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Massanutten Military Academy
Alumni Association
"...A STRONG ORGANIZATION OF FORMER CADETS"
...Colonel Robert J. Benchoff
MMAAA is an independent membership
organization.
Any unrestricted gifts to the Alumni Association are used to support the
operations and programs of the Alumni Association.
Our MMA Alumni Association Mission Statement:
...to foster and further the interests of the Massanutten Military Academy and
to promote closer relationships to this end between the administration, faculty,
alumni and student body.
How do we attempt to fulfill this mission?
Only through your continued
financial support has the Alumni Association been able to implement the programs
needed to fulfill our Mission Statement. Through your individual sponsorships
of events and by your personal support of our Association through Membership
levels are we able to accomplish these goals.
WE EXTEND TO OUR SUPPORTING
MEMBERS A VERY SPECIAL THANKS ONCE AGAIN!
WE APPRECIATE EACH AND
EVERY ONE OF OUR MEMBERS. HOWEVER, WE NEED YOUR INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO
CONTINUE OUR MISSION!
YOU ARE THE SPECIAL ALUMS
WHO PROVIDE US WITH THE ABILITY TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICES AND FUNCTIONS SO WE ALL
CAN SHARE AS AN ALUMNI FAMILY THESE COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS WITH CADETS AND
ALUMNI OF MASSANUTTEN
MILITARY ACADEMY
IN
"BUILDING A BETTER MMA"!
"THE YOUTH OF A NATION ARE THE TRUSTEES OF
POSTERITY"
Many of us would like to hear from
our Alums out there so that we can set up events that are more entertaining and
interesting to your generation. We also want to provide the best services we
can to encourage your interest because
YOU
ARE THE FUTURE OF THE
MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY
ALUMNI
ASSOCIATION!
* Please Note: Your sponsorships and unrestricted gifts to the Alumni
Association are Tax Deductible.
The MMAAA is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit Corporation.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
E-Net Newsletter # 403
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
THIS NEWSLETTER CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR WEBSITE!
Please visit your newly expanded MMAAA website at
www.massanuttenalum.org
EACH WEEK WE ADD PHOTOS OF CADETS, ALUMS AND REUNIONS WITH MANY NEW PAGES AND
NEW EXCITING NOTES OF INTEREST INCLUDING: CLASS NOTES, REUNIONS, RALLIES,
ACADEMY NEWS, HOMECOMING EVENTS, CADET/ALUMNI EVENTS, BALLGAME REUNIONS,
INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI NEWS, MEMORIES PAGE WITH MANY NEW PHOTOS OF OUR ALUMS FROM
THEN AND NOW, OUR OPEN FORUM, ETC.
These are just a few more of the services we wish to provide to encourage all
MMA Alumni to sponsor and/or participate in many Alumni/Cadet/Academy events!
Contact us at mmaalum@shentel.net or call toll free at 877-402-0711.
The Alumni Office will keep its regular hours
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
while we are juggling our fall event schedules.
As the Fall holidays approach, there is so much happening here in the Valley.
Therefore, E-Net Newsletter will be published bi-weekly.
We are now publishing the MMAAA Recall Newsletter. If you have not received our
Recall Newsletter in the mail, please call us toll free at 877-402-0711 so we
are able to update your mailing address or contact us at mmaalum@shentel.net.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
GOOD EVENING ALUMS!
The Staff here at the
MMAAA wish each of you a very
Merry Christmas
and
Happy Holiday Season!!
Be certain to check out the website at
www.massanuttenalum.org to see MMAAA Executive Director, Gino Milita '68,
spreading a bit of Christmas Cheer!
The Naples Daily News reports:
Santa said he broke his personal record at Golden
Gate Intermediate School with 600 children sitting on his lap over the course of
about three hours Satuday morning.
There were about 800 community members at the school's first breakfast with
Santa enjoying waffles, sausages, juice, raffles, toys and the crowd favorite, a
photo opportunity with Santa.
"This is the nicest group of children and families I have ever met and worked
with as Santa," Santa Clause (Gino Milita) said.
Children looked up at him in awe and wanted hugs; only a few asked for a gift
for Christmas. Many even wished Santa a Merry Christmas!
"Most asked for bikes or princess things if they asked for anything. Many gave
me letters, but what they really liked was getting a hug. This was the most
appreciative community," Santa said.
After the line dispersed, Santa reviewed a handful of letters.
"Dear Santa, Could you bring me my own room? Don't forget me on your list.
Thank you," wrote Cristina, 6.
Adaline Olvera, 9, said this was the first year she wasn't afraid to sit on
Santa's lap. Adaline came to the event with her mom, Catalina Martinez, and
sisters, Imelda Olvera, 10, and Leonarda Olvera, 8.
They all said they were impressed that Santa spoke to them in English and
Spanish.
Toys donated by Seagate Elementary School also were popular and everything at
the event cost $2 or less, including the breakfast, framed photograph and toys.
Bob Cox's fifth-grade chorus entertained the crowd with traditional holiday
music as students and their family members enjoyed a breakfast served by their
teachers.
