Lee High School - Huntsville Alabama Alumni

Remembering

Veteran's Day

by Bob Ramsey

Class of '64

(Reprinted from Veteran's Day 2002)

The people in Leavenworth, Kansas, a small town northwest of Kansas City, know how to throw a parade. They celebrate not only the major holidays, but also numerous local events. And the best parade of all is the Veterans Day parade. In this town where you can go anywhere and return in less than twenty minutes, every year the Veterans Day parade lasts over an hour and the sidewalks are always crowded, whether fair or foul weather. Each year, I go to participate in this local remembrance, to show my support to those who serve and served our country, and to remember those with whom I soldiered: Hugh Brown of Talladega who befriended me my first year at West Point, KIA in Vietnam; Paul Sawtelle who was my roommate in New Cadet Barracks, KIA in Vietnam; Ron Hunt who was my best man at our wedding, WIA in Vietnam and an amputee several years later from his wounds; John Woodrum who ushered at our wedding, KIA in Vietnam; Carl and Susan Smith who were our neighbors at Ft. Campbell and life-long friends; the planeload of soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 502 Infantry, who perished in the crash at Gander; and the numerous men and women and their families with whom we were privileged to serve during twenty-four years service.

When Tommy asked me to write something about Sandra's and my life in the Army, I felt it would be more appropriate on Veterans Day that all those from our class who served or whose spouse served should be acknowledged. I remember talking at our ten-year reunion with Vietnam veterans Joe Barran who served with the Marines, Wayne Deason who served with the Navy, and hearing of the fine Army record of Mike Chisam, to name but a few and talking with others C.E. Wynn, Rainer Klauss, and J.R. Brooks who served other places or in the National Guard or the Reserve. I hope this story of our family two classmates will be followed by stories from other military veterans from the Class of 64.

Despite recommendations and effort, I failed to get an appointment to West Point upon high school graduation. Disappointed, I went off to study engineering at Tennessee Tech. That winter, after almost enlisting in the Army, I was persuaded to try for West Point again. So, I sent off my 1st quarter grades and a brief note asking to be reconsidered. This time I received an alternate appointment and underwent testing. In late May, I was accepted and on 1 July I became a New Cadet. That fall, out-of-the-blue, I received a letter from Sandra Schiff, then a nursing student at the University of Alabama Nursing School, congratulating me on becoming a cadet. Letters were exchanged, interspersed with dates and visits, which culminated in a marriage engagement. Since cadets cannot be married and Sandra graduated from nursing school in 1967, we maintained a long-distance relationship for a couple of years. Upon graduation, I was commissioned an infantry officer with orders for Vietnam. Ten days later, 14 June 1969, Sandra and I were married at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Huntsville.

After the obligatory schooling at Ft. Benning, GA officer basic, airborne, ranger, we went to a six-month assignment with the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC. Then Sandra returned to Huntsville to work when I went to Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, serving as a rifle platoon leader and company commander. I spent most of my tour in Binh Dinh provence north of Quinh Nhon in Phy My disrict. Binh Dinh was the northern most coastal province in II Corps. My unit returned to Ft. Campbell, KY in August 1971 and eventually became a part of the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). While there, I commanded units for almost 2 ½ years; Sandra saw little of me because of field training. We did, however, see each other enough for our son, Ronald Paul, to be born there.

Following the infantry officer advanced course at Ft. Benning, I left Sandra and Ron in Huntsville, when the Army sent me to Korea to serve with the 2nd Infantry Division. This unaccompanied tour was followed by two years of graduate study in history at Rice University. While in Houston, our daughter Rebecca Carol was born. After graduate school, I taught in the Department of History at West Point for three years. Then Sandra and the kids moved to Chattanooga, TN, to be close to my folks, while I went to Korea again, serving this time as an operations and plans officer on the staff of the Combined Field Army (ROK/US). Upon returning to the US, I attended the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth. During this year, Sandra returned to part-time nursing and developed a dislike for Leavenworth.

We were pleased to receive orders back to Ft. Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). I served as a battalion and then brigade operations officer for three years. Shortly after arrival, my battalion departed for six months to the Sinai as part of the Multinational Force and Observers that was put in place by the Camp David Accords. That is where I got the Christmas card from Sandra asking if I realized that I had not been home for Christmas two out of the last three years a personal reminder of the sacrifices that all military families undergo. Mixed emotions met the orders to return to Ft. Leavenworth. I became a member of the Combat Studies Institute, the history department of the staff college. However, after two years there, Sandra and the kids actually liked Ft. Leavenworth. Of course, that meant time to move again. This time we went to Ft. Jackson, SC, where I commanded a basic training battalion. After that two-year tour ended, we returned to Ft. Leavenworth and the Combat Studies Institute for our last four years service. On 31 August 1993, I retired from the Army.

