A Heartfelt Letter of Appreciation
LTG (R) Glynn “Coach” Mallory passed on 20 February 2020 and his wife Linda sent this letter of appreciation to the Class of ’72 for the special presentation of the P & T Award.
Proud and True Award Presentation
Classmates,
What a privilege to visit with Glynn and Linda -- truly great Americans. Kathleen and I enjoyed a range of stories from Glynn as a Tac (said he always insured he clicked the taps on his shoes so the E2 cadets would have a fighting chance) to stories about their early days of courtship to stories about them reaching out to burn patients at BAMC to stories about their fights v. cancer (Linda finished her cancer treatments the week Glynn was diagnosed). They both are such models of dignity and optimistic grace.
The award was very meaningful to Glynn -- he expressed gratitude to our class and to his beloved E2. I have attached a few photos. As well, he joked about "how unusual for someone to give an award to a TAC!" We gave Linda some yellow roses from our class as well. She is a sweetheart!
In all seriousness, Kathleen and I were greatly blessed by this visit with Team Mallory. May God comfort, strengthen, guide, and console them in the difficult days ahead.
Proud & True,
Bob
Notice of Lee Barnes Passing - October 25th
From Chris LeBlanc: Class of -72, hit your knees....The Lord just took Lee Roy Barnes, Jr. home just a few minutes ago. The doctors were weaning him off the ventilator and it appears his heart just could not take it. He’s gone… Lee has now just met his father for the first time, back on the reservation. For those that might not be aware, Lee Roy Sr. (for the love of me now, I cannot remember his tribal name) was an American Soldier, too, and was lost during the Korean War. He is buried in Kansas.
I will let folks know when I can what decisions are made for burial. Lee's son Chris is not sure yet. Stand by for more news, and stand up for a great American and Soldier.
Lee was in A-1.
I will let folks know when I can what decisions are made for burial. Lee's son Chris is not sure yet. Stand by for more news, and stand up for a great American and Soldier.
Lee was in A-1.
Lee Barnes - Biography
Lee Barnes joined the Army as an Armor Cavalry Second Lieutenant upon graduation from West Point in 1972; he retired at the rank of Colonel, in 1997.
His service included duty stations in Korea, Germany and United States. He served as a tank Platoon Leader, Headquarters Company Commander, Armored Cavalry Troop Commander, and Tank Battalion Commander (concurrently serving as the Tank Regiment Commander for the Opposing Forces at the National Training Center). His staff time included battalion personnel (S1and Adjutant), logistics (S4) and operations, planning, and training (Army National Guard Advisor, Battalion XO, Brigade S3 and XO, and Division G3). His final posting was as the Chief of the Advanced Concept Office for Army Forces Command.
Lee joined Mystech Associates, which joined Northrop Grumman Corporation through a series of mergers. Lee served as Subject Matter Expert, Business Area Manager, Department Director, National Account Manager, Business Development Manager, and finally, as the Corporate Lead Executive, Orlando, retiring in 2012.
Lee has served as an independent consultant, but chooses to remain RETIRED, except for his volunteer activities, fishing, golfing and grand parenting.
Lee initially volunteered in 2011, to help with the Camaraderie Foundation annual golf tournament, “Pars and Stripes Forever”. He was elected to the board of directors in January, 2013. He was elected as Programs Director in 2015, elected Vice Chair of the Board in 2017, as Chair in Jan 2018, and in Jan 2019, re-elected as Chair for an additional one-year term.
His service included duty stations in Korea, Germany and United States. He served as a tank Platoon Leader, Headquarters Company Commander, Armored Cavalry Troop Commander, and Tank Battalion Commander (concurrently serving as the Tank Regiment Commander for the Opposing Forces at the National Training Center). His staff time included battalion personnel (S1and Adjutant), logistics (S4) and operations, planning, and training (Army National Guard Advisor, Battalion XO, Brigade S3 and XO, and Division G3). His final posting was as the Chief of the Advanced Concept Office for Army Forces Command.
