May2005News
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USAF Officer Candidate School -- Class 1957C
Newsletter: May 2005 Our Staff: President . . . . . . . . . . Jack Fox Vice President. . . . . . . Dale Shipley Secretary. . . . . . . . . . Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . Phil Meek Webmaster. . . . . . . . . Dick Nagel Photographer . . . . . . . Bobby Sims Golf Pro . . . . . . . . . Milt Jones Bar Tender . . . . . . . . . Frank Walls Gopher . . . . . . . . . Dennis Goudy
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Our Website:
WWW.Webspawner.com/user/ocsclass57c/index.html
JACK’S CORNER: (JACK FOX)
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since our gathering in Las Vegas last April, leaving only two more years to contemplate our 50th anniversary reunion in San Antonio. While nothing has been formally planned for activities, rest assured we'll have a competent team managing the event. One can't go wrong predicting this will be a grand and memorable event. Submit suggestions at any time.
At the 2002 and 2004 reunions we distributed music DVDs to all attendees. It's quite possible that some of you have a player not supported by the software used to copy the music. So if you can't play the DVDs, let me know by email, letter or phone and I'll remake the original with new and more universal software on the chance that it will work on your player. The technology has improved dramatically in the past two years. The DVDs are warranted so there is no charge for replacement.
The secretary position is still open. Feel free to inquire or discuss what's involved without feeling committed to the job. It's enjoyable work and doesn't take an inordinate amount of time for the three issues required annually. When Dave Harvey was in desperate straits with health problems I approached him about giving up the newsletter. Dave would have no part of it and, in fact, was a little insulted that I would even suggest such a move. Dave often stated that his contributions to our association were critically important therapy, and asked to keep his job as long as he lived-and that is exactly what transpired. Think it over. Until the September issue.
Jack
DALE’S Domain (DALE SHIPLEY)
Reunion Information:
I am extracting this from the minutes of Class 57D's recent reunion in Biloxi.
"New Business: James Fosse next discussed in more detail the proposal that had been presented to him for a joint reunion. Our association had been requested to give our reaction to a joint reunion and our response was pending the results of this meeting. After discussion and several questions
from the floor a motion was made by Maurice Hammack to approve the proposal for a joint reunion in 2007 and seconded by Carl Fletcher. A show of hands indicated unanimous approval. James Fosse will present our concurrence to Jack Fox of 57-C. Ed Johnson 58-A indicated since many of their members were located in the San Antonio area that hopefully they would be welcomed at such a joint reunion. It was indicated that likely any graduate would be welcomed if they wished to attend but details will be pending future determination by the joint committee."
As plans develop you will be kept advised.
Some of you have already heard about this. The Shipley's are planning a mini-reunion of 57C Classmates in Fort Collins, Colorado Friday to Monday the 9th, 10th and 11th of July. It will be a bit like Hartford but limited to about a dozen couples. If you are interested, please contact Dale ASAP as space is limited.
Dale
PHIL’S BILLS (Phil Meek)
Financial Report:
Beginning Balance: $2,801.23
Receipts:
Membership Dues: 210.00
Disbursements: None
Ending Balance: $3,011.23
Membership:
We now have thirty-seven active, dues paying, members of the association. Several members renewed their membership during this period. Members who wish to remain active in the association, to continue to receive newsletters, and to stay in touch are encouraged to maintain current membership. Dues are only $10 per year and may be sent to Phil Meek, 1319 E. Palo Verde Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Phil
Miscellany
Sick Bay Report:
From Jack Fox--As some of you know, I had an unfortunate accident in January of last year, fracturing 15 vertebrae and compressing three others, after feinting and falling unconscious from a 10 foot roof. Corrective surgery was not possible due to the severity of the compression. Last month, after fourteen months of unrelenting, high level pain, I decided out of desperation to try any therapy with relief potential, however slight the improvement might be. Believing I had little to lose, I tried a friend's inversion table, a device with a canvas covered frame on a balanced platform, allowing one to tilt upside down, clamped by the ankles, up to 90 degrees from horizontal. The inversion stretches the spine, hips, knees and ankles apart, allowing the body's natural lubricants to flow more freely into compacted areas. The result was an immediate and significant reduction in pain. I purchased the apparatus at Costco and have been using it religiously, twice daily, for two months. The lowered pain level has reduced my dependence on prescription narcotics, while greatly improving my mental health and prospects for a more normal life.
