IN MEMORIAM

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

George P. Carnes, F-1
4 Dec 1939 - 9 Sep 2006
Norman N. Cunningham, D-1
24 Oct 1937 - 24 Sep 1968
William T. Deuel, G-1
24 Oct 1938 - 30 Sep1966
Father Robert T. Drummond
USMA Chaplain
27 Nov 1935 - 2 Sep 2000
James K. Evetts Jr., B-1
12 Jan 1939 - 1 Sep 1982
Howard D. Graves, M-2
15 Aug 1939 - 13 Sep 2003
David W. Hiester Jr., M-1
31 Dec 1938 - 12 Sep 1962
Alvin W. Kremer, Jr., F-1
30 Nov 1939 - 14 Sep 2007
Bruce T. Lammers, G-12
8 Oct 1938 - 11 Sep 200
John W. Lawrence Jr., A-2
22 Jan 1938 - 16 Sep 1971
James R. Staub, C-2
17 Apr 1938 - 1 Sep 1997
James J. Weaver, A-2
24 Sep 1939 - 3 Sep 2005
William M. Younkin, F-2
23 Apr 1939 - 19 Sep 1995

"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

50th Reunion
14-18 May 2011

45th Reunion
28 Sep - 1 Oct 2006

40th Reunion
4 - 7 Oct 2001

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. Click here for details of the 50th Reunion 14-18 May 2011

Jerry and Ed Jones Inducted Into Henry "Hap" Arnold Lifetime Giving Society

Jerry and John (Ed) Jones '61 were inducted into the Henry "Hap" Arnold Lifetime Giving Society.

The West Point Associations of Graduates’ Donor Tribute Day took place on 29 April with more than 200 graduates, family, and friends attending. This day was established by the WPAOG as a way to recognize donors who have supported West Point and the Long Gray Line in a variety of ways—from annual unrestricted giving to project-specific major giving to long-term bequest and estate planning.

Francis M. Williams
"Frank"

Company I-2

6 Oct 1937 - 16 Jul 2010

Place of Death: Fishersville, VA

Interment: St. Patrick's Catholic Church Cemetery - Port Henry NY

It is with great regret and sorrow that we must notify you of the death of our Classmate, Francis M. Williams, on 16 July in Fishersville, VA, after a long and courageous battle with ALS. Frank is survived by his wife, Carol; their children, David Joseph Williams and wife Sarah of Morganton, NC, Nancy Williams Drauszewski and husband Andrew of Manassas, VA, and Cynthia Williams Loebig and husband Douglas of Ignacio, CO; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Williams, Henry Williams, Sara Drauszewski and fiancée Galen Ridgell, Michelle Rannells and husband Michael, Joseph Michael Drauszewski, Maxwell Loebig, and Mae Loebig; two great-grandchildren, Timothy and Joseph Henson; a brother, John Williams of Ticonderoga, NY; a sister, Constance Bennett of Canandaigua, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, 20 July at the Bear Funeral Home, 14 Green Hill Lane, Churchville, VA 24421-2517.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, 24 July at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 12 St Patrick Place, Port Henry, NY 12974. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be directed to the Richard R. Dart ALS Clinic, University of Virginia Health System, Box 899394, Charlottesville, VA 22908.

Condolences may be sent to Carol at P.O. Box 1373, Staunton, VA 24402.

Well done, Frank. Be thou at peace.

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

Robert F. Harris
"Bob"

Company C-2

8 Dec 1938 - 28 Jun 2010

Place of Death: Austin, TX

Interment: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery - San Antonio, TX

It is with great regret and sorrow that we must notify you of the death of our classmate, Bob Harris, on 28 June in Austin, TX, after a year-long struggle with cancer. Bob is survived by his sons Dirk and Erik; daughter-in-law, Monica; grandchildren, Ingrid and Camille; brothers, William and Royce; and sisters, Anne and Margaret.

Services will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX, on 21 July at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to Erik at 12304 Meuse Cv, Austin, TX 78727-5340.

Well done, Bob. Be thou at peace.

