Sep2005News
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USAF Officer Candidate School -- Class 1957C
Newsletter: September 2005 Our Staff: President . . . . . . . . . . Jack Fox Vice President. . . . . . . Dale Shipley Secretary. . . . . . . . . . Vacant Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . Phil Meek Webmaster. . . . . . . . . Dick Nagel Photographer . . . . . . . Bobby Sims Golf Pro . . . . . . . . . Milt Jones Bar Tender . . . . . . . . . Frank Walls
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Our Website:
WWW.Webspawner.com/user/ocsclass57c/index.html
JACK’S CORNER: (JACK FOX)
This has been a summer to remember. Bernice and I traveled over five thousand miles in twenty four days, making stops in Bryce Canyon, Utah, Denver & Fort Collins, Colorado, North Dakota and Albuquerque. My home town (population 500) celebrated its 100th birthday and provided some exciting and emotional
reunions with friends and classmates not seen for as long as 56 years. We were reminded of our OCS reunions which have provided so many memories since first reuniting in 1999.
Our return trip was highlighted by a reunion with Phil and Beth Meek, Bob Sims and Margaret Butler at hosts Dale and Elaine Shipley's beautiful home in Fort Collins. Besides the story tell- ing and reminiscing, we were treated to a private tour of the Anheuser Busch Brewery and the Swetsville Zoo. This unique zoo, an ingenious assortment of dinosaurs and bugs assembled and welded from machinery and automobile parts, is located on Interstate 25 near Fort Collins. This is an exhibit to be enjoyed by young and old - well worth a visit if you travel to the Denver/Fort Collins area.
The following is primarily for the few who haven't taken in the grandeur of the Bryce Canyon, Utah National Park and environs. I suspect most of our members have discovered the beauty of Bryce Canyon and the surrounding area of eastern Utah. If you have missed this incredible experience, we can, without reservation, recom- mend a visit. While the Grand Canyon is majestic and a one- of-a-kind scenario, Bryce Canyon also has spectacular vistas that are unrivaled anywhere. It must be no worse than eighth on the list of wonders of the world. The seventeen mile drive along the eastern rim of the park has viewing areas and each vista is unique. I took over 50 photos and none are alike. Not only are the canyon views breathtaking, the valley floor looking east is as picturesque as any setting on our incredible planet. It's the kind of scene one can view for hours without boredom setting in. We wished we could have lingered longer. Without a doubt, we'll be returning to relive the experience as soon as a trip can be arranged.
One last note: My compliments and thanks to all who have responded to Dale's call for personal story input for the newsletter. The newsletter is becoming what we all hoped it to be, thanks to Dale and your cooperation. Now, if the next secretary will step forward and join in the fun of publishing the newsletter, I'll stop nagging.
Jack
DALE’S Domain (DALE SHIPLEY)
A review of the changes to the class listing prompted a sense of gladness. We send congrat- ulations to Ben Larsen and his new bride Alma and to Al McNeal and his new bride Sara.
On a less cheerful note we must realize that the group is aging. Our aches and pains are definitely on the increase. The Colorado mini-reunion really turned out to be a mini-mini. At first, about twenty couples expressed interest. Then for various reasons some had to cancel out due to conflicting schedule with their families, medical reasons, etc. That left about ten couples in serious contention but then more events came about and by the time we gathered in July only four couples were able to attend. However; small as it was, the get-together was an enjoyable occasion. Thanks to each and everyone that made the trip.
Dale
PHIL’S BILLS (Phil Meek)
Financial Report:(as of Aug 22, 2005)
Beginning Balance: $3,011.23
Receipts:
Membership Dues 40.00
Subtotal: $3051.23
Disbursements:
Web-site Hosting: 41.91
Ending Balance: $3009.32
Membership:
We now have thirty-seven active dues paying members of the association. We had three renewals during this period. Members who wish to remain active in the association, 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
Members for Life 3
Paid until 2005 11
Paid until 2006 15
Paid until 2007 2
Paid until 2008 2
Paid until 2009 3
Paid until 2013 1
Total 37
I' like to add this to my financial and membership reports.
I have continued to recover nicely from my April 2005 operation. Enough so that we were able to uncover the dust and dirt from our motor home and make a trip to Dale Shipley's mini-reunion in Colorado in July. We had a great time with the small group and our excellent hosts. We took advantage of the situation and stayed overnight with retired military friends in Cheyenne, WY on our way to Idaho Falls, ID where we visited with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We were gone about two weeks and had a wonderful time.
Phil
Miscellany
What's happening:
In the association there are many talented individuals that give of their time and talent. They are a busy group. Following are some reports about who is doing what. The font size had to be dropped a point to make everything fit so put on your strongest reading glasses.