After over twenty-four years service, fifteen moves, 3 ½ unaccompanied tours, innumerous separations with Sandra home alone with our children, we became civilians. With the kids in high school and then college, Sandra began working full-time at a local hospital and I worked for a defense contractor. Ron graduated from Tennessee Tech. He teaches biology and runs the summer program at St. Andrews Academy in Sewanee, TN. Last August, he climbed Mt. Rainer. Rebecca, who swore she would never marry anyone in the Army, graduated from Kansas State with a degree in accounting. After running a marathon at Disney World, she, out-of-the-blue, received a letter from an old high school flame who was a West Point cadet. Jeremy and Rebecca are now married (so much for never) and living at Ft. Knox, KY.

Reflecting back nine years after retiring from the US Army, I am convinced that our family has been truly blessed not every day, but more days than not. First, we live in an amazing country not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but compared to any other, it sure seems to beat the alternatives hands down. Second, we were privileged to serve with men and women and their families who daily submitted to the demands and dangers of military service, both in peace and in war, to ensure our fellow Americans could enjoy the joys of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Third, we were able to create a family, not without the proverbial ups and downs, that could withstand the trials and tribulations and take advantage of the many opportunities of military service.

To end on a personal note, Sandra and I welcome hearing from friends from the past. What is written above is a brief sketch maybe too brief and maybe too serious; if so, I apologize. However, if you contact us, we can share with you numerous tales that will make you laugh and some that will make you cry. We can be reached by mail at 2212 South 19th Street Terrace, Leavenworth, KS 66048; by phone at 913-651-9435; or by email at rramsey@lvnworth.com. We look forward to hearing from you and to reading about veterans and their families in future Veterans Day stories.

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Recentely the editor contacted John and asked for his side of the story about how he became a general. Below is his answer:

"Tommy, I have to tell you my rank was reached by being lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, and having the right people around me who made me look good. I didn't think I was ever going to make major!

After graduating from Lee in 1966 I went to Alabama, majored in physics (and ROTC). I was commissioned a 2LT of infantry in 1970, went to airborne and Ranger schools, then the 82nd Airborne Division, and then to Vietnam. I was an infantry platoon leader there 1971-2. I came back and joined the 101st Airborne Division, eventually making captain and becoming a company commander. I saw Dennis Overcash (Lee 1966) in 1973 at Fort Stewart, GA and Phil Stewart (Lee 1966) in 1975 at Fort Campbell. I got out of the Army in 1975, went back to graduate school at Alabama, and joined the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) of the Alabama National Guard. Others in the Group from Lee included David Bess, C.E. Wynn, and John Fulda. I became Special Forces qualified and rose through the ranks in the 20th, eventually commanding it during 1994-7. The 20th is spread over seven states! In 1997 I was picked to be the deputy commanding general of Special Forces Command, which commands all Army Special Forces (called Green Berets by civilians). I spent four years there half time (other half working at SAIC in Huntsville), including six months as acting commanding general. I moved to the standby reserve in 2001, only to get called up after 9/11 to be the deputy commanding general of the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. Later I commanded a combined joint special operations task force for four months in Afghanistan. I reached mandatory retirement (five years time in grade) in 2002, so now I am fully employed back at SAIC in Huntsville, where I get to see many of my Lee friends often."

Here is the official list of his MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS from the National Guard Website. You can see all his info by clicking on this link: http://www.ngb.army.mil/ngbgomo/library/bio/scales_jr.htm

Legion of Merit

Bronze Star

Meritorious Service Medal (2)

Army Commendation Medal (2)

Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (4)

National Defense Service Medal (2)

Armed Forces Reserve Medal (w/Silver Hour Glass)

Army Service Ribbon

Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon (5)

Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device

RVN Cross of Gallantry (unit)

Combat Infantryman's Badge

Special Forces Tab

Ranger Tab

Master Parachutist's Badge

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A Veteran's Widow

Remembers

by Cherri Polly Massey

Class of '66

(Reprinted from Veteran's Day 2002)