"With everything going on with the district (union contract dispute), teachers
are still out to support the kids," said Golden Gate Elementary School reading
coach Angela Milita of Chokoloskee.
Although some teachers said they were a little concerned it might "get them in
trouble with the union, " they didn't look at the event as conflicting with the
"work to rule" practice of limiting after-hour school work.
"We're viewing this as reaching out to our challenged community at Christmas
time. We're people who happen to work at the school coming together for the
community," said Nathalie Adam, a first-grade teacher and Bonita Springs
resident.
Kindergarten teacher Diana Hartley was another of about 30 teachers and school
staff members who volunteered for the event. Hartley printed hundreds of the
photos and helped frame them with frames provided by an anonymous donor.
"I didn't even hesitate. I took this job for the kids. The kids and the
community want a role model," Hartley said.
Golden Gate Intermediate School Principal Daryl Madison said he was amazed by
the turnout.
"We expected to serve about 300 people. We were very pleased that we received
RSVPs for about 700 people by Friday and even more came today. We're thrilled
because one of our goals this year was to encourage more parent participation
and it's working," Madison said.
We all thank Gino Milita, Executive Director of the Massanutten Military Academy
Alumni Association in Woodstock, Virginia for donating his valuable time to make
this event so special for so many families in our community. Santa will now be
traveling to South America to perform his special duties to many orphaned
children Argentina, Peru and Guatemala.
If you know of other alums who have e-mail, but are not
receiving the E-Net Newsletter, please ask them to allow their server (ISP) to
receive the MMAAA E-Net Newsletter.
ONLY LINKS TO OUR WEBSITE AND E-MAIL ADDRESS
ARE CONTAINED WITHIN THIS NEWSLETTER. THERE ARE NO LINKS TO POP-UPS OR ANY
OTHER ADVERTISING CONTAINED WITHIN THIS PUBLICATION.
This Newsletter is published directly from the PC's
in our MMA Alumni Office and sent safely through the Memberclicks system only!
If you have missed the last few publications, e-mail us and we'll send you
previous copies.
Ross Calloway '67
is busy making his original Philly Cheese Steak in Pensacola, FL. Being a
Jersey Boy as well, Gino Milita '68 stopped by to sample Ross's work on his way
home for the Holiday with his wife, Angela. Ross brings in Amoroso Rolls - the
real thing! Gino reports that Ross makes a very impressive Philly Cheese Steak
and encourages everyone out there to visit one of Ross's 16 locations .... with
two more on the way! Gino also reports that Ross will be in attendance at the
Florida Reunion in February 2008!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS FROM 623 SOUTH MAIN STREET
The Annual MMA Alumni
Florida Reunion is next on our schedule, complete information is included in
this publication.
This Newsletter serves as
a bulletin for scheduled future events as well as recaps and reports from recent
Alumni events, and keeps you up to date with the Alumni Family.
For your convenience we have initiated a credit
card service. You may renew your Annual membership dues or become a new Annual
Member by using this credit card service. Your annual membership entitles you
to become a voting member and a most appreciated supportive member for the
services we provide for all Alums. To take advantage of this service, update
your membership status, or support our many Cadet/Alumni projects please e-mail
us with your credit card information or use our toll free number during normal
business hours.
We extend a special thanks to all who have supported the MMAAA over the
past year!
SUSTAINING LIFE MEMBERS:
Three Star
Eugene "Gino" Milita, Jr. '68 - 2007
Calvin H. Coblentz '39 - 2007
Two Star
John C. Smuck '55 - 2006
James App '56 - 2007
Eugene "Gino" Milita, Jr. '68 - 2006
John C. Smuck '55 - 2007
Alan Caito '60 - 2007
One Star
Ron Muller '63 - 2007
Arthur J. Fredericks, Jr. - 2007
Ernest "Val" Mathews '56 - 2007
Andrew J. Miller '56 - 2006
Andrew J. Miller '65 - 2007
James A. McWhorter, Jr. '53 - 2006
James A. McWhorter, Jr. '53 - 2007
Stephen H. Rehman '74 - 2007
WE CONTINUE TO NEED OLD ADJUTANTS
FOR OUR NEW AND EXCITING
MMAAA
"HISTORICAL DATA
PRESERVATION PROJECT"!
ESPECIALLY NEEDED
ARE ADJUTANTS FROM 1938, 1941, 1954
We have already started distributing CD's for
1935, 1937, 1960 and have received requests for 1965 and 1966. Anyone who is
interested in this project, please call the Alumni Office and you may make your
request through our office staff during normal working hours.
We are certain that this new program will be of
specific interest and use for all Alums and future Academy Administration.
Stop in to see us Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00
pm. We will be here throughout the Fall to welcome you! The MMA Alumni Office
will be closed Wednesday through Sunday during the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Are
You Able To Identify The Mystery Picture On The "Then & Now" Page of Our
Website?
E-mail your guesses to mmaalum@shentel.net
Check the next publication of the E-Net Newsletter
for the answer!