Lee joined Mystech Associates, which joined Northrop Grumman Corporation through a series of mergers. Lee served as Subject Matter Expert, Business Area Manager, Department Director, National Account Manager, Business Development Manager, and finally, as the Corporate Lead Executive, Orlando, retiring in 2012.
Lee has served as an independent consultant, but chooses to remain RETIRED, except for his volunteer activities, fishing, golfing and grand parenting.
Lee initially volunteered in 2011, to help with the Camaraderie Foundation annual golf tournament, “Pars and Stripes Forever”. He was elected to the board of directors in January, 2013. He was elected as Programs Director in 2015, elected Vice Chair of the Board in 2017, as Chair in Jan 2018, and in Jan 2019, re-elected as Chair for an additional one-year term.
'72 Classmates in Orlando
Here is the picture of all 72 classmates at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetary-A1 plus Chris Le Blanc, Steve Main and Ben Martin.
Lee Roy was well remembered and honored by many friends and associates. Skip did a great job sharing some remembrance for A-1 and Chris did the same. Ann was very appreciative of the company turnout!
Lee Roy was well remembered and honored by many friends and associates. Skip did a great job sharing some remembrance for A-1 and Chris did the same. Ann was very appreciative of the company turnout!
Classmates at Lee Barnes Funeral
Going around the table starting on the left are:
Chris LeBlanc; Tod Wilson; Murro Martens; Bill Guarino; Ray Idzior; Paul Oskvarek; Lee’s son Christopher; Skip Ash; Tom Waller; Steve Curtis; Tom Pawlowski; Steve Main
Chris LeBlanc; Tod Wilson; Murro Martens; Bill Guarino; Ray Idzior; Paul Oskvarek; Lee’s son Christopher; Skip Ash; Tom Waller; Steve Curtis; Tom Pawlowski; Steve Main
West Point Grad News
Now in Their 70s, Vietnam Vets Gather to Honor the Metairie Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Them
Their time together, that day in Vietnam, was less than half an hour. And they didn't see each other again for more than half a century. But when Army helicopter pilot A.W. Steed, who lives in Metairie, was finally reunited with three of the surviving members of the patrol he rescued from a firefight in Vietnam in 1967, it was an instantaneous, emotional bonding. “I usually stay in control, but tears came fairly easily for all of us,” said Robert Stowell '65, who led the six-man long-range reconnaissance patrol. “Because of A.W. and his courage, I have life. We all do.” Read more.
Hart '56 Releases Once A Soldier
COL(R) Rufus Renwick Hart '56 released "Once A Soldier". Once A Soldier is all about the author's four years at West Point (1952 - 1956) his tour in Vietnam and the trials and tribulations of his career. It answers all those questions of his life that his grandchildren will ask after he is gone. This story is told sometimes with great humor and occasionally with sadness, but always with accuracy and truth. As one of his classmates said, "It is a book not to be missed". Available on Amazon in Feb 2023
Pete Heimdahl '61 Inducted into Litchfield High School Hall of Fame
Pete “Heimdahl’s” '61 zest for life and sense of humor belies a man of integrity, intellect and perseverance. Not only has he received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service awards and Joint Service Commendation Medals on three separate occasions, Heimdahl '61 also retired as professor emeritus from University of Wisconsin-Stout after having served as a dean in the Engineering Department at West Point Academy. He served in the military for 31 years, with tours in Germany, Vietnam and Korea. And now, Heimdahl '61 is joining the Litchfield High School Hall of Fame. Read more.
Larry Perino '90 Discusses Life Lessons
It was perhaps the scariest 15 hours of his life, but Larry Perino '90 took away valuable life lessons from the hours he spent guarding and protecting a downed helicopter. Perino '90 deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, in October 1993 as a rifle platoon leader with Bravo Company Third Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment as part of Task Force Ranger. During Operation Gothic Serpent, Somali forces attacked two Black Hawk helicopters, and Perino’s '90 unit became involved in a 15-hour firefight. “I was as scared as I’ve ever been in my life,” says Perino '90, assistant vice president business program development at $144.5 billion asset Navy Federal Credit Union in Vienna, Va. “You had a mission to do, and we had to stay focused because you realized, no matter how scared you were, we were all scared.” Read more.