As I wrote a few weeks ago, my husband, Ray, and I just got back from a trip to Tennessee by way of Huntsville. When we visited Lee High School, we were allowed to go to Hall 1 where there is a display of trophies and other memorabilia from the early classes that attended there. I believe it is called the "Wall of Fame", You may already be aware of it, but I'm attaching a photo taken of the picture and plaque for my first husband, Dennis Faber (Class of 1965) who was killed in an Air Force C-130 plane crash. It is among plaques for Lee alumni who were killed on active duty. Dennis was the only one from the first three classes. And all of the others were killed in Vietnam. There was a photo of Dennis and a plaque which stated:

Faber, Dennis

Class of 1965

Capt. USAF

Died 8 September 1978, Flight Training, Arkansas, Age 30

Does anyone know who provided the information to whoever put up this display ? I don't know where they got the 5x7 photo of Dennis. I suspect it may have been Dennis's mother, but she is deceased so I can't ask her. Dennis's nieces who live in Huntsville are the ones who told me about the display at their grandmother's funeral a couple of years ago. One of them attended Lee for awhile.

There is also a display of engraved plaques for Lee students who served in Vietnam. I wrote down the ones from the classes of 64, 65, and 66. Some were decorated veterans.

Following is the list of our Classmates on the Wall of Fame who served in Vietnam

Robert Gorum, Class of 65, USN

James Pierce, Class of 64, USAF

Billy Taylor Wright, Class of 66, Army

Steve Bennet, Class of 65, Army, Bronze Star

John Scales, Class of 66, Army National Guard,

Bronze Star

Everett Broulette, Class of 65, Army, Bronze Star and Viet Cross

William Glough, Jr., Class of 65, USMC, Viet Cross

Charles Treece, Class of 65, Alabama National Guard

John Fulda, Class of 65, Alabama National Guard

Jack Meeks, Class of 65, Alabama National Guard

I hope that we can get the display updated with the ones of you who were left out. All of you need to be recognized. I also wanted to tell you that I am ordering a memorial brick for the new walk in memory of Dennis.

As for me, after Dennis died, friends were reluctant to let me know who else was killed after him. ( Editor's Note: There were seven other aircrew members killed in the crash with Dennis, part of the five C-130 aircaft crashes in 1978 that killed a total of 27 Air Force personnel.) The entire squadron was devastated and families worried terribly when their men had to go on a mission. The 4-year-old son of dear friends of ours cried one morning when his daddy had to leave. He said, "Is your plane going to crash, Daddy?" It was affecting even the youngest who adults thought didn't understand what was going on. The squadron commander retired because he couldn't bear to ring another doorbell and tell a wife that her husband was dead. What a burden he had!

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Attention Vietnam Veterans

Let's Stand Up

And Be Counted

by Tommy Towery

(Reprinted from Veteran's Day 2002)

I agree with what Cherri said above, that it is way past time that we get Lee High School to update the Vietnam Veteran's Board in the Wall of Fame. I will start the list here with some names that I know of, and I need anyone who is not listed above or listed by me to send me your information. When we compile the list, we will contact the powers at be at Lee and get these names added, even if we have to pay for it ourselves.

Mike Griffith, Class of 66, Army

Mike Kuettner, Class of 65, USMC

Roger Pentecost, Class of 66, USMC

Bob Ramsey, Class of 64, Army

Tommy Towery, Class of 64, USAF

Bob Walker, Class of 64, Army

So classmates, if you received the Vietnam Service Medal, we want you to add your name to the list. I think it is only fair that we show the future generations of Lee students that we were there.

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Bob Alverson

Class of '65

Add me to the list of veterans. I was a Viet Nam Era veteran but did not serve in Nam. I did do direct support in communications from the Philippines and then went to Hawaii directly supporting four Apollo landings.

I have always been a history buff, particularly World War II. My four years in the Navy was all in the Pacific area, which is my main interest in World War II.

My last duty station was Fleet Weather Center, Pearl Harbor. While stationed there Mary and I made several trips to the Arizona Memorial. One trip stands out more in my mind than any other.

December 7, 1969 was an overcast Sunday. I had duty that day. When Mary picked me up we were already at Pearl so we decided to go out to the memorial. Since it was the last launch of the day making the trip there were very few people aboard. There had been the normal ceremony on the Arizona that morning and all the flowers were still in place. As I stood before the wall with all the names of those who died aboard the Arizona on that faithful morning I had a sense of reverence for all who had served before me and a sense of pride that I was able to serve my country in some fashion.