Last Mystery
Picture :
1951 Swim
Team
Montiel,
Marin, Arturi, Hoh, Scarpetta, Marques, Aliotti, Coach McLawhorn, Casablanca,
Eliades, Roughen J., Adams, Dautant, Angeloh, Mgr. Keller
___________________________________________________________________________________________
MMAAA FLORIDA REUNION
TIME
IS RUNNING OUT!!
This exciting event will take place February 12-18, 2008 at Shades of Green on
the Walt Disney Resort. There will be a lot of new faces, good food and
deserts, open mic to share stories and memories, special door prizes and so much
more! There might even be a surprise visitor or two! Everyone is encouraged to
attend this very special reunion .... There will be a special tribute to Dick
Morris '45 who has organized this annual reunion for TWENTY years! Now that's
dedication!
The Banquet will take place on Saturday evening with cocktails at 5:00 and
dinner following at 6:00. The cost of the banquet is $40.00 per person
(includes tax and gratuity) which is to be paid directly to the Alumni
Association. Call toll free at 1-877-402-0711 and be certain to provide the
names of those that will be attending.
Among those attending
will be: Howard "Bud" and Sherry Schindler '44, Richard "Dick" and Kim Morris
'45, William "Bill" and Paula Vacek '49, Bill Oddo '53, Jon and Elaine Kremin
'58, Jerry and Nanci Delgaizo '61, Bruce Rossmeyer '61,
Frank Lucca '62,
Ron Muller '63, William "Bill" Muller '64, Art and
Jan Fredericks '64, Erik "Andy" Anderson '65, Stewart Olson '65, Ross Calloway
'67, Eugene "Gino" and Angela Milita '68 ... and the phone continues to ring
with more RSVP's!
2008
Florida Reunion will be held at Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort:
Reservations MUST be made
by JANUARY 12, 2008
In order to book your
rooms online, follow these simple instructions:
1. Visit the Shades of Green website at www.shadesofgreen.org
2. Click on "Reservations" in the menu bar at the top of the page
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Make a Reservation"
4. Enter your Arrival and Departure dates (note, the dates requested must be
within the group dates of February 12, 2008 - February 18, 2008. Otherwise your
reservation will be declined by the system)
5. Select the number of Adults and Children
for this reservation. Number of rooms will always be "1".
6. Skip step (3) (social security and last name)
7. Type in the Group Code of
0802MASSAN. The group code is case
sensitive and must be entered exactly how you see it. Do
NOT
choose a military grade/civilian grade; the system will not accept both and
will decline your reservation request.
8. Click on "Check Availability"
9. If rooms are available within our block, a screen asking you to "Select a
Rate Amount Below" will appear. Click on the Rate Amount
(highlighted in green and underlined) for your requested room type.
10. The next page will ask for your guest information. Fill in all requested
information to include title, name, address, phone number, credit card
information, etc. Your credit card will be
charged a 1 night deposit. Once completed,
click on the box confirming you have read and understood the booking
requirements. Click on "Confirm Reservation".
11. Your next screen will be a hotel confirmation letter. Please make sure
to keep this information for your records. Once your credit card has been
charged, another e-mail confirmation letter may be sent indicating a deposit has
been received.
In order to book your rooms by phone:
1. Contact the Shades of Green Reservations office at
407-824-6483
2. Be sure to have your Group Block Code (0802MASSAN)
handy to speed up the reservations process.
3. A Reservation Agent will be happy to assist you with booking your
reservations
The Shades of Green Reservation Office is open Monday through Friday from
8:30 am to 5:00 pm. The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and all Federal
Holidays
The cost of the Reunion banquet is $40.00 per person which includes tax and
gratuities. This should be paid directly to the Alumni Office. Please include
all names of those who will be attending.
GREAT NEWS CONCERNING THE
INTERNATIONAL MMA ALUMNI REUNION: Inviting all Alums to attend an all inclusive
FIVE day Reunion Event in PUNTA CANA!! Last week we brought you up tod date
with the initial correspondence regarding this special reunion. The following
letters are the continuation of the efforts to bring this event to fruition:
Gino Milita '68, MMAAA Executive Director, wrote to Andres
Aybar '65, Jaime Brugueras '68 and Luis Garrido '69:
Saludos Andres, Luis, Jaimie:
Gracias a todos ustedes antiquos alumnos caballeros de MMA para toda su ayuda
hacer este antiquos alumnos reencuentro de MMA una manera estupenda a reunen
muchos de nosotros que had perdido contacto durante demasiados anos. Espero que
tengamos uno generoso number of nuestros antiquos alumnos companeros de clase
sinceramente y los amigos del USA tambien nos responden para este evento! Cinco
dias completo con la tarifa aerea (Miami o Fort Lauderdale) por approximately
$2000.00 por el par es un precio muy moderado.
Thanks to all of you MMA Alumni gentlemen for all
of your help to make this MMA Alumni Reunion a wonderful way to reunite so many
of us who have lost touch for too many years. I sincerely hope we will have agenerous
number of our alumni classmates and friends from the USA respond to us for this
event also! Five days all inclusive with airfare (Miami or Fort Lauderdale) for
approximately $2000.00 per couple is a very reasonable price.
