501, 3970 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20057.

The family asks that you sign the guestbook at obit.jeffersonfuneralchapel.com.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 3706 Bent Branch Road, Falls Church, VA 22041.

Well done, Webb. Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Webb's Last Roll Call Tribute.

2007 March Back Events Over 3 Days Draws 42 Marching Classmates from Class of '61

Forty-two member of the 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1961 joined the Class of 2011 on the 13 Aug 07 March Back that brought to a completion their Cadet Basic Training known to us as "Beast Barracks".

Click here to go to the March Back page with many pictures, tidbits and articles about the activities during this three day event.

Heimdahl, Maio, Grannemann Represent Class of '61 Gleeman at Glee Club Reunion

Pete Heimdahl, Joe Maio, and Rod Grannemann joined other Alumni from the USMA Classes of 1952 through 2001 to sing with the USMA Band in a concert titled 'Celebrating West Point with the Alumni of the Cadet Glee Club' Sunday 22 July 2007 on Trophy Point. The group, led by former Glee Club Director William Cosby, sang as the culmination of the Glee Club Reunion that began on July 19. The over 155 alumni spent almost three full days of rehearsing many Glee Club favorites under the direction of the current Glee Club Director Constance Chase and Cosby.

The reunion was inspired by Mike Hart ’75, who quickly enlisted the help of Larry Smith ’62, Alan Salisbury ’58, and the office of Alumni Support at the WPAOG. Together with Alumni Support, this 3-man organizing committee brought Hart’s idea to fruition. Over 155 USMA graduates registered for the 4-day reunion. Bill Raiford ’52 was the most senior alumnus in attendance while Captain Jana Fajardo ’01 was the most junior.

Minutes of 4 April 2007 Class Committee Meeting Now Available

Click here to go to this Class Committee Meeting minutes. Prior Class Committee minutes are available by clicking on Class Business.

Tom Pusser to be Inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort Benning on 8 Aug 2007

CPT Thomas Wilson Pusser, our Classmate who was killed in action in Vietnam on 22 Oct 65, will be inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame, together with sixteen others, at Fort Benning on 8 August 2007.

The annual induction ceremony will take place during this year’s Ranger Rendezvous at Fort Benning Ga.

The Rendezvous, which is scheduled for Aug. 6-9, began in 1989 and brings together active-duty Rangers and regimental veterans and their families.

Tom's sister, Betsy Middleton from Mt. Pleasant, SC will be there with her son to accept the medal. Sandy and Joe Stringham, who is a member of the Ranger Hall of Fame, will also be there

Click here for more details of the Ranger Rendezvous.

Click here to go to Tom's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Jim L. Madden

Company M-2

11 Jan 1938 - 11 Jul 2007

Place of Death: Palm Springs, CA

Interment: Arlington National Cemetery

It is with great regret and sorrow that we must inform you of the death of Jim L. Madden, Company M-2, USMA Class of 1961. Jim's widow, Dawn, asked that the following message be sent to our class:

Jim Madden died in his home town of Palm Springs, California on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 of lung cancer. A 1961 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Jim served three tours (1st Infantry Division, 101st Airborne Division and Special Operations) in Vietnam, was awarded three Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts. He was born in Hope, Arkansas on January 11, 1938, grew up and graduated from high school in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he enlisted in the Army and after one year he enrolled at West Point. Jim left many big footprints in the US Army. He developed MILES and the After Action Review (AAR) methodology that is used throughout the Army today. His last active duty assignment was G-3 of the 8th Infantry Division. He retired from active duty in 1980.

Jim is survived by his wife, Dawn, of 21 years from Palm Springs and his son, Christopher, from Los Angeles, California.

On Thursday, October 11th, at 9am, funeral services for LTC Jim L. Madden, USA Retired, will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 118 North Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia. Remarks will be made during the service by GEN Paul F. Gorman, USA Ret., GEN George A. Joulwan, USA Ret., and Mr. Christopher Madden, Jim's son.

Following the funeral service, mourners will proceed to Arlington National Cemetery where a committal service will be held at the Columbarium. After the committal service, a reception will be held at the Fort Myer Officers Club so that the Madden family can meet and thank Jim's friends.

It would be appreciated your calling or emailing Neale Cosby or Frank Hart, who are listed below, and letting them know if you plan to attend the reception so that adequate preparations are made. Questions concerning the services may also be addressed to Neale or Frank.

COL Neale Cosby, USA Ret. 703-922-7749, NealeCosby@cox.net
COL Frank Hart, USA Ret. 703-685-4666, frankhart9@aol.com

In lieu of flowers, Dawn and Chris have asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Donations can be made to your local ACS chapters or by calling the central office at 1-800-227-2345.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 1207 Antigua Circle, Palm Springs, CA 92264.

Well done, Jim. Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Jim's Last Roll Call Tribute.