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Rodney Vandiver

Class of '65

I served in the US Navy from 66-70 got out as a 2nd Class Aviation Fire Control Radar Technician.

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Rick Edmonds

Class of '65

Here is my info:

1965-1969 U.S. Army Reserves

I attended the University of North Alabama (then Florence State University) and was enrolled in the Army ROTC program and enlisted in the Army Reserves. Four months away from graduation, I was asked to leave school (I had discovered beer and decided it was more fun to go drinking than attend classes). Since I was no longer in ROTC, I received my Honorable Discharge and my draft notice in the same day's mail!! I then decided it was time for the next stage of my life......

1969-1973 U.S. Navy

While in the Navy, I attended boot camp at Orlando Florida, Radioman "A" School at Bainbridge, MD and High Speed Morse Code "C" School at Newport, RI. I was then assigned (did not volunteer) to a submarine (USS James Madison). Since I was not a volunteer, they then assigned me to the USS Guam (LPH-9), homeported out of Norfolk, VA, where I happily spent the last three years of my enlistment. I had two three-month cruises to the Caribbean, and two six-month cruises to the Mediterannean, including one where we did not see land for 60 days (during the Jordanian civil war) along with numerous other, shorter cruises. The Guam was the first ship in the world to deploy the Harrier jump jets (AV-8A's) assigned to the Marine Corps and I was fortunate enough to be aboard during the time when the ship was performing the testing and then for three cruise deployments. Following my four yeaars active duty, I remained in the Naval Reserves for two more years and got my second Honorable Discharge in 1975.

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John Scales

Class of '66

Just to add a few I know about:

Bob McIlveen (1965), a dentist, was in the Army Reserve or National Guard (I think Washington State) for many years. He still lives up there.

Frank Sliz (1966) was on active duty 1970-72 as an ordnance officer, mainly at White Sands Missile Range. He is now in a suburb of Portland, OR working for HP.

Lance Wood (1967, but he started in the class of 1966 and fell a little behind) was an Army machine gunner in Vietnam. I saw him last just after he returned and just before I left to go there.

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Skip Cook

Class of '64

I served in the Army 69 through 71. Was not stationed in Viet Nam.

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Nancy Taylor Sherrod

Class of '64

Tommy--My brother, Lamar Taylor, would have been class of ' 65served in the Marine Corps from August '64 until July '68. He served in Viet Nam from Sept. 67 until June 68. He represented the state of Alabama at the dedication of the WALL in Washington D.C. Just wanted to give you this information.

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Larry M. Seaver U.S.Army 65-68

Viet Nam 66-67 5/27 Artillery A Battery 1st Field Forces

Harry Renfroe U.S. Army 65-68

Viet Nam 66-67 Signal Battalion

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Richard (Ricky) Simmons

Class of '64

Note: A synopsis of my military experience follows:

USMC 1968-1974

Captain

Bombadier/Navigator

Gruman A6A Intruder

Nuclear Weapons Courier

Embarkation Officer, VMA (AW) 121

Group Adjutant, Mag 14

Career/Retention Officer, MAG 41

Embarkation Officer, H&MS 41

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Mike Boggs

Class of '64

I was in the Air Force from '67 to '71. I was in communications security and was a Staff Sgt. my last year. Got to see a lot of the world on Uncle Sugar's dime.

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Paula Spencer Kephart

Class of '65

Dwight Kephart, Class of '64 was in the Army Reserve for six years-six months active duty , then six years weekend warrior. He was the only one in the 543rd Signal Corps. who could type, so he was the company clerkl. When he left he was an E5. He never went overseas, but was in many bases-Ft. Dix, Ft. Bragg, the one in Columbus, Ga., Fort Gordon, and Hattiesburg. I am sure there were others, but I just don't remember them. Dwight enjoyed the military, according to many of the stories I have heard. I don't know if you would consider this a veteran or not, but he did serve the full six years.

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Wayne Deason

Class of '64

I enlisted in the Navy in 1965 and earned a commission in 1970. I served aboard the destroyer Craig and carrier Lexington. Also served shore duty in Key West, Keflavik Iceland, Lock Striven Scotland and Norfolk Va. I retired in 1995 at the rank of Commander, USNR

I noticed Mike Chism and Wayne Turrentine were not listed and I feel sure both served, Mike in the Army and I don't know about Wayne.