Lee Rivas '96 Named Chief Executive Officer of R1 RCM Inc.
R1 RCM Inc. (NASDAQ: RCM) (“R1” or the “Company”), a leading provider of technology-driven solutions that transform the patient experience and financial performance of healthcare providers, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Lee Rivas '96 to succeed Joseph Flanagan as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2023, at which time Mr. Rivas '96 will also join the Company’s Board. Mr. Flanagan will step down effective January 1, 2023, following a distinguished nearly 10-year career with R1, and will continue to serve as a member of the Company’s Board. As part of a planned succession process, Mr. Flanagan will transition to serve as Executive Advisor to the CEO. Read More.
Bernard Kotwica '97 Nominated for the Annual Salute to Service Award Presented by USAA
The NFL and USAA, announced the 2022 nominees for the annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The Salute to Service Award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni with demonstrable commitment to honoring and supporting military and veteran communities, as nominated by NFL clubs. Bernard Kotwica '97 the Assistant Special Teams Coordinator for The Minnesota Vikings and was announced as a nominee. The finalists will be announced in January, and the recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air nationally in February during the week of Super Bowl LVII. Fans can vote, from now until Nov 30. One vote per day, per fan is permitted. Vote for Kotwica '97 here. Read More.
Brower '89 Director of the Bass Military Scholars Program Aiding Clark Lea in Developing Leadership
Coach Clark Lea reached out to Brower '89 to start talking about how there could be a collaboration between the retired U.S. Army brigadier general—who also is director of Vanderbilt University’s Bass Military Scholars Program—and the former Vandy fullback who was embarking on his second season in charge of the Commodores. Brower '89 knew some of his graduate students who needed community service activities could speak to Lea’s team about their experiences. And Lea could rely on Brower’s '89 wealth of knowledge about developing culture and leadership. Read more.
COL(R) Robert D. Meyer '74 releases Encouraging Missions: Transforming Lives. Especially Yours!
COL(R) Robert D. Meyer '74 released "Encouraging Missions: Transforming Lives. Especially Yours!". Capture the zeal for altruistic endeavors through lively, inspiring, true accounts and sound bites from over 60 highly-experienced, short-term, trip volunteers interviewed for an encouraging, doctoral study. Discover the documented outpouring of benefits and the overcoming of detractors obtained from humanitarian travel. Fascinating anecdotes illustrate the holistic outcomes gained as illustrated by the hand. This publication is compiled by devoted spouses--Dr. Diane, a nurturing nurse and motivational educator, and Dr. Bob, a veteran commander and dynamic dentist. It includes a summary of their adventures, "how-to" knowledge, recruitment recommendations, and volunteer opportunities. They provide a wealth of ideas gleaned from leading 60 dental teams in 45 countries over 25 years. Available on Amazon and Kindle. All proceeds from the book go to the Christian Dental Society.
COL(R) DeAtkine '59 Named a Distinguished and Honorary Member of The Special Forces, Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs Community
The Special Forces, Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs community named eight new soldiers and veterans and one Army unit as distinguished and honorary members during induction ceremonies. COL(R) Norvell B. DeAtkine '59 was one of the eight. He commissioned into the Army as a field artillery officer after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is credited with helping modernize the Jordanian army. He culminated his military career with an assignment as the chief of the Land Forces Section, Office of Military Program, which was responsible for modernizing Egyptian ground forces from Soviet to U.S. armament. DeAtkine has also served as director of Middle East Studies and a regional studies academic coordinator for the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and helped develop a regional studies course for psychological operations and civil affairs officers. Read More.
MAJ Dugger '11 Conducts Study on Emotional Intelligence and Aviation
Despite a wealth of research on emotional intelligence overall, few studies have looked at its role in aviation, according to a team of researchers led by MAJ Zachary Dugger '11 , an instructor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at United States Military Academy West Point. In hopes of shedding light on the issue, MAJ Dugger '11 and his colleagues contacted pilots from "numerous aviation organizations" around the US, ultimately recruiting 44 volunteers to take a questionnaire designed to assess emotional intelligence. Read more.