Contact Information: Change existing to the information provide here
Norman I. (Skip) Lee
Tel: Cell: (520)241-3498
E-Mail: 54wrs@msn.com
Address: 63119 E. Cat Claw Lane
Tucson, AZ 85739-2056

There is a lot to report this time so best get started. First we need to cover notices from the AOG concerning the passing of two classmates. Frank A Black died on 27 June 2005 as the result of a motorcycle accident in Gainesville GA. A memorial service was held June 30^{th at the Antioch United Methodist Church in Gainesville. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Nancy Black at 1304 Springdale Rd NE, Gainesville GA 30501-2446}

Rod Himelberger died on 1 Aug 2005 in Dover DE as the result of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. A Memorial/Funeral service was held Aug 5th, at the Wesley Methodist Church in Dover with graveside services immediately following at the Veterans Cemetery in Bear DE. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Donna Himelberger at 24 Mikell Dr, Dover DE 19901-5788.

The July 2005 issue of Checkpoints highlighted the return of our classmate and friend Lee Adams from the Vietnam War. Lucky Ekman sent a report about the funeral held at Beal AFB part of which is included here: “Jim and Chan Kuhn and I were there to represent the class of 1963. Our Air Force was well represented by virtually all the senior leadership at Beale AFB in a very touching tribute from the current generation to ours, and to our friend, in a full military honor funeral, including firing party, taps and a flyby. The members of Lee's squadron at the time of his shoot down were represented with memorabilia including the 333 TFS battle flag that flew over the squadron building at Takhli and a picture of all current members beneath the static display F-105D at Seymour Johnson AFB. Lee was one of our best.”

Bob Hayes and I talked about plans for the annual class gathering at the Army football game on November 5th. Kick-off at Falcon Stadium is 1:30 pm. The game is slated for ESPN so as with the Navy game last year a possibility exists for a date/time change. For classmates planning to be there we can expect the usual pre-game tailgate in the Stadium’s NW parking lot. After the game a catered dinner is planned for the AOG Building and of course the annual Cup Ceremony. Bob will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning the day’s events. He can be reached at home via e-mail: ^{bcahayes@adelphia.net or Tel: 719-481-9693. Linda and I got our game tickets last week through the Athletic Association (see the AOG Web page).}

This issue of the magazine may not be published before the Navy game (Oct 8 at Annapolis) but just in case Bob Venkus asked me to pass the word to any other Golden Boys who might be planning to be in Maryland in October, “we locals have a block of tickets on order that should permit our class to be together in the stadium's Air Force cheering section. Interested parties should contact me at e-mail ^{thevenk@aol.com or Tel 410-531-0133.”}

Steve Dotson wrote that his novel, The Light on the Star, is about a month away from publication. . Look for an advertisement for the book in this issue of Checkpoints where Ron Fogleman provided a testimonial for the ad. Also, Steve will conduct a book signing at Doolittle Hall on November 4th.. The proposed dedication of the book reads as follows: “For my father, C. Jefferson Dotson, who loved the Army Air Corps, the Army Air Forces and the Air Force; for my cousin, Jefferson Scott Dotson, an American fighter pilot who gave everything; and for my classmates, those magnificent gold tags of the Class of '63.” After reading a mock-up of the dust jacket for the book, I am sure we as a Class will find this book particularly interesting and it looks to be a terrific read

Jim Hannam reported that eight members of the Class of 63 attended the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots/Vietnam POWs reunion in Washington over Memorial Day Weekend. Events included a Flight Suit Party and wreath laying ceremonies at the Vietnam Memorial and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Speakers included Ross Perot and Medal of Honor Winner Bud Day. Dick Guild was the overall chairman of this superbly planned and executed event. Pictured below are six classmates who attended the Flight Suit Party. L to R: Jeff Heal, Dick Guild, Bob Venkus, Bob Hall, Jim Hannam, and Doug Hardgrave. Fred Frostic Jerry Driscoll and Jim Butt also attended the reunion.

Did you see Hank Hoffman’s poem, He Flew, published in the July 2005 Checkpoints? Look for it on Page 112. Really cool! He and Jeff Heal recently flew down to Great Exuma—Jeff was Captain and Hand was First Officer.

½ One half of a Mile Relay Team

Wedding Bells rang out this summer for two classmates: Doug Hardgrave and Jan Robertson were married July 29^th.

Doug and Jan

Johnnie Hall and Janet Lee Stephens were married on July 8^{th at the Villa at Lakeside Resort near Cookeville, TN. Dave Wilson and Dick Slowik attended the ceremonies. Look for a photo in the next issue and on the Web.}

Fred Lindahl wrote to tell us the Willie UPT class of 65B is planning a get together for Hamburg, GE next year—the Luftwaffe and German Navy filled one-third of the class. The last gathering, honcho'd by Hank Hoffman, was at the old stompin' ground in Arizona. Fred says he will be working next academic year at the Turku School of Economics and Business Administration in Finland while on sabbatical from his job at George Washington U. If any of you happen to be in the neighborhood of Turku, he hopes you'll drop in and say hello.

John Heimburger’s sojourn to France, Italy and Switzerland with pals from Continental Airlines and 20 year old son Hunter was full of excitement: biking, parasailing etc. Due to space limitations only a small part but a very telling part of the report can be published here. I will let John tell the story: “. . . .this Golden Boy solo'd a rented mountain bike 350 kms, over 9 Cols (passes), through 3 countries, joining the group back in Chamonix, France. Though I have been biking for several years and even rode a 720-mile segment from St. George, Utah, to Taos, NM, in 2004, I think the next time I have a brilliant idea like this I will rent a motorcycle or an Audi convertible. The task of climbing to the top of a 2500-meter pass like the Lance Armstrongs and Ivan Bassos is greatly understated!

Intrepid cyclist

A note from Barney Bartlett found in the Guest Book from the Class web page announced that son Austin is a member of the Class of 2009—that makes 3 three Golden Tag offspring in the 50 year class: Ralph Bacue’s daughter Stephanie, John Heimberger’s son Kais and Barney’s son Austin.

That’s it and it is a lot. Super inputs this time gang—thanks! Apologies for not including them all but will try to add more content to the Class Web Page. Hope to see many of you at the Army game come November. Until then, take care.