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Butch Adcock

Class of '64

I'm a veteran. Got drafted in October, 1966 and served two years in the army. Did basic at Ft. Benning (Sand Hill), AIT at Ft. McClellan (Chemical) and most of the rest at Ft. Bragg. Spent a few weeks in Dugway, Utah right after all those sheep were killed.

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Elbert Balch

Class of '65

I was drafted into the Army in December 1967. I boarded a bus, at the building which housed the offices of the local draft board on Clinton Avenue, and wound up at Fort Benning , Georgia some time late one night in mid-December. After spending weeks of basic training at Sand Hill, I was supposed to ship out to Leesville, LA for AIT.

It didn't happen. Instead, I was offered the option of going to an eight month missile electronics school at Redstone Arsenal (of all places!!!) in exchange for one additional year of active duty. It was too good to resist! ( I didn't know it at the time, but, the systems I would be trained on were never deployed in Vietnam and kept me from being sent there.)

I completed my training at Redstone in 1968 and then was assigned as a PFC to the US Army Armored Engineering Board at Ft. Knox, KY. It was great duty working on electronic sub-systems with Army and civilian personnel. I made E-5 pretty quickly and settled in to having a lot of fun as a GI stationed at Ft. Knox until I was discharged from active duty in December of 1970.

Although I was drafted and served three years active duty in the US Army, I do not consider myself a veteran. My friends and countless other individuals who went voluntarily or were drafted and sent to foreign places to serve and fight for us are the veterans. They deserve all the respect and honor that can be given to them!!!

Randy Sherrill

Classof '65

I was commission a 2LT in Field Artillery out of the Auburn ROTC Program in August 1970. I completed the Officer Basic Course at Ft. Sill, OK and was assigned to the 2nd BCT BDE at Ft. Dix, NJ. My active duty was during the Vietnam demobilization so I spent my tour of duty at Ft. Dix. I was realeased from active duty in 1972 and remained in the active Army Reserve until I retired in 1992. as a LTC.

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Harold Shepard

Class of '67

I see you have included the Class of '67 so count me in I spent four years with the Navy Seabees from 68-70 and 73-75. Just a note to add, the class of '67 lost four who gave their all in Vietnam. Their names are below:

1. Jimmy Kiger (USMC)

Casualty was on Sep 17, 1966

in QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM

HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY

GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE

2. Frankie Acton (US Army)

His tour of duty began on May 20, 1965

Casualty was on Apr 11, 1966

SOUTH VIETNAM

HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY

GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE

3. David Mallory (USMC)

His tour of duty began on Jan 17, 1969

Casualty was on Feb 25, 1969

in QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM

HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY

OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE

4. Sam Smith (US Army)

His tour of duty began on Feb 06, 1968

Casualty was on Jul 14, 1968

in QUANG NAM, SOUTH VIETNAM

HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY

OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE

Also add Ronald Steel to your list. He passed away this spring with a massive heart attact. He was highly decorated US Army Vietnam Vet. and a close friend. I will miss him. Glad I got the chance to get out to the football game. I really enjoyed setting up there telling lies with Larry Seavers and Jerry Brewer. Tommy, you do one hell of a job keeping all of this together.

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J. Whitt Singleton

Class of '67

I read Harold Shepard's letter detailing the members of the class of '67 that died and want to add two more names to that list. One that joined the Marines before graduating was Ed Huff. The other was Ronnie Smith, a Marine that did graduate in '67. Let us never forget these and all the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Ronnie Smith (USMC)

His tour of duty began on Dec 19, 1967

Casualty was on May 28, 1968

in QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM

HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY

GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE

Ed Huff (USMC)

His tour of duty began on Dec 23, 1966

Casualty was on Oct 27, 1967

in QUANG NAM, SOUTH VIETNAM

HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY

DROWNED, SUFFOCATED

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Jan Hunt (L) - Class of '66

I am on the left in the photo above with the big plastic frame glasses and my Lee High School graduation ring showing on my right hand. I am very proud to have served my country. I have PTSD pretty bad and it hurts kinda bad to put details down but I'll send some service times and awards for the records.