Como el Director Ejecutivo de la antiquo alumnos
Asociacion de MMA, sere en comunicacion con todos ustedes constantemente asi que
todos se quedaran bien informados! Estamos empezando a ver que toda nuestra
conexion en red internacional continua y valiosa este estando traido a la
consecucion ahora! Esto es un paso tremendo in exhibir el valor de tener una
fenomenal antiguos alumnos asociacion que esta trabajando continuamente mas duro
todos los dias. Y ahora, se poner mas exitoso todos los dian reavivar y
asegurar los gratos recuerdos de las amistades hizo asistir a la academia
militar de Massanutten durante esos dias preciados en el fondo!
As the Executive Director of the MMA ALumni
Association, I wil be in touch with all of you constantly so everyone will stay
well informed! We are now beginning to see that all this constant and valuable
International Networking is being brought to fruition! This is a
tremendous step in displaying the value of having a great Alumni Association
that is continually Working harder each day. And now, becoming more successful
each day in rekindling and securing the fond memories of friendships made during
those precious days attending Massanutten Military Academy deep in our hearts!
Warmest Regards,
Gino Milita '68
Executive Director MMAAA
Victor Croquer '58
writes: Dear Gino, I have just learned from your newsletter that it is possible
to have a get together at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic sometime next
year. As you know, I'm from Venezuela but have been living in Vigo, Spain for
some years now (since I retired from the Venezuelan Foreign Service two years
ago). I would like to know more information concerning that meeting. I think
it will be a very pleasant one and a good opportunity to see new faces of old
friends. By the way, I remember that during my years in MMA there was a good
cadet friend from the Donimican Republic whose na,e was Benito Perdomo
'58. I wonder if anyone can contact him for this meeting. I am sure he
will be very glad to know about it a nd eager to help. Congratulations for this
great idea, Gino. Let me know all about it. Take Care .... Victor Croquer '58
Note: The MMAAA would like to help
Victor Croquer '58 find several alums that have become "lost" from our database
(always remember to update your contact information when you move so your
classmates are able to find you!). Along with Benito Perdoma '58, Vicotor is
looking for *Antonio Armas '67 and Richard Mogna '68... perhaps both are in
Venezuela. Your help in reconnecting the Alumni family is appreciated.
*In response to Victor's query, Luis Garrido '69
wrote: Hola Gino and Vincent! I am sorry to tell you that I contacted Antonios
family about a year ago when I learned that he died due to heart failure about 3
or 4 months earlier. I also learned that Javier Lemoine '69
died of the same cause and Henry Paris '67 died in a car
accident. I did talk to Ricardo Mogna '68 and he was doing
very well. I will try to get you all the addresses and phone numbers that I
have of MMA's old friends. Best regards, Luis Garrido '69.
Andres Aybar '65 sends this sentiment: "Miami is
Paradise to Venezuelans!"
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Last Roll Call:
These former cadets will be honored during
Homecoming Parade Ceremonies. Friends and relatives are always invited to
attend. Homecoming 2008 ceremonies will be on Saturday, October 11.
Robert "Bob" Ryder '47, Dennis LaPradd '53, David Woolfall '56, Gordon Glatz
'60, Antonio Armas '67, Henry Paris '67, Javier Lemoine '69, Randall Austin '90
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
CLASS NOTES
Anyone who need their Class Ring replaced, contact
Josten's at www.jostens.com
We welcome the following Alumni as NEW voting members since Homecoming:
William Downey '31, Bill Oddo '53, Raymond G. Boucher '56, James Hillyard '57,
Bernard P. Dickinson '59, Larry H. Lohman '60, George G.
Weinberg '65, Robert Henry '65, Tim Fitzgibbon '67, Ross
Calloway '67, William (Bill) Bagnell '68, Stephen Greenman '71, Brian Good '77,
Scott A. Zechman '83, Mary Rita Rhode Zechman '84, Patricia French '93, Alfred
Twyman '97, Monique Catlett '07
A fun note of interest: When the
last E-Net Newsletter was sent .... a notice bounced back to us that
Ryan W. Miller '93 was out of the office due to the birth of
twins. The MMAAA family congratulates Ryan on this blessed event!
Elaine "Lannie" Kremin (wife of
Jon Kremin '58) wrote: Hello, Jon and I are looking forward to
attending the 2008 Massanutten Florida Reunion in February. We will be
celebrating our 3 year anniversary since we met at the Reunion in St. Petersburg
in 2005. Jon continues to enjoy retirement and I have recently become
semi-retired due to "job layoff". With Jon's support, I now have the
opportunity to pursue one of my passions. We help educate people on "how money
works" to get out of debt and invest for a secure financial future. Our son,
Chris Miller - Class of 2003, will be leaving in February to go
to San Antonio, TX for basic training in the Air Force. He will be going into
Security Forces. Hopefully, he will have the opportunity to attend the reunion
with us as well.
See you in February.
Elaine "Lannie" Kremin
Lynora Lawrence '90 wrote: Hello to all
MMA alumni, I just wanted to write to say hello to all and to update my contact
information. I was not able to attend Homecoming 2007 but I will be attending
in 2008.