2 July 2007 R-Day Open House First Event of 50-Year Affiliation Program (1961 – 2011)

The 2 July 2007 R-Day Open House for the Class of 2011 was the first event in our 50-Year Affiliation Program. The Class of '61 Reception Station was ably staffed by Class Reps Carl and Ann Bacon, Tom and Judie Baird, Ed and Rina Brown, Tony Ferraiuolo, Gabe Gabriel, Marty Ganderson, John and Teri Grisoni, John Kilkenny, Brian and Joyce Schultz, and Al and Carin Vanderbush. Click here for more pictures and related articles.

Good Communications Key to Successful 2008 Mini-Reunion

Since good communications are the key to the success of a mission, or a successful Mini-Reunion, your Cruise Committee will be providing links on the River Cruise web page to the emails and snail mail letters sent to the Cruising Classmates with information about the 2008 Mini-Reunion River Cruise. It is hoped that having access to these documents from that web page will also provide access to them if you have misplaced them. Click here to go to the River Cruise web page.

Joseph F. Paone
"Joe"

Company A-2

30 May 1938 - 21 Jun 2007

Place of Death: Alexandria, VA

Interment: Arlington National Cemetery

It is with great regret and sorrow that we must inform you of the death of our classmate, Joseph F. Paone, on June 21, 2007 in Alexandria, VA. Joe is survived by his wife, Lucy; their daughters, Anne Gunsolus, her husband , Don, and their children, Brandon, Dustin, Max, and Isabella; and Maria Coombe, her husband, Scott, and their children, Alyssa and Lauren.

The details of Joe Paone's funeral are as follows:

There were two viewings on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at Fairfax Memorial Gardens, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032, (703) 425-9702. The first was from 2-4 PM, the second from 6-8 PM. There was a prayer vigil from 7 – 7:30 PM during the second viewing.

Joe was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors the following morning, Wednesday, September 12, 2007. There was a Catholic mass at the Post Chapel, Fort Myer, VA starting 10:45 a.m. followed by the burial.

Immediately following the burial there was a reception at the home of Lucy's and Joe's daughter, Anne Gunsolus, in Lansdowne, Virginia (44005 Indian Fields Court, Lansdowne VA 20176, (571)-333-1254 [home], 703-728-9813 [cell]).

Lucy and family ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Honor of Joseph Paone and that the donation be restricted to lung cancer research. Donations can be mailed or phoned to: American Cancer Society 124 Park St. SE Vienna, VA 22180 (703) 938-5550 or 1-800-227-2345

While it is a sad occasion for us all, Lucy and family look forward to seeing you. They thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 8032 Whitting Drive, Manassas, VA 20112-4705.

Well done, Joe. Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Joe's Last Roll Call Tribute.

Albert L. Wells
"Al"

Company E-1

25 Sep 1938 - 12 Jun 2007

Place of Death: Novato, CA

Interment: Palo Verde Cemetery
Blythe, CA

It is with great regret and sorrow that we must inform you of the death of our Classmate, Albert Lloyd Wells, Company E-1, on June 12, 2007 at his home in Novato, CA. Al is survived by his wife, Joan, and their children Mark and Allison and several grandchildren. Al is also survived by his father.

A Memorial Service was held on June 24, 2007 at 2 PM in the Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin, 1801 Novato Boulevard, Novato, CA 94947.

Attending the Memorial Service (from left to right in picture) were: Bill Esselstein (B-1), Charles Burns (I-1), Denny Lenhart (L-2), Alan Lubke (D-1), Burke Mucho (L-2), Rod Grannemann (L-1), Jack Veatch (E-1), Mrs. Albert (Joan) Wells (E-1), Pete Gleichenhaus (C-2), Mrs. Larry (Jeanne) Richards (A-1), Larry Butterworth (E-1), Mrs. Henry (Wendy) Van Gorder (E-1), Pat Carroll (E-1), and Jay Cook (C-1). Not in picture was Bud Coddington (F-1).

There will be a graveside service and burial in Blythe, CA, where Al and Joan grew up. The Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, June 27th at 9:00 a.m. at the Palo Verde Cemetery, 10700 10th Avenue, Blythe, CA (760) 922-4631. There will an opportunity to visit with Joan at the family home in Blythe after the service.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 520 Fairway Drive, Novato, CA 94949-5837. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to do so make a donation to the Sonoma Valley Community Church, 181 Chase Street, Sonoma, CA 95476, or to a charity of their choice.

Well done, Al. Be thou at peace.

Click here to go to Al's Last Roll Call Tribute.

‘61 Wants You. . .
We Need Volunteers!

With the Class of 1958 taking the lead, the Class of 1961 has joined the ‘58 initiative to become mentors for wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Hank Kenny heads up the ‘61 group of 14 Classmates who have already volunteered to participate in the Wounded Warrior Mentor Program. The program not only needs additional volunteers in the D.C. area but also volunteers throughout the United States to continue the support when the veterans return to their home towns.

The program objectives are:

Establish a supporting relationship with the wounded warrior.

Guide them in their professional and or educational development through aptitude testing, counseling, and assisting in the progression to a new career of their choice.

Locate and assist with guidance to internships, job and career opportunities with interested companies, contractors, federal and state governments.

Find a Classmate who will be a follow-on mentor in the veteran’s community once he/she leaves the D.C. area.

If you are interested in making a difference give Hank a call at (703) 824-2605 or Dick Buckner at (703) 743-1490.