I entered the US Army in August of 1967 and was assigned to A Battery 3/13th Artillery "The Clan", 25th Infantry Division, Republic of Vietnam 1968-69, Two Purple Hearts with Oakleaf cluster, Two Army Commendation Medals, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm leaf, and 6 other US Army medals for merit, service and training. In the Alabama National Guard NCO Academy as Drill Instructor. Retired from US Army Reserve in 1993 as First Sergeant HHC 926th Engineers. I often dream of my Brothers in arms who are now gone to stand in the formation of our Lord's Army and how I yearn to stand with them once more.

I still write to my brothers-in-arms that I served with. There is just four others and myself that I know of that fought at FSB Maury and are still alive. God bless the families of those that didn't come home. The young boy that saved my life by physically carrying me to safety died later that morning. I think about Garrett Timothy O'Conner every night I try to fall asleep. We all must pray for the safety of our troops today.

I have many funny military stories as well as sad ones. Glad, bad, sad, they are still my memories.

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Skip Cook - Class of '64

I entered the Army in January 1969 and went to Basic and AIT at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. I attended OCS at Ft. Belvoir, Va.- commissioned 5 Dec 69 as a 2Lt. in the Ordnance Corp. Stationed at Redstone Arsenal in the Surface-To-Air/Development project manager’s office until leaving the service in December 1971. SAM-D later became the Patriot missile system.

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Brian Pfeiffer - Class of '64

Army, '66 - '70, Army Security Agency, three years southern Germany, south of Munich. I also am proud of my service and take offense at anyone who takes you or any of us to task for honoring Memorial or Veterans Day.

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Rod Vandiver - Class of '65

I never really considered myself a veteran since I didn't go to battle, although I served in the Navy from July 66 to July 70. But I am so proud of the fact that I served. My father was in WW2 and the Korean War. The fact that I served got me some points when I took the test for the San Diego Police Dept and maybe that is why I made it. Now after 31 years of service to the City of San Diego I am finally retired. And my friend, Mike Storm, whom I have not seen since 1965, will also soon retire. He served in the military and Police also. I have a real feeling of closeness to those who gave up years of their lives and some their lives to serve their country. Don't let anyone sway you from remembering the vets. Veterans day is Veterans day and no one else's. We can celebrate everyone else on another day.

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Bryan Towery - Class of '66

Please add the following to the Vietnam Service list: US Navy.

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W. Dale Meyer - (Would have been) Class of '66

I was dismayed to read that honoring veterans could ever be construed to be right wing. I usually take this day and call all my fellow veterans to thank them for their service on their day. We bask in freedom because veterans allowed us to enjoy these freedoms...lest we forget. Former HM2

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Jim Betterton, Class of '64

I served in the U.S.Air Force Security Service during the Vietnam years, from April, 1966 through July, 1973. I was a Staff Sergeant when I completed my service. I served at Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo, Texas. I served at Headquarters, USAF Security Service, San Antonio, Texas. I served in Southeast Asia at Korat Royal Thai Air Base in Thailand, at Udorn RTAB in Thailand, at Ramasun Station in Thailand (not far from Vientiene, Laos), and at numerous places and remote sites throughout Europe (England, West Germany, Italy, and Greece).

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Charlie Hancock - Class of '66

We Veterans appreciate your efforts.

I was a Navy Hospital Corpsman and served with grunts of the First Marine Division as an infantry medic in Vietnam. I was shot at and missed. I realize now all these years later that The Lord made me bulletproof and invisible to the enemy. Still not sure why. I'm very honored to have served with such brave men. I never fired a round while in VN. When shooting started, I had other priorities; wounded to bandage and medevac.

I'm Chaplain this year of my Marine Corps League Detachment and active in Toys 4 Tots.

My service was Mar, 1968 thru Dec, 1971. I got a 90 day early out to return to college. (They were as glad to see me go as I was to leave.) Nearly 3 of my 4 yrs were attached to Marine units. I was never in the Real Navy. I was however attached to the Real Marine Corps. I hold the Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service, National Defense and good conduct ribbon. I think I'm eligible for the VN Campaign ribbon too but it's not on my DD 214. At this point in my life, I don't care.

I think those who escaped military service missed out. Period. Their lives would have different I think for all of them. Probably better. But not everyone can serve. I think that's too bad. I'm all for mandatory two-year minimum for nearly everyone with few exceptions.

Thanks for the Pro-Veteran stance!