A bit of bad news, my children and I lost everything that we won last week when
our home burned down. We only have the clothes on our backs. Yes, just weeks
before the Holiday. We believe in God and we know that He will provide. My
children are very sad, my youngest is only 7 years old. I have 2 boys and 2
girls. My boys are 17 and 13, and my girls 11 and 7.
Well, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I will see you all at
Homecoming 2008.
Lynora Lawrence '90
John Hill '63
writes: Good morning. After all these years, I keep in some contact with
certain alumni plus appreciate MMA's Oyez and your updates and now your web
page.
But, most importantly, I had been in contact with
Major Charles McLawhorn last year. I located him in Greenville SC and
corresponded a few times with him. I lost this contact and just don't know what
his status is. Can you assist? He was my Math mentor at MMA as well as my boss
at Camp Lupton for most of my high school years. Thanks again.
For us, Mary and I attended our 25th MMA Reunion in
'88 and have only driven by since. We lived in Loudoun County until 2004 when I
retired from Boeing/SAIC and we moved to the Wilmington, NC area. Here I enjoy
some MATH teaching and some basketball and golf coaching at the local middle
school while Mary is a part time 2nd grade teacher in Wilmington. We have two
grown sons and between them we have 5 grandchildren, ages 1 year to 89 years.
I appreciate reading about my old cronies and their
goings-ons.
Keep up the correspondence.
John Hill '63
Gino Milita '68 responded to John that it was with deep
regret he inform him Maj. McLawhorn passed away last year.
Richard E. Swing '44 took the time to drop a note. In part he
states "While I have fond memories of my year in Massanutten, my age (now 81)
prevents my taking trips of such distance, even when driven by others. While my
health is relatively good for someone my age, I'm just not up to participating
.... I enjoy reading the Newsletters, and talk and correspond occasionaly with
Bud Schindler '44, a former classmate, so that I am aware of what's going on,
more or less, but cannot become a part of it. I wish you continue success with
your activities on behalf of MMA, and as Roy Rogers used to say, "May the Good
Lord take a like'n to ya." Richard E Swing '44
Jeffrey Carl Hankins-Koppel '68
sent us newspaper clipping titled "JFW Academy
students win landscape design contest". "J. Frank White Academy (JFWA) Art
Instructor Cindy Hankins-Koppel is pictured with her advanced art students who
participated in the Harrogate Garden Club landscape design project. The JFWA
team of Jon Brantley, Heather Hankins-Koppel, Haley Lewis, Winston Kelly, Andy
Mars, Sonia Sayani and Craig Vaughn submitted the winning layout."
In case you
missed the last E-Net Newsletter:
MMAAA President, Art
Fredericks '64, and Executive Director, Gino Milita '68 both spoke with Bruce
Rossmeyer '61 this week and are excited to let you know that Bruce will be in
attendance at the Florida Reunion! We are sure a lot of the early 60's alums
will want to attend and reconnect with the Brucester. Some of the the others
that will be attending are: Ross Calloway '67, Erik "Andy Anderson '65, Dick
and Kim Morris '45, Art and Jan Fredericks '64, Ron Muller '63, Bill Muller '64,
Stewart Olson '65, Bill and Paula Vack '49, Bud and Sherry Schindler '44, Frank
Lucca '62 and Gino and Angela Milita '68 as well asAdjunct members Mrs. Stanley
Rockefeller and Jon and Michelle Freeman
Ernest "Tito" Castillo '48 writes: Dear Gino, Hope all is well
with you and your family. I have been meaning to drop you this line since
Homecoming, but things have just been too hectic. Since returning from MMA,
I have made one trip to see my mother in Florida and have a host of commitments
here in my home town. I will again be traveling at the end of November to visit
a lady in Texas who is 98 year (99 this December) to see to her needs. She is a
nursing home and I am, more or less in charge of her estate. I am enclosing
pictures and ask that you forward one to Leo Snarr '47 and Larry Smith '48.
Also is enclosed a donation to the MMAAA. I try to send you guys something
each year as I know there is overhead in such an organization and also you are
all doing a great job at keeping the MMAAA moving along and in sync with the
times. Hope all continues to go well with the MMAAA and I look forward to
another visit. I'm not sure when next I will be able to visit, but I might make
it for this years graduation or next years Homecoming, or both. As always, an
MMA Alumnus, Tito Castillo '48.
Gino Milita '68 adds: Toni, Kathy, and I thank you
so much for your very generous support. It is great to know that you especially
appreciate our hard work in bringing everyone together. Thanks again Tito.
Michael V. Herasimchuk '35
writes:
Gino,
I have your letter of November 9 soliciting membership in MMAAA. At this time I
must regretfully request to be excused from participating in the fine work you
and your staff are doing on behalf of the Academy. My wife and I are long past
extra curricular activities in alumni groups for reasons of health and age.
But I must admit your enthusiasm in matters MMA shines through in the many
activities published in academy news releases. In fact, your work keeps me
dredging up the happy days at Massanutten in 1934-35. Who among us can ever
forget the breakfasts of fried apples and bacon, the perfect Depression diet?
