HELLO '68! As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, we remember and honor the sacrifice so many gave to protect the freedoms we enjoy. May God continue to Bless America!

                                              “AFJROTC Cadet Robert Davidson and Colonel Fred Gross”

‘68ER SERVES AS GUEST OF HONOR AT AFJROTC SUMMER ENCAMPMENT: In the small world department, my grandson, Robert Davidson, was presented an Air Force Association coin from our classmate Fred Gross, who was on the stage as a guest of honor at the graduation ceremony for Gulf Breeze High School’s AFJROTC summer encampment. Fred’s AFA Chapter in Fort Walton Beach has been participating in this event for the past 15 years.

FROM THE HOLIDAY MAILBAG: Again, many thanks to all who sent greetings and well-wishes over the holidays. Here are a few more updates from around the Class:

Maurice and Antonia Ecung sent news that their move in 2024 from California to Upstate New York went smoothly and Maurice’s shoulder surgery in January 2025 succeeded enough for him to be walking pretty well for a senior citizen. Their daughter, Melanie (USAFA ’91) is serving as a physician at the Albany, New York VA Medical Center and their other daughter, Allison (USAFA ’93) lives with her husband, Baron Raban von Amim, in Berlin, Germany. The Baron and Baroness are quite the power couple on the philanthropic circuit.

Buck and Linda McCants celebrated 20 years in their retirement house, 57 years of marriage, and 79 years of blessed living (in good health). Travels in 2025 included a trip to Central America, including a journey through the Panama Canal and a November trip to the Mediterranean, adding some stops to cities along the North African coast for the first time.

Ed and Karen Eberhart wrote that they are healthy and happy living in Colorado and enjoying life there as they knew they would.

Rocky Gaines writes: “The Man said stay busy, and I’m working on it! In January, Amy, Elijah, and I went on our annual ‘Elijah birthday ski trip to Keystone.’ February was the month to herd Ambassadors for the National Character and Leadership Symposium. April was the time for ‘golfering’ for the Strategy and Warfare Center. In August, I continued a volunteer substitute job with the Military Strategy Studies Department. In December, I sang with our church choir for our annual Christmas Cantata, quietly attempting the bass parts.”

Mike and Debby Navarro checked in with news that Debby is still flying for United Airlines and is planning to retire next year. They did a lot of traveling to Europe, Italy, and Germany and went on a number of Caribbean cruises. The grandkids are active in sports and visited with them last Christmas.


“Austin Breakfast Club: Left to Right: Ken Bowers, Chuck Corley, Bob Denny, Randy Johnston, Steve Polk, Kakai Bowers, and Steve Mish.”

68ERS MUSTER FOR BREAKFAST IN AUSTIN: Steve Mish writes: “Ken and Kakai Bowers drove down from Ft Worth and Steve Polk came up from San Antonio. Art Miller wasn’t there. He just returned from a trip to Africa and said he has many pictures which we’ll see at the next breakfast pow-wow. Golf tournament season is underway and there is always a demand for rules officials. I worked the UT Women’s event in early April and the TA&M Women’s tournament later that month. Also, am going to the US Open in June to work the Monster Score Board. Ken is on dialysis three days a week, Henrietta Polk had a bad fall and is dealing with Parkinson’s disease. Randy’s wife was scheduled for surgery the next day.”

Ken writes: “Spending four hours a day for three days a week in dialysis has allowed me to catch up on my reading. Plus, it is sobering to look about the room at the other patients and realize ‘there, but for the grace of God, go I.’ No matter what you are dealing with, someone else has a worse hand dealt to them.”


                                                                              “Mike Cryer with Shadowfox”

I received an email from Mike Cryer about reuniting with the OV-10 he flew in SEA that he had named Shadowfox. Mike writes: “My son, Michael, has had a continuing interest in the cast of characters and equipment from my time stationed in Pleiku. After a distinguished flying career, OV-10 (tail number: 67-14675) was retired in 2003 and sent to Hill AFB. Shadowfox has been fully restored and now stands proudly on display.” Mike and his son visited the display in June 2026 and had a photo taken with a Photoshopped addition of Mike’s name under the cockpit.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: In addition to news from Steve Mish about Ken Bowers, Henrietta Polk and Randy Johnston's wife, Gene Rose alerted us that Joe Michel has a brain tumor and is in Hospice care at his home. Please keep all of these people and those that are suffering from loss and disease in your thoughts and prayers.

THAT'S A WRAP: If you have some news and photos that would be interesting to your comrades-in-arms, please send same to me. Mind the flak; keep 'em flying, and keep those cards, letters, e-mails, and photos coming in to Pat Russell and me. Ciao for now. Tim