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Michael Griffith, Class of '66

U.S. Army - Vietnam 1969-70, Bronze Star

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Mike Vaughn - Class of '65

I completed the two year Army ROTC program while in law school. The two-year progam involved attending two six-week summer camps (one at Ft. Knox, KY and the other at Ft. Bragg, NC) and doing the last two years of the normal ROTC classroom work. When we were commissioned in 1972 Vietnam was winding down and they did not need most so we were put on active duty for six months and then placed in the Individual Ready Reserve. I completed the Armor Officer Basic Course at Ft. Knox, KY and then was assigned to the Weapons Department as an instructor for the balance of my brief tour. I later learned about the Roundout Program in which a few Guard and Reserve units were assigned to fill a slot in the TO&E of a regular Army unit and would deploy with that unit if it ever deployed. As a result, the units got the best equipment and training, including training with the parent units each summer. I joined the 3/117 Mech Infantry BN of the Tennessee Army National Guard, which was part of the Third Armored Division at Ft. Hood, TX. The Air National Guard flew us to training each year at Ft. Hood. Later we were transferred to the 4th Mech. Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, CO and flew there for AT. When the Roundout program was phased out, we became an Armored Cavalary Squadron. I was a captain when I got out and had served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Executive Officer of a Rifle Company, HQ Company Commander and S3 of the BN. I have been out of the unit for many years now, but my old unit has served proudly and well in Iraq where it sustained a number of casualties.

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How I spent my Veteran’s Day

by Tommy Towery

Class of '64

(Reprinted from Veteran's Day 2005)

I don’t think Veteran’s Day is just another day…call me corny if you like. To me it is a special day, even though I work for an institution of higher learning that does not believe so. I have to take a vacation day every year so I can do the kind of things I feel like I should do and I enjoy doing on this day.

I got up this morning and put on my flight suit that I wear when I march in the parade. It does not meet “inspection.” I’ve added a few things, a rack of my real medals and a “Cold War Medal,” a B-52 airplane pin, a few extra patches. I wore a “Retired Air Force” baseball hat, and I had Captain’s bars on my flight suit and Major’s leaves on my jacket. I do that for my own special reason. This year I added another special ornament to my uniform – my Carswell AFB “Alert Crew” badge, which I used to wear when I pulled nuclear alert in the B-52.

I got to the parade early and visited with a small group of veterans with whom I have marched for the last several years. I talked to a few, including one IMT from my RC-135 days who is now a cop and rides a Harley with a POW group of riders. I talked to a WWII friend of my late step-father’s, and a couple of crusty old WWII sailors. I talked with a man who had flown B-24 bombing missions from Okinawa to Japan. I talked to a former “Wild Weasel” EWO who is now in the Coast Guard auxiliary. I talked to a retired Army Colonel who landed at Anzio. I talked about my own father who had charged onto Omaha Beach on D-Day and stepped on a landmine and lost a leg. I shook hands with black and white and old and young. I said hello to a Pearl Harbor survivor. There was not a large number there, but there was a proud number.

I was asked to carry the US Air Force service flag at the beginning of the parade. I walked beside a WWII sailor who had to use a cane to walk, but still carried his service flag in the other hand. We marched at the head of the formation, but behind the American Flag and the POW flag.

We marched down the street of Memphis. The sidewalks were lined with business people taking early lunches so they could come out and watch the parade. On the curb set several schools of kindergarten kids who waved at the veterans and the flags. There was a review stand manned by several who no longer had the strength in their frail bodies to make the several city blocks march. There were high school bands and ROTC units. There was not an AFROTC unit from the university any more. When ROTC was no longer mandatory, the marching stopped.

I got to the end of the parade and started back to my car. I stopped as each unit’s American Flag passed me and I stood at attention and saluted until it passes. Some people looked at me strangely for doing that – wondering why I did. I talked to some of the people who had stood and clapped as we had earlier paraded past them.

I decided to take the rest of the day off. On my way home I passed the Memphis National Cemetery and I silently told the white markers. “Good work men, we’re proud of you…thanks.” When I got home I took off my uniform and hung it in the closet with a prayer that I get to put it back on next year and march once more in the parade with all the great unknown and sometimes unappreciated men in my little group.

I spent the rest of the evening packing up my latest book for mailing. It is a collection of B-52 stories from the men who flew them in peacetime and in wartime. It includes a story from a crewmember on the first B-52 shot down over Hanoi and became a POW. It also has a story from the pilot of the last B-52 shot down in Southeast Asia. It has stories from 17 different authors who had a chance to tell their own little part of their story.