The Benchoffs remain high on my list of favorite pre-college people. How they
decided I should be offered a one year scholarship is still a deep mystery after
73 years. In 1934, I was a 135 lb. post graduate working in a clerk's job in
Pottstown, PA when a letter arrived from Massanutten. That letter changed my
life. Up to that point college was out of sight due to the restraints on funds
during the Depression. The scholarship offer was accepted and soon I was on a
train to Massanutten in Woodstock, VA and the prospects of a military career.
That was a wrong assumption. I wound up a graduate metallurgist with an
appropriate degree from MIT.
Another reason for bonding with the Benchoffs was the 1935 ADJUTANT yearbook
that I edited. I felt obligated to the school for its generous treatment of
scholarship cadets. I searched for what is now called "community service" to
repay Massanutten. In an unexplained flash of intuition, I asked Dr. Benchoff
if I could revive the defunct ADJUTANT yearbook. He thought about it for just a
minute and, in effect, said, "Very well, cadet. We will authorize Zamsky, a
Washington photographer, and Maple Press of York, PA to do the job. You put it
together... Consult with the faculty (Simpson, Hurlburt, Lyons, and Coaches
LEaky Glunt and Les Fouts if you have to.) Confer with the English teacher to
write the comments or bios on the entire senior class of 26(?)
The English teacher (whose simple name escapes me) wrote interesting bios or
comments on the entire senior class of 26 (?). Why is it I can remember some of
the faculty but not the most important one? (My reference copy of the green and
gold ADJUTANT yearbook disappeared in the course of five moves.)
As I wrote above, I volunteered to do the yearbook in return for the full
scholarship then awarded to athletes to keep MMA alive during the Depression. I
swam with Hytowits (the Pittsburgh lad who could swim 100 yd in 54 sec); the
Gavriel brothers from Detroit; Frosty Lacombe, a superb diver from Providence,
RI; Bill Neunzig, a brilliant swimmer from White Plains, HY. Neunzig joined the
swimming team in Annapolis on the day after his high school graduation on Feb.
1, 1935. Coach Les Fouts brought him an MMA swim suit at Annapolis where we
swam in that giant pool against the plebes. Bill won three events at Annapolis
before he saw the Academy. I thought Bill would be a 1936 Olympian. After
school closed in summer 1935, Bill vanished - I never heard of him again...
In baseball, Jack Orr of Mt. Lebanon and I covered shortstop and second base.
Both of us had good high school records making it rather easy to bat over .400
at MMA. I last saw Jack Orr at Dartmouth in 1938. I went up to Hanover, NH
from Boston to visit with Jack at the 1938 Dartmouth Carnival. Later, I learned
Jack joined the Navy and went down with the U.S.S. Indianapolis; July 20, 1945.
On the military side, I recall my first rifle inspection shortly after arrival
at MMA. I had some National Guard experience where I learned how to clean,
really clean, rifles. When Capt. Frank Burns (ret) made his first rifle
inspection, I watched his hands, and on their first move, I dropped my arms
leaving the rifle in mid air, as National Guard protocol dictated. Capt. Burns
nearly dropped the rifle, much to his surprise. After looking over my weapon,
he said, "You are now the line sergeant. Lead the cadets into the mess hall."
In two weeks, I made three stripes as line sergeant. A record up to that time,
I think. This letter is too long, but it has been pleasant fun reminiscing. I
close with a wish for successful membership campaign.
Michael V. Herasimchuk '35
Gino Milita '68 adds: Thank you so much for your
appreciation and sharing with us such valuable information.
Tim Fitzgibbon '67 sent the MMAAA a
beautiful Christmas card with this note enclosed: Greetings from Arizona. It
was great to see and meet everyone at the recent Homecoming. I know you all
worked very hard to make it a rousing success. Enclosed is my check for
membership. Also, please find the entire class of '67 - Bill Magruder, Jeff
South and me - I was hoping for a larger turnout for our 40th year Homecoming -
But it was great to see the 2 guys from Band Co. Let's not all wait for our
50th!
Keep up the great work,
Merry Christmas to all!
Tim Fitzgibbon '67
Gino Milita '68 adds: Tim, it was great to see you
at Homecoming.
William "Bill" Bagnell '68
mailed in his support with the following message: Gino: Please keep up the
good work! Bill Bagnell '68
We were happy to see Brian Good '77
at the Alumni House this week. Since Brian lives in the area we certainly hope
to see him on a regular basis! Brian called back to let us know that he
connected with his old roommate, Matthew Rademaker '78 after
we provided him with contact information! Matt just happens to be in Virginia
at the time on his way to visit his son at VMI so Brian and Matt arranged to get
together following a 30 year separation! See ... Classmates.com has NOTHING on
us!!!!
The Alumni Office heard from the following
alums recently:
Anthony Bruno '56 contacted the Alumni Association with this
message: Hello. Just a short note about a friend from the Class of '56 who was
a football player. David Woolfall '56 passed away in
Anchorage, Alaska. He was born October 6, 1937, was a good teammate and buddy
originally from West Warwick, RI. He passed on October 28, 2007. I knew Dave
since we were 12 and have kept in touch all these years. Good bye old Buddy....