Upon carefully reading the disclaimers and warnings on the inversion table, I'm reluctant to make any kind of endorsement, despite the benefits I've personally enjoyed. One should consult a doctor before trying the table. There can be problems inverting one's body, but in my case, the upside makes the process worth while. One major problem involves those seriously overweight. The strain on the ankles, instep and Achilles tendon can cause great deal of discomfort and pain. Although not overweight, I encountered some discomfort, but overcame it by covering my Achilles tendons and insteps with dense foam used for insulating hot water pipes. It's a simple fix that completely solved the problem. The other warnings are for those with high blood pressure, osteoporosis and glaucoma. An individual with undiagnosed glaucoma could wreak havoc on their eyes before realizing what was happening. With osteoporosis and a permanently damaged spine, I probably shouldn't be using the table, but I'm convinced the benefits offset the risk, at least for now - anything to keep the pain level tolerable. I can only hope that the inversion procedure will continue to benefit my medical situation. If it stops working, I'll try something else. Anyone interested in more details can contact me via email, phone or letter. Jack
From Nan Burer re Art-His physical health is pretty good considering his back surgery-he works daily now to try and straighten up. His mental health is very slowly going down hill-mostly trying to remember from moment to moment different things. He has been diagnosed with Mild Recognizant Impairment. And I can't remember who I have told. This is something he has refused to admit to but when he has to go over what button does what on the new car every time he gets in the car. He really does not have much activity now-so he has a lot of time to brew if I'm not there with him. His spirits are pretty good considering all he has to deal with and prayers are the answer to all things.
From Phil Meek-- Many of you are aware that I have been "under the weather" since last summer. Beth and I are extremely grateful for your support through telephone calls and get-well cards during this period. Your good wishes certainly reflect the true spirit of our class and the comradeship we have experienced since March 1957. You certainly have my eternal thanks for helping to keep me in good spirits with your efforts in my behalf.
After numerous tests it was determined that I had cancer in my urinary tract and it was necessary to remove a kidney. The operation was conducted April 12, 2005. After a hospital stay of five days I was able to come home. The follow-up doctor visit was very positive. The doctor advised that I am doing much better than most of his patients and expects me to make a full recovery over the next several months. I will continue to have monthly checkups for some time. The real good news is that I lost enough weight to wear my retirement uniform.
From Dick Nagel-You may recall that I had an awful time with the Achilles on my RIGHT leg last year. Well, as I was hobbling around on crutches, I began to feel pain in the LEFT Achilles. After several attempts at fixing this problem, I was sent to a foot/ankle orthopedic specialist. He had me in an aircast for 4 weeks and I am now 2 weeks into physical therapy. Yesterday (4/16/2005) I went out to see my grandson play football and it finally sunk in that I am not mending and will probably need to undergo surgery again, which means another 3-4 months recovery.
From Milt Jones--Somewhere along the line I got an infection
and the medication that they gave me caused a tendon to fray while swinging my driver (great hit though). I've never heard of a medication that would cause Tendonitis and ruptured tendons, but, after the fact, I read the contraindications on the medication and there it was.
And more from Milt-- I
still have appointments with my; Rheumatologist, Urologist, Ultrasound specialist, ENT spec., Proctologist, etc. Sorry that I can't blame all of
that on the medicine only most of it. I do have another medical tale though. I was given a prostate medication. It was originally intended for people with high blood pressure and it contains Hytrim which will cause people with normal blood pressure to lose their balance and/or pass out which it did to me on three occasions. The last put me in the hospital
with a possible heart attack. The Hytrim also causes arrhythmia so they gave me another medication to regulate my heart beat. Whose side effects were uncontrolled weight gain and irritability? I stopped the Hytrim and
the other when I found out what they were doing to me. No wonder the pharmaceutical companies are getting rich off of patients whose illness was
caused by their medication originally. I also take Celebrex, so, if I have a heart attack we'll all know why. Oh, if I didn't take that I couldn't walk at all.
Read the fine print:
By golly Jack's and Milton's experiences certainly indicate why we should always be careful. It is critical to discuss any medication in depth with your doctor and again with the pharmacist. Another fairly new source of information on prescriptions is from Tricare. For more on the Tricare Pharmacy Program and to access the Formulary Search Tool, visit the Tricare Pharmacy home page, www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy. The search tool is accessible at www.tricareformularysearch.org
From the readers, "My worst/best days:"
Dennis Goudy had this to say-- Worst day? Seems like I had a lot of those. How about:
Best Day--A Friday in September. I awoke as a S/Sgt (although I never wore that insignia!), marched to a ceremony wearing no rank insignia at all, and left with brand-new gold bars on my shoulders. They were pinned on by a lovely young lady, whom I had an appointment with the next day. In 24 hours I went from a single airman to a married officer--an amazing transition. The best time of my life.
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