I turned on my computer and had a Happy Veteran’s Day message from a retired B-52 gunner who crewed with a friend of mine in Guam and Thailand. I met him at the B-52 Association get-together in Wichita a few years ago and got to know better from the stories he submitted for the book. I also had several messages from some of my classmates who have learned in the last few years that I do take Veteran’s Day seriously. Thanks to all of you who remembered.

Thanks to all of you who also served to preserve this country's freedom. I salute you all.

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Fred Sanders and A-7 Corsair

Four Acres Of Steel

by Fred Sanders

Class of '66

(Reprinted from Veteran's Day 2003)

I did four years in the USAF on active duty one year out of high school after a year at UAH. Then when I got out of the USAF, I went back to UAH and got an engineering degree in 12 straight quarters. While still in school, I had applied for pilot training in the USAF and was accepted, then when the Arab oil embargo hit in '74, the AF sent me a letter saying that they could not use any more pilots but would love to have me as a navigator. So I immediately contacted the Navy and signed on the dotted line.

I went through Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola for 16 weeks, under the watchful eye of a charming and soft spoken Marine Drill Instructor. After primary flight training at Pensacola, I got selected to

fly jets, then on to Meridian Mississippi. I flew the T2-C and the TA-4J and got my wings, then was selected to fly the A-7. I went to the RAG (Replacement Air Group) to learn the A-7, where my Exec. Officer was John McCain. (He has mellowed a little in 25 years, but not much!) When I got checked out in the A-7, I flew out to join my squadron at sea, and saw my new home for the first time from the air. It was the biggest flight deck I had ever seen in my life - four acres of steel. (The ship we landed on in the training command was the Lexington, the smallest deck in the fleet.) The AirBoss on the Kennedy gave me two hook-up passes to let me get acclimated to the new ship then ordered me hook-down. So, that was my welcome into the 6th Fleet.

I did two cruises in VA-46 (Attack Squadron 46) on the Kennedy and the workups on the new carrier, Eisenhower. Then just before another cruise, I was given orders back to the Pensacola area to Whiting field as an instructor pilot. I taught there for 2 years, then got out of the Navy.

Altogether, I had 10 years active duty. I affiliated with the Naval Reserve and finally retired at the rank of Commander (O-5) in 1991 with 21 years of service. When I was all finished, I had about 2,500 hours of flight time and 248 arrested landings ("traps") at sea. Looking back, I am glad I did it, and REALLY glad I survived. So many who were better pilots that I who did not survive, and I saw more good men and close friends perish. Its a risky business and the exhilaration sometimes comes with a cost.

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Sometimes You Just Play

The Cards You Are Dealt

by Rainer Klauss

Class of '64

(Reprinted from Veteran's Day 2003)

Greetings, fellow veterans. Like many of our fathers, we early graduates of Lee faced the crucible of military service during a period of war. I know that several of my classmates (and others in the classes that followed) went in harm’s way and performed admirably, if not also heroically. Some went on to have long and accomplished military careers. Others, like me, rendered unremarkable but nonetheless honorable service. Whatever your tours of duty, I salute you. I offer this brief account of my Army days purely for its limited entertainment value.

When I graduated from Auburn in June, 1968, Admiral Thomas Moorer, a famous son of Alabama, gave the commencement address. At that time he was the Chief of Naval Operations, and a few years later he reached the pinnacle of his career by being appointed Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff. Underlying the pride and joy of my accomplishment that day was the sober realization that my draft deferment ended the instant I accepted the diploma. Although I have no recollection of Admiral Moorer’s speech, his message must have been of the times, the necessity of supporting our country during those difficult days. Whatever he said, his very presence as a representative of the establishment drove home the inescapable fact that for the next few years my life would have a strong military flavor.

In an attempt to take my future into my own hands, I tried to become an Air Force officer a few weeks after graduation. I drove down to Maxwell AFB in Montgomery for the qualifying tests and physical examination, but my fly-boy career never got off the ground. It was revealed very quickly that I was partially color-blind, and since the Air Force could afford to be choosy in those days, taking only pilot candidates and college graduates who had been smart enough to complete four years of Air Force ROTC (like the young lieutenants Thomas Towery and Mike Jett), the wild blue yonder was closed to me. I would not dance the skies on laughter-silvered wings (not until many years later, that is, when I did the Bulldog Boogaloo over Athens, Georgia with Woody Beck and his bright and shiny Cessna 170).

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