Gerald Marsh '37
writes: Gino, I looked at the last message I sent
you for publication. Many changes have been made. I found a surgeon with a
specialty for spine problems. After many tests of heart, etc., he agreed to do
my back. His question was "What do you want from this surgery?" My answer was
freedom from pain. On September the 18th he provided just that for me. He
cleaned the spaces where the nerves were pinched and removed the "Arthur Itis".
Four days later I left the hospital pain free! I am now renewing my knowledge
of walking and doing fine. Physical therapy is working fine. It appears that
age 87 is coming December 19th and will be celebrated happily. Will be happy to
see this in print in your next Newsletter. Best to you and all of the
MMA Alums. -Jerry Marsh '37
Gino Milita '68 adds: Jerry, You are next on my
list to personally visit. I have had several spine operations over the years
and now have a severe case of spinal stenosis. I want to meet your doctor!
Glen Barclay '67 responded to a note from
Gino Milita '68 with this short bio: Following his time at
MMA he attended college receiving his degree in Special Education from
California State Teachers College in Pennsylvania and moved to Fairport, NY in
1974 to take a job in secondary special education at Monroe #1 BOCES. While
there, glen received his Masters in Special Education from Nazareth BOCES and
taught in special education classrooms for eight year then taking another
position overseeing special education occupational programs until June of 2007
when he retired. Glen has been involved in the Victor Volunteer Fire Department
for 28 years and has served as President, Line Officer as well as sitting on the
Board of Directors. Glen has a summer cottage in Van Buren Point, NY and served
there as a Board of Director for the Association for six years. He has two
children and three grandchildren. Glen tells us that in "1996 I joined the
ranks of the unlucky and had to have my right kidney removed due to cancer. I
am grateful to say that God has blessed me as all has been well and my yearly
checkups continue to be positive. " He continues "At this point in time I am
not sure what type of enjoyable future employment I might pursue. I just know
that it's going to be on my terms and hopefully involve the outdoors."
Arthur "Rocky" Rockall '46
contacted Gino Milita '68 in regards to his display problem with the E-Net
Newsletter (and to let us know that he would be attending Homecoming 2007 along
with his wife). Rocky told us that he had decreased his font size, moved
everything off the desktop, expanded the letter content to full screen size and
found that he still missed 14 characters on each line. He told us that his
internet connection is on his MacIntosh and uses Safari to get into his e-mail
and went on to say that he is certain there is not a problem with any other
e-mails and usually have additional space with the display. Toni Dinges,
Technical Administrator, contacted Memberclicks once again seeking advice.
Memberclicks response: "It appears that the message wad sent out properly and
with the correct formatting,. It may be that these members e-mail settings are
set to receive e-mails in a different format. We apologize for any
inconvenience this may cause." ...
Please let us know if you are having
trouble with your display as well.
Bill Magruder '67 contacted Gino Milita '68 with this message:
Gino, Homecoming was as nice an event as I can remember since I have been
coming back to MMA for the past 10 years. While I have made many new friends,
this year was particularly enjoyable as two of my classmates returned for our
40th Anniversary, Tim Fitzgibbons and Jeff South, accompanied by his lovely wife
(who was not included on your list, and tips the scales to the Class of '67 for
more attendees than the Class of '68). We very much enjoyed catching up with
one another and took a trip down memory lane with a tour of our former dorm,
Sperry Hall. What fun and what memories. Thank you Steve Hollingsworth for the
thoughtful tour. A lot of classmate's names were mentioned and I only wish that
they were there to "defend" themselves and add to a very rich experience.
Larry Kramer '68 also was kind enough to reintroduce himself to me and memory
lane grew longer. Hopefully, next year will attract more and more of our
classmates for both support and fellowship.
Gino, thanks for all you do for MMA.
Warm Regards, Bill Magruder '67
Gino Milita '68
responded: Bill, Unfortunately, most alum attendees did not include their
wives' names in our several sign in books. There was no receiving table at the
banquet, no one was led to sign in there. All in all, it was very nice for all
who attended a complete arsenal of events. Thanks for your kind words. Success
is the encouragement that keeps me driving north to Woodstock each month to help
see these functions through. (I have a bottle of Glenlivet stashed just for
your next visit!) Gino
Bill Magruder '67
then informed Gino that he would be unable to visit last weekend as he would "be
doing car and yard stuff on Saturday and building duck blinds on Sunday." Gino
Milita '68 could not resist responding with "Bill, What's this stuff about
making a duck blind? Why don't you make one that can see so it has a sporting
chance when you shoot at it? I suppose next you'll be making a duck blind and
crop its wings! :) Gino, P.S. Use lead shot, not steel shot. That way future
ducks will eat the lead, get dumber, and won't need to be blind. They'll just
swim up to you and jump into your retriever's mouth! You could switch your
street sign to Mallard Lane. Throw a few biz cards out on the meadows and the
ducks will fly right to your house and knock on the door. Just answer the
doorbell with a roast pan in your hands and invite them for dinner. They'll
just hop right in!"