Next Class of '61 Mini-Reunion Romantic Danube River Cruise Set for 5-12 Oct 08 is SOLD-OUT

The first Cruise Mini-Reunions were so successful the new Class Cruise Mini-Reunion Committee has been busy organizing another one. Based on the overwhelming preference choices from the 72 returned preference survey forms, the Committee has been working through the Worldtek Travel Agency to work with Viking River Cruises to make the arrangements to charter the ship for an 8-day river cruise from Nuremburg to Budapest via the Danube River 5-12 October 2008.

Information on how to book this river cruise was sent to all Classmates and Class Widows. Besides being a great opportunity to cruise a European river, this will be a great mini-reunion. So check out who has "booked" a cabin. Click here to go to the web page with details of this River Cruise and Who is Going.

The Cruise Committee will continue to accept requests from Classmates, Widows, and family members who would like to be placed on a Reservation Wait List that is being maintained in case there are any cancellations. Please send any requests to Sam Weiss where they will be processed on a first come-first served basis if there are any cancellations.

Class Committee Details Vision/Objectives for Next Five Years (2006 - 20011) Available

Click here to read the details of the Class Committee Vision/Objectives for the next five years (2006 - 2011).

Details of the 50-Year Affiliation Program Between Classes of 1961 and 2011

Click here to read the details of the 50-Year Affiliation Program between the Class of 1961 and 2011.

Slide Shows of Pictures from the 45th Reunion are Now Available

Click here to view the 827 pictures grouped into the 17 events for which we have pictures from our 45th Reunion.

45th Reunion Business Meeting "State of the Class" Presentation Now Available

Class President Bob Glass gave a PowerPoint presentation at the 45th Reunion Business Meeting covering many important and informative topics pertaining to the "State of the Class". For those who were not at the 45th Reunion and thus did not see this presentation, and for those who were there but would like another chance to see it again, please click here.

If you do not have a version of PowerPoint on your computer, you can download the PowerPoint Viewer by clicking here.

Hints for using the PowerPoint Viewer:
1. Left click on the screen to go to the next picture;
2. Right click on screen to get menu with Options to COPY, PRINT or END SHOW;
3. Left click on EDIT SLIDES (in menu from 2. above) will give you a thumbnail view of all pictures in the presentation that you can click on to get a particular picture that you want to then copy or print.

Cadet Company Group Pictures from 45th Reunion Now Available in Company News

The group pictures taken by Academy Photo at the 45th Reunion are now included on each Cadet Company web page. Click on the Company News tab on the right side of this page to go to the list of Cadet Companies. Click on your Cadet Company to see the pictures of the Classmates who attended the 45th Reunion and another picture of them and the ladies who were with them.

June Week 1961 and Related Activities from July 1961 Assembly Now Available Online

The USMA Archives office is putting ASSEMBLY Magazine and various other historical reports on a web site that allows you to access and download articles and information. Copies of ASSEMBLY from 1942-1963 are currently available, and they will soon be putting of the next ten years, and they will continue posting issues until they are current. Click here for the Summer 1961 edition. You will find it very interesting. There may be a problem for some as the huge file is 72MB.

Memorial & Family Planning Documents

The Class of 1961 Memorial Article Project has now made the appropriate AOG Forms available for your use. Click here to go to the Class Web Site article that explains what is available and has links to the documents.

Panoramic Photo of USMA

The panoramic photo of the Plain and surrounding buildings of West Point at the top of this page was created by G. W. 'Casey' Kenaston, USNA '56. The actual picture is 50 inches by 10 3/4 inches, including the border. To view this panoramic photo with more detail, please click here. To further increase the size of that picture, do a mouse button click on the picture to get the picture enlarge icon.

Full size copies of this panoramic photo are now available for $60 each, which includes shipping and handling. Framing is not being offered. That can be done by each person on their own. To place an order through John Neiger, please click here to email him. It will take about 4 weeks to get the photo via the mail.

In Remembrance:
Classmates can send their remembrances, comments, pictures to Sam Weiss and they will be edited for inclusion with the Last Roll Call Tribute for that person.

Current Profiles
In order to create a “Current Profile” for every member of the class, graduates and former members of 1961, we need your input. If you are interested in participating, email your “vita” information to Sam Weiss with photos in "jpg" format, if you can. If that is not possible, then send actual photo to: John Neiger at 4011 Lakeview Parkway, Lake of the Woods, VA 22408. All photos will be returned after we scan them into cyberspace.

If your profile is already online, check to make sure it is up-to-date and send us any changes or additions.

Prior Features
In order to keep this page more current with items of interest to the Class, after a reasonable length of time items will be moved to the PRIOR FEATURES Page (click here to go to them).

Panoramic Photo of USMA
The panoramic photo of the Plain and surrounding buildings of West Point at the top of this page was created by G. W. 'Casey' Kenaston, USNA '56. To view the panoramic photo in full size with more detail, please click here. To further increase the size of that picture, please do a mouse button click on the picture to get the picture enlarge icon. Arrangements are being made for individuals to purchase copies. Detail will be published as soon as available.