HELLO '68! You may have noticed a few incredible national events from Venezuela to Iran to the moon and back. Our air and space forces have come a long way since Nam!.


                                                                 "Dick Coe in the Middle of the Soccer Nine"

'68ERS HONOR NEWEST MEMBERS OF LONG BLUE LINE: On 16 March, our classmate, Dick Coe, addressed nine former soccer players from the Class of 2025 who had served almost a year of probation for incidents that occurred during the fall of 2024. With the assistance of the Board of Visitors, legal counsel, and support from our Class, Dick was able to get their probation reduced by two months and provide the new lieutenants with a dignified commissioning ceremony, dinner, and family gathering at the Polaris Hotel. Ed Eberhart, served as our senior representative and other classmates in attendance included: Mark Torreano, Geo Roberts, Jim Aubrey, Doug Wilson, and Terry Zubrod. Many thanks to Dick for his months of perseverance and dedication to assuring that no USAFA grad is left behind.

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

Vic and Mary Bonfiglio celebrated their 25th Christmas in Hawaii. Vic is still flying, still climbing mountains, and still competing in swimming. He is now getting paid to swim as a lifeguard.

Denny Busch writes: "Still Alive! Still Kicking! Still Working! Still Alone! Still Ornery! Still Writing! Still Laughing! Joy to the World!"

Bob Mirabello writes: "Our youngest daughter, Suzanne, is a world traveler and now teaches in Lyons, France. Her little one just started school, while our oldest granddaughter is researching earthquakes for the National Geodetic Service in Boulder. BJ and I are enjoying retirement and no longer commuting in D.C. traffic."

Brian and Mary Ann O'Hara write: "Brian moans about his deteriorating golf game. He now has two artificial knees-ah, the Golden Years! Thankfully, he frequently plays poker and is a member of MOB (Men of Books). Mary Ann quilts, plays mahjongg, and cribbage with her friends and is an active walker and volunteer at the homeless shelter."

Mike and Theo Moffitt write: "We continue to NOT be travelers! However, we did enjoy our annual Beach Week with the family at the NC Outer Banks and our grandson's graduation from UNC Charlotte."

Charles Price checked in from Albuquerque to send holiday cheer and to say that Kate and he and sons and dogs are doing well.

Benny and Jeanne Veteto write: "After a three-year ordeal, we finally moved into the long-promised mountain home. It's great! We subsequently launched into what I fear is another three-year ordeal with unpacking all of our accumulated junk and hanging pictures. As far as I know. we are all fine."

Steve and Henrietta Polk write: "We are enjoying 'senior living:' Still traveling some and were able to spend the holidays visiting our son, granddaughter and great grands."


                "Blarney Stone Special: Left to Right: Dave Barrs, Rusty McBride, Pat Hurley, and Pat McBride."

AN IRISH MIRACLE: Pat Hurley hosted his annual St. Patrick's Day celebration with a few of the usual suspects from our Class in attendance. According to Pat, on the Blessed Saint's Day, Pat's hair miraculously turns green. Not pictured in the photo are Mike Cryer and Tex Burgamy. A good time was had by all!

'68ER GOES FROM SHOULDER SURGERY TO OLYMPIC GAMES: While working on recognition for the "Soccer Nine," Doug Wilson asked Dick Coe how he was able to get a job with the Olympic Games Committee. Dick's response is worth repeating. He writes, "Long story, short answer. I started translating for the US Ski and Snowboard Association in 2003 for the 2006 Torino Olympics while I was recuperating from shoulder surgery in Park City Utah. My wife, Susie, and I were dragooned into attending those Olympics as a translator and Hospitality Host. I selected the menus and wine for every hospitality event--most attendees were megadonors and billionaires. They must have liked the wine, because after the Olympics, the EVP/COO decided to retire and they called me to take his place. I accepted. Actually, my wife goaded me into it. The first week, the CEO gave me two tasks: (1) build a downhill racing venue at Copper Mountain and, (2) raise $35 million and then design and oversee construction of a new athletic facility and headquarters. I had two years to get it finished. Done! and Done!! More fun than anyone could imagine-and being paid!!" Located in Copper Mountain's East Village, the Speed Center is the world's only full-length downhill training venue available during the early season. If you wish to view what Dick accomplished go to: https://www.coppercolorado.com/copper-cup/athletes:mountain/alpine-ski-racing/



                "Seagram Seven Mini-Reunion. Left to Right: Terry Zubrod, Doug Wilson, Dick Coe, and Geo Roberts"

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: Please keep one another 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