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Fellow Classmates, As we were sitting in the "noisy and heavy traffic zone" for the class dinner and couldn't hear well enough to have a class meeting (other than Presidents Stu and Dick in the remembrance of our missing comrades tribute), I feel a need to make some comments (OpEd privileges, con permiso). Please forgive me, but I've become more "expressive" with age.
First and foremost, I am so very proud to be associated with the quality and caliber of classmates (and their handsome family members!) as the Class of 1966 was and is now even more so. Notice I used the term "Class" not "classes." I consider us all as one now. Further, if we paid close attention during the grand Homecoming festivities, we noticed that there were members from the year groups ranging from '63 to '68 amongst the "'66 gang." (Check out the photos when you get them!) That is significant to me for many reasons. The most important reason is that I truly believe that the Cadet Corps' of the decade of the '60s were top notch. Jim Solomon was trained by the leadership of the Class of '61 and the '68JCG brothers passed on the traditions to the Class of '72. In my humble mind that's THE example of traditions and legacy, especially when it's obvious and respected fourty years later. Positive leadership and mentorship stretches a L-O-N-G way!
Second, I was asked to pass "greetings and salutations" to the class from the following brother classmates who were unable to attend the class dinner. They are Skip Palmer, Jack Dillon, Bob Armstrong, John "Sam" Samuelson, Bob Manning, Ted Bennett, JOT Couch, Jimmy Starr Inzer, Jim Lowe, Charles Johnston, Bill Frederick, Dos Phinizy and David Parke. There, I think I remembered all who asked me to say "Hi", but if I missed someone either let me know or come up on the net and say a personal "Hey" when you get the attached postal and e-mail addresses.
Third, I must compliment our captains Stu Harrell, Jim Dickinson and Dick Greene for their leadership in organizing such a great turnout and festivities for our reunion. Jim did it in 2004 for the '64 HS alums, so he's done double duty in this business. Super job Jim, Dick and Stu Bear!
Fourth, I must recognize, compliment and THANK Brother Roger Blakey for several reasons. His example as the '65 class president, reunion class organizer and reunion consultant to our class. You saw Roger EVERYWHERE during Homecoming, but most special was the fact that he chose to spend lots of his valuable time with the "Boys of '66." Last but certainly not least, I admire and salute Roger for his devoted and relentless stewardship in so successfully initiating, raising and exceeding the contributory challenge for the Mike Haggar Cadet Activities Endowment. Not only did Roger lead and persuade us to meet the $23,000 match, the subtotal donations at the Alumni Luncheon was in excess of $34K, with more being contributed after the Friday deadline. Over $57K was raised in less than four months. Isn't it amazing what a group of alumni and their families can accomplish when the communication, cause, will, direction and leadership are present. Roger Blakey, Thanks for your leadership, Sir!
Funf. George and Susan Mendoza, welcome back to the USA and The Hill. Past President George, congratulations on your election back to the Alumni Board. It is an honor to our class and will be a personal honor and pleasure to serve with you, Compadre!
Sixish. Minor but important point. For the first time in memory, the Mayor of Roswell read a proclamation during the Alumni Luncheon welcoming all off the honored classes "Back Home." One of his comments about the Class of '66 was that "it is the only class which can claim a State championship football team." Correction, please. The Class of '66 claims THREE (count'em- 3!) State championship teams. As we all know, the '65 Class 4A State Championship team beat Deming (at Deming) "33-O-Oh-Oh-Oh!" Now, the HS class of '64 sent some fellows on to the JC class of '66. So classmates Gary Moffitt, Rob Dunagan, Jerry Filleman, Ralph Borenstein (to name four of 'em) were on the 1963 Class A State Championship football team. Also, Jim Solomon was a starting tackle on the 1962 undefeated Independent State Championship football team. Imagine, three undefeated teams over four seasons! Stand tall "Boys of '66!" There's much to be proud of from our good ole days.
Seventh - Awards. 1. Farthest traveled for Homecoming has to be Randy and Carol Geck from Maryland. Can anyone top that distance? Speak up if I missed one. 2. Youngest child - Ted Bennett has a 3 year old daughter. Go Ted!!! We missed seeing you, Bud. 3. The longest standing marriage award goes to Jim and Barbara Dickinson who were married in August 1966 (I was there!). Can any couple beat that one? Man, Brother Jim surely gets an 'A' grade in his marriage choice. Ain't she a doll! Now Barbara, I'm not sure I can give you such a high grade . . . just kidding! :>))) Lots of fun, you'all! (Note: George and Susan Mendoza were married one week later. Susan was Barbara's Maid of Honor and Barbara was Susan's Matron of Honor.)
Auchtung Ocho. Attention in the Area: The promotion board will meet with the Commandant to consider the recommendation for Charlie Watts and Marc Joseph to be promoted to the rank of Cadet 2LT. Time and place: TBA! :>))) Hang in there you two. We need good SSGs too!
Numero Nine. Membership and recruiting. I'd be remiss in my duties and heartfelt beliefs if I didn't make a plea for ALL of us to be Active Association Alums (AAA?). A measly $35 a year will keep you in the know as a voting and active member. Life membership, Crossed Sabers Society and many other supportive programs are available for your giving preference. If you wish to find out more about membership and giving to Our School, ask me or Seth Orell. We'll get you the answers. Of equal importance, one of the greatest gifts in payback to our alma mater is to recruit, send and retain GOOD students to replace your fame and fulfill your legacy. I'm blessed enough to be serving on the Alumni Board and working as the Recruiting Committee chair. In these modern and competitive times, NMMI needs our marketing support. Active membership, area chapters and class representation promotes that. Active recruiting at the chapter, area, regional and state levels cements that legacy. If you want to become a volunteer recruiter, call me. I have enough work in membership and recruiting for all of us for years to come.
Ten and The End. As I stood proudly alongside Donna Walter, my wonderful sister Lea and MY proud group of alums (both in the stands after the Homecoming parade and at the class dinner waiting for our class and family photos to be taken), my view and perspective provided me emotions of extraordinary pride and feelings of great satisfaction as I watched the human dynamics occur. I watched grown men (and their families) clamor to be in the picture, stand with and beside their classmates and families, some of whom hadn't seen or talked with one another for 40 years. I watched as fellow alumni from the year groups and classes ranging from '63 to '68 happily and willingly join with the honored class of 1966. Folks, if that isn't teamwork, comaraderie, unity and caring then I've missed the boat as to those true meanings somewhere along life's pathway. My pride and devotion to the "Men of the 1960s Decade" is already large, but it grows with every contact and accomplishment that you teammates attain. I vote for YOU and pledge to support the fine fellows who we grew up with at NMMI and those formative events that followed our Kaydet Days. You are simply 'The Best!' God Bless our fallen Hero Brothers and those who couldn't be there for any other reason, and God Speed to All of you, whether you were lucky enough to be with the assembled group or will be fortunate enough to do so in the future. May the Class of '67 have a great Homecoming next. See you "On The Hill!" My respects and very best regards. Alles Tschuss y vaya con Dios, Jock techsan69@earthlink.net
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This web was updated on 19 Nov 2008 |
