Give me a minute to bring you up to date on: 

• our planning for the '65 Entrance to the Arvin Center and 
• some upcoming events that are important to our class

USMA recently announced that the contract to build the Arvin Center has been awarded with a completion date of Fall 2005. While we doubt that anyone will bet his retirement pay on the completion date being met, we are pleased that the project is finally under contract. 

For our part, we are ready. The '65 Design Committee* led by Bob Doughty is refining the plans for not only the main entrance to the Center, but also the Cadet entrance at the south end of the complex. Recently the Committee received a cost estimate for the proposed plan that came in right on budget. There are still a few design decisions left, but you should be able to view the final design soon on the class web site. 

The financial planning has moved apace with the Design Committee. Although Harry Dermody tells us that we are still short of what we need in total for the '65 Entrance, it appears that we will be able to meet our first cash call in July 2002 when we must deliver $691,000. More cash will be needed (another $70,000) before January 2003, but Harry believes that with a decent response to his next note (look for it soon), we will get there. 

Many thanks to the Design Committee and the Fund Raising Committee for their leadership and to the scores of classmates who have contributed to the '65 Entrance. 

Coming Up in 2003 and 2005 

It was about this time of year forty-one years ago that we were preparing to be recognized as something other than a dumb smack. After spending the past eleven months trying to avoid attention from the upperclassmen, we were ready to grip their hands and be greeted by our first names. Since that memorable day in June 1962, members of the Class of '65 have been recognized in countless ways by their country, their school, their companies/organizations, and their communities. 

Nor does reaching the age 60 seem a barrier to continued achievements for most of us. Even as our past testifies to success in so many areas, we eagerly await the days ahead. It's no wonder that we enjoy opportunities to be together to renew relationships  and be reminded of the strength and drive that has characterized us individually and corporately. In the next three years, we will be given two such opportunities to gather as a class -at Ric Shinseki's retirement in the summer of 2003 and at our 40th reunion in 2005. 

Ric’s retirement 

As most of you know, Ric Shinseki will retire as the Army Chief of Staff (CSA) in June 2003. With that in mind, the class officers have asked Joe DeFrancisco and John Pickier to investigate ways in which the class could honor Ric as he completes his term as CSA. Joe is taking the lead and would welcome input from classmates as to how we as a class can salute Ric and Patty for their faithful service to our country. You can contact Joe and John respectively at the following email addresses: j.e.defrancisco@imco.com and jRickler@bechtel.com. 

40th Reunion Committee 

We have begun the planning process for our 40th Reunion in 2005 with hopes that it will contain as much meaning and as much fun as our 35th Reunion. We are pleased to report that Bob Frank has accepted the challenge to coordinate the 40th Reunion and he has already begun contacting classmates to help distribute the load. You can help us meet the high standard set at the 35th Reunion by either volunteering to serve on a reunion committee or by returning Bob's call when he comes recruiting. Bob's email address is bobfrank@dmv.com and his telephone number is 703-527-2167. 

The dates of the Reunion have not been set as Bob and his committee are still looking at various options. Feel free to give your views to Bob if you have a preference for a time of year (Spring or Fall) or even a specific date. 

With respect to Ric's retirement and the 40th Reunion, we will alert you as soon as we have dates certain. Both of these occasions give us great opportunities to gather as a class, to renew relationships, and to enjoy time together. As we announce the dates, include them in your planning. We have excellent leadership in place for planning the events, which promise to be memorable experiences. 

Have a wonderful summer 

Fred Laughlin President, Class of '65 

*Members of the '65 Entrance Design Committee are: Bob Doughty (Chair), John Howell, Nate Kantor, Ed Knauf, Chuck Moseley, Terry Ryan, Jose Sanchez, Ross Wollen