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

569 Classmates,Widows & Guests as of
25 Aug Indicate They Will Attend Reunion

Click here for list of who is coming to the 50th Reunion

435 Classmates, Widows & Guests as of
25 Aug Indicate They Will Go On Cruise

Majesty Charter Yacht on New York Harbor

Click here for list of who has paid the deposit to go on the Cruise.

Click here for more details on the cruise ship.

Jerry White & Gene Witherspoon Plans for New Orleans October 2010 Mini-Reunion

It is not too late to sign up for one or both legs of the October Mini-Reunion organized by Jerry White (the Florida Panhandle golf swing) and Gene Witherspoon (the New Orleans Army-Tulane football game). Below is listed those who currently plan to attend one or both of these legs of the Mini.

If you are interested in joining the fun, contact Jerry (lwhite7314@aol.com) and/or Gene (eswitherspoon@charter.net) and they will send you the details on booking accommodations and game tickets. Here are some of the details that are planned so far:

Florida Swing: Jerry has arranged cut rate prices for one or two bedroom condo accommodations at Emerald Grande Resort in Destin, Florida for the nights of 6 and 7 October 2010. Jerry is arranging appropriate evening activities both nights. Golf for interested men and ladies will be at the Regatta Bay course on 7 October and at Jerry’s Blue Water Bay course early on 8 October so folks who choose to play that day can drive to New Orleans in time for dinner that evening.

New Orleans: Gene has arranged a group rate of $139 ($60 off regular October rate) at the Iberville Suites in the French Quarter. Folks can book at this rate for four nights (7, 8, 9 & 10 October) but most will arrive on 8 October and leave on 10 October. The Army-Tulane game is Saturday afternoon, 9 October and Al Vanderbush has arranged with the Army ticket office for 61 classmates and guests to purchase tickets in a block so we can sit together. Planned activities other than the game (and possibly a tailgate party) include a game-day morning visit to the National WW II Museum in New Orleans (formerly the D Day Museum) including lunch there after the tour. Dinner Saturday night will probably be in groups of 10 hosted by local classmates and others like Gene who lived in New Orleans for 10 years.

Contact Jerry and Gene and get on the bandwagon for what is shaping up to be a great warm up for our 50^th next year.

Click here for details and Who is Coming List

50th Reunion Registration Letters and Forms Now Mailed and Available Online

The 50th Reunion registration packages have been mailed to all Classmates and Widows with known addresses. Both grads and non-grads got a letter signed by Dick Buckner asking them to complete the registration form and send it along with the registration fee of $150. Click here for a copy of that letter. Click here for a copy of the Registration Form.

The widows got a letter signed by Bob Glass with a registration form that does not require a registration fee. Click here for a copy of that letter. Click here for a copy of the Registration Form.

All 545 addressees got a black and white version of the cruise flyer, the cruise menu, and the cruise registration form. Click here for a color copy of cruise flyer. Click here for a copy of the cruise menu. Click here for the cruise registration form.

Jon Aaronsohn Amoung Eight to be Included Into West Point Army Sports Hall of Fame

Jon Aaronsohn, a 1961 graduate, was Army’s last gymnast to win an individual title when he captured the flying rings national championship in 1960 and led the squad to a 10-0 mark. An All-America selection as a junior, he finished third on the flying rings at the 1959 NCAA Championships and was a two-time Eastern champion in that event. Aaronsohn led Army to an Eastern Intercollegiate Gymnastics League title and was a two-time letterwinner. He was elected team captain during his senior campaign but did not compete due to a broken arm.

West Point's seventh induction class encompasses Jon Aaronsohn (gymnastics), Clennie Brundidge (football and basketball), Mike McElrath (football), Al Rushatz (football and wrestling), Melody Smith (basketball and tennis),Teresa Sobiesk (cross country and track and field), Gen. Joseph Stilwell (basketball player and coach) and Pete Vann (football).