It was good to see Tim Fitzgibbon '67
at Homecoming. While Gino Milita '68 was speaking with him, he learned that Tim
had spent most of his lifetime career as a trombonist traveling with such famous
bands as "Blood, Sweat & Tears" and "Chicago". Tim played in the MMA Band and
was a member of the Band Company living in Sperry Hall.
LET US HEAR FROM YOU AND WHAT YOU
HAVE BEEN DOING.
Please send us a short Bio including information on
your family, education, job, and especially your secret vacation spot!
ANYONE WHO STILL NEEDS THEIR USERNAME AND PASSWORD TO ACCESS MEMBERCLICKS, OUR
ON-LINE DIRECTORY, PLEASE E-MAIL US! WE'LL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU!
THERE ARE ALWAYS NEW PHOTOS ON OUR WEBSITE!
KEEP SENDING US THOSE PIX!
WE WANT TO FIND EVERYONE WE CAN.
AGAIN, WE THANK ALL OF YOU WHO
"KEEP THE ALUMNI FIRES BURNING!"
*************************************************
Don't Forget
to Check Out the
Mystery
Picture
On our
website: www.massanuttenalum.org
you
will find a mystery picture on the Then & Now page.
See if you
are able to identify the picture
and be sure
to check back for answers!
"MMAAA Band Instrument Legacy Society"
Any alum who wishes to donate their band instrument, please let us know.
We'll have your name and year engraved on your donated band instrument
and presented to the Academy!
KEEP THOSE E-MAILS
COMING IN!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Academy News
Have you heard of The Academy's great NEW referral
program?
Massanutten is now REWARDING our Alumni, past parents, relatives and faculty for
referring a candidate to
Massanutten Military Academy.
Check on our MMAAA website for all of the complete information for this program.
The Academy
Reports:
MMA Cadet Store goes live On-Line
The Academy is truly moving into the technology age. The MMA Cadet Store is now
live on-line with all memorabilia available and our items are updated weekly.
Check out the site at: www.store.militaryschool.com Not only does the Cadet
Store have products, but the Development Team and the Admission Department can
accept donations and enrollment fees as well.
Kelli Penstock
Director/Annual Fund & Fundraising Activity
Coordinator
Massanutten Military Academy
(540) 459-2167 ext. 247
_________________________________________________________________________________
ALUMNI/CADETS
TRIPS & PROGRAMS
Gino Milita '68, Executive Director of the MMA Alumni Association is hoping to
include two Alumni/Cadet weekends permanently scheduled in the 2007-2008 school
year. One took place on September 29, 2007 - a cadet/alumni bus trip to an
Orioles/Yankees Major League Baseball Game followed by a Sunday afternoon
(September 30, 2007) picnic BBQ for cadets at the Alumni House at 623 South Main
Street. Then one in May of 2008 for Senior Cadets. The weekend schedules now
include a Cadet/Alumni bus trip to a Major League Baseball Game followed by a
Sunday afternoon picnic BBQ for senior cadets at the Alumni House at 623 South
Main St., Woodstock. The events that we have shared in the past have been most
successful and extremely enjoyed by those cadets that have participated in the
past year.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Any Annual dues
member can upgrade their membership to
"Installment Life"
for only
$20.00 more per year! (That's
just 40 cents more per week)
Join the
"PURPLE PIGGY BANK CLUB"
OF MEMBERS WORKING TOWARDS
THEIR
LIFE
MEMBERSHIP!
________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS AND NOTES FROM OUR
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS:
We have heard from
many international Alums recently and we are preparing the International Reunion
in Punta Cana for 2008!
THE ENTIRE ALUMNI FAMILY
SINCERELY HOPES THAT OUR VENEZUELAN ALUMS AND FAMILIES ARE WELL!
We are continuing our
quest to
"Search for our International Alums!"
We would be happy to receive notes from
you and respond in Spanish or English if this would help you and other Alums
share Alumni news and interests. Those of you that would like to receive the
E-Net Newsletter in Spanish, please let us know.
Seriamos feliz recibir notas de usted y responder en espanol o alumnu si esto
leayudaria (austed) y otras antiguos alumnus noticias de la accion de Alums e
intereses. Aquellos de usted a quienes les gustaria recibir el boletin de E-Net
en espanol, nos dejaron lo saber por favor.
MMA
Alumni Reunion in PUNTA CANA
Call us, e-mail us or write us!
Con suerte, podemos empezar a hacer contactos con
otros que nos ayudaran ubicar otros Alums internacionales que had sido
registrados como perdido por anos con el proposito de que podemos reavivar las
amistades viejas que una vez sabiamos con un poco de respuesta pequena de
nuestros Alums internacionales. Apreciariamos como muchos de ustedes quien will
responder a nosotros de la antiquos alumnos comunidad de MMA internacional.
Hopefully, we can start with some small response from our international Alums to
network with others who will help us locate other international Alums that have
been listed as Lost for many years so that we can rekindle old friendships that
we once knew. We would appreciate as many of you who will reply to us from the
International MMA Alumni Community. E