From Jim Hovingh, May 7th:
As a matter of interest, I bought a brand new USAF uniform w/ shoes, socks, tie, shirt, ribbons, etc. this week. I am now the Commander of about five teams of the U.S. Volunteer, Joint Services Command. What we do is provide Military Formal Funerals for any former military person who wants one. Due to deployments, only active duty and senior retirees are provided military funerals by the active AF, so we pick up the slack. Last year this group of volunteers performed about 36,000 funerals. It's really a lot of fun to train and serve in this duty. Pretty good for an old 74 year old has been, huh?
From Karin Goudy Jul 18th:
Sitting in a rocking chair sounds like a restful way to spend ones time, but it is not for me. I was asked last November to come back to the Museum as a consultant to set up the new library and work out some kinks (and personality prob- lems). We have accomplished a lot, but there is still quite a bit to be done so I am now volunteering at least one day a week in the library doing research and straightening out the card files.
In addition, my first love (after Dennis and the kids) is quilting. I have had one of my quilts published in a new book that just came out. It is called Hooked on Hankies - and shows the use of old handkerchiefs in quilting. It was exciting to see one of my quilts in print. I usually have one quilt on the frame, one under construction and one in my mind being designed - plus a few little extras along the way.
August is travel month to a family reunion in Wisconsin and then in October a friend and I are taking a cruise up the New England coast from New York to Nova Scotia.
And if I find myself with a spare moment I am out in the garden working away with the quail family and my favorite hummingbird, who comes right up in my face to say hello. It's a great life.
From John Ferris Jul 18th:
I am so busy I'm thinking about going back to work full time so I can have some time off.
I'm the Bowling Association Secretary/Treasurer. I have just completed running four bowling tournaments, PLUS putting together 20 teams (30% of our total membership) for the California State Bowling Tournament. I have to issue cards to new and renewal members and issue awards to anyone earning one.
I am still being conned into doing workers compensation audits for one company. I determine the premium they are due. They own 35 convalescent homes in California and 5 in Utah, they also own a local gold (Did John mean "golf") course and restaurant plus a construction firm that does all of the maintenance work at the homes. It takes me about two weeks a year. I jokingly say that I only work 15 days a year. Oh well $2,500 ain't too shabby.
I am heavily into genealogy. I have about 58,000 names in my data base. Thank goodness for computers. In addition to my own "digging", I am now the editor of two newsletters.
Now you see why I ought to go back to work.
From Peter Langer Jul 18th:
Shirley and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary by taking the family on a weeklong cruise. We have four children with spouses and nine grand-children. The seas were smooth, sunny weather, and we all enjoyed a great reunion. Shirley and I got married at the Bolling AFB chapel when I was an A1C assigned to OSI.
From Frank Walls Jul 18th:
Yesterday it hit 117 in Las Vegas, a record for the day. However relief is in sight and we're expecting a rapid cold front to move through, with today 115 and as low as 108 by Friday.
From Cliff Kinnunen Jul 18th:
Not much is happening with me. My wife (Sue) has stage 6 (of 7 stages) Alzheimer's disease. I am her caregiver, so that just about takes up all my time. I do get a few breaks. My children, especially my middle daughter give me a break now and then: at least once per week. Then a lady we have known for quite some time comes over and stays with my wife while I go to church on Sunday mornings. I haven't been able to travel much, since someone has to come along to take my wife to the bathroom, etc. while we are on the road. I have gotten in a couple baseball games this year (St Louis Cardinals).
Otherwise I am nurse, house- keeper, laundryman, gardener, and whatever else needs done around home
From Bob Lee Jul 18th:
Patty and I are enjoying country living. We are both OK at this time. I had back surgery in Jan 05, to correct a severe sciatic nerve problem. Then I had my recurring coughing/ shortness of breath/body weakness problem in March and April.
In May I had my gall bladder removed. For now we are both OK health-wise. I golf three to four times a week and I am still trying to become a good golfer!
I hope to go out west next winter and avoid the Missouri spring weather, which I believe is the cause of my spring respiratory woes. We are thinking of pulling a trailer this time and doing some exploring for the perfect winter hideaway.
I really liked what I have seen at Alamogordo, NM. But the temps may be a little too cool in Jan-Mar. Does anybody in our circle live there?
From Ben Larsen on Jul 19th:
First and most importantly, I have remarried and here is my new bride, Alma:
Alma and I at our home in Alaska.
One of our most important activities is fishing. We go to the Pacific halibut grounds, our favorite fishing spot. My stepson Bill navigates for me, the new USAF type skipper.
I have tons of adventure to talk about. Our life here in Alaska is fantastic. Our next trip will be to follow the pipeline (in our Subaru) to the top of the world, aka Prudhoe Bay/Dead Horse. Don't worry, we will definitely watch out for Polar Bears.
Note: The above is a synopsis of the e-mail from Ben. He sent a lot of Alaska pictures but space precludes printing them all here. Congratulate him on the new bride. I'm sure he will respond with pictures
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