The honorees will be officially inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 17. A special plaque unveiling ceremony will be held in the Kenna Hall of Army Sports inside Kimsey Center, with the formal black-tie Hall of Fame Induction Banquet presented by Lockheed Martin set for Eisenhower Hall later that evening. The group will also be recognized during Army's football game against North Texas the next day at Michie Stadium with a special photograph and autograph session planned on Black Knights Alley prior to the contest.

Status of Reconciliation Plaza Provided by Shroyer with Pictures by Tony Ferraiuolo

Thanks to Tony Ferraiuolo (Honorary '61) for his fine photos of Reconciliation Plaza taken this past Thursday, 20 May, two days before Saturday’s Graduation Ceremonies for the Class of 2010.

Bruce Shroyer reports that it’s what you don’t see in these photos that is important. It’s the continued propagation of a very healthy garden which returns each year, healthy, more dense and an expanding annual plant growth, surviving the tough West Point Winters and unpredictable harsh Spring frosts.

Unfortunately we have not had a great deal of warm weather thus far this year. So, we do not currently have the “full Spring bloom” of Stella ‘dora lilies we always hope to see for Graduation Week. An early graduation date, coupled with cooler than normal daily temps; continued rain and overcast skies have worked against a timely “full bloom” for Graduation Week.

Everyone in the West Point area during June-August should stop by to see “… what’s up !” You won’t be disappointed. Reconciliation Plaza will soon be “Standing tall!” Guaranteed!

An additional note …Tony’s photos are especially good from a photographic standpoint. He has captured each monument just perfectly. Bruce has taken photos at Reconciliation Plaza in every conceivable weather condition; but do not have a single shot as good as those Tony has submitted.

“Glare” in sunlight or in an overcast rain (at that particular spot) are extremely difficult to control. But he’s got the secret! Many thanks, Tony!

Click here for slide show of Reconciliation Plaza as of 20 mAY 2010.

First 3 of the Grotesques of West Point Done by Ken Hruby '61 Now Available for Sale

Do you know what a “grotesque” is? Did you know some were on almost every building in the cadet area when we were at West Point?

Sniper 3.5"x3.25"x0.5" 17oz Scout 3.25"x3.25"x0.5" 17oz Gunner 3.5"x3.25"x0.5" 17.5oz

After almost twenty years of work, our classmate, Ken Hruby, has something tangible to show for the hours spent in his studio. He is casting a limited edition (250) of three of the grotesques that grace the walls of the gothic buildings of our alma mater. Once 250 of each have been cast, the moulds will be destroyed. Ken intends to continue on with the series, probably finishing about two each year until he runs out of gas or material.

Before offering these to the rest of the AOG, Ken wants to see if there is any interest in them from our class, as a sort of bronze trial balloon. They are all drilled and tapped "au verso" for mounting, if needed, and have a standard brown patina with other variations on the standard bronze patina available on request. A part of the profits is going to the class gift fund.

The details are at http://www.kenhruby.com/USMAGrotesques.html.
You can contact Ken at 617-821-2410 or ken.hruby@verizon.net to order.

Thomas F. Carroll III
"Tom"

Company D-1

2 Aug 1939 - 16 May 2010

Place of Death: Littleton, CO

Interment: Fort Logan National Cemetery - Denver, CO

It is with great regret and sorrow we must inform you of the death of our classmate, Tom Carroll, on May 16, 2010, in Littleton, Colorado, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Tom is survived by his wife, Diane; their children, Michael, Shannon, Molly, and Jill; four grandchildren; and his brother, Philip.

A Rosary followed by a visitation will be on Thursday, May 20th, 7:00 PM, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 E County Line Road, Centennial, CO 80122.

The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, May 21st, 10:30 AM at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 6773 W. Chatfield Avenue, Littleton, CO 80128-5834.

Burial will be 30 June at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Frances Cabrini for their Outreach and Assistance Programs.

Condolences can be sent to Diane at 10 Canyon Cedar, Littleton, CO 80127-3531.

Well done, Tom. Be thou at peace.

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

DC Area Group Continues Tradition by Attending 13th Annual Sunday Brunch

On April 11th, the DC Area Group had its 13th annual Sunday Brunch at the Fort Belvoir Officers Club continuing the tradition started by John Solomon in 1998.

Attendees this year included Ed and Rina Brown, Emmy Brown, Ed and Elease Bruner, Dick and Trish Buckner, Todd and Millie Counts, Paul and Sue DeVries, Mike and Chan Eiland, Joe and Ginna Fishburne, Bob and Dawn Glass, Bob and Priscilla Hardiman, Bob and Ruth Kee, Judy Kremer, Walt Ligon, Bill and Okja Mackie, Pat Prather, Bill and LuAnn Reno, Bob Rosenkranz, John and Mary Jane Solomon, and Jack and Pat Veatch.

Even though attendance has diminished in the past few years, everyone had a great time as Bill Mackie's pictures show.

Two Generations of '61 Participate in AOG's Herbert Hall Founders Day Dinner 6 Mar 10

(R-L) Kathy & Larry Stoneham C-2, John & Teri Grisoni H-1, John & Donna Java I-1, Pat & Bruce Shroyer H-2

Two generations of the Class of ‘61 attended the Founders Day Celebration at the West Point AOG's Herbert Hall on 6 March 2010. Great evening; highlighted by the following:
“Empty Plate” Remembrance by Larry Stoneham ‘61

Remarks by "Oldest & Youngest Graduate” - "Youngest Grad" Major Michael Tilton '00 (Son of Liz & Frank Tilton ’61 I-1)

Guest Speaker: BG John “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr. ‘56

Cadet “Knight Kaps” … an a Capella Concert

Two Classmates Asked to Join in Singing the Alma Mater with the West Point Glee Club

On Friday 26 March, Chuck Hodell and John F. Grisoni attended a Glee Club concert in Freehold, NJ. The concert was wonderful. At the end, the Glee Club director Connie Chase, asked that any West Point grad or former cadet come up and join the Glee Club in singing the Alma Mater. Chuck and John went up and stood besides the cadets who formed an opening in the ranks for them. They sang all three parts and did not forget a word! It was the thrill of a lifetime for them John reports. The audience gave a long applause, and the cadets gave them praise for their participation. Chuck and John could not believe that they sang with the Glee Club.

50th Reunion Committee Update

We have less than 14 months until our 50th Reunion. The dates are now firm – Saturday, 14 May - Wednesday, 18 May 2011. Please mark those dates on your calendars.

As mentioned in our notification last November, our reunion headquarters will be the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, NY – the same hotel that was the headquarters for our 40th and 45th Reunions.

The schedule for reunion activities is a work in progress. A draft is available on our class web site.

Watch for the registration package that will be mailed in May 2010. It will include a registration form, instructions for making hotel reservations, information on the proposed boat trip on the Hudson, an update on the 50th Anniversary Yearbook, and other important items.

Reunion costs will be determined over the next few months. We anticipate sending the event registration form in October 2010.

Check our class web site, for the latest information.

50th Reunion DRAFT Schedule Available

Click here for the 50th Reunion Draft Schedule.

50^th Reunion Committee Organization List

Click here for the 50th Reunion Committee Organization

Class Committee Updates Vision for Years (2006 - 20011)

Click here to read the updated details of the Class Committee Vision for the years (2006 - 2011).

Washington DC Area Class of 1961 Social Events Calendar for 2009

Ed Brown, Class Secretary, has released the Washington DC Area Social Events Calendar for 2009. 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.

4 February: Wives Luncheon at Heart in Hand Restaurant, Clifton, VA
17 February: Luncheon at Fort Myer Officers Club
15 March: Sunday Brunch at Fort Belvoir Officers Club
6 May: Luncheon at Fort Myer Officers Club
3 October: Kopcsak's 9th Annual Pig Roast
5 November: Luncheon at Fort Myer Officers Club

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.

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

The USMA Library 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 1942-1993 are currently available. Click here for the archived issues of Assembly. Click here for the Summer 1961 issue. 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.

If you have any announcements of interest to other Classmates, comments, questions, or suggestions, please e-mail them to Sam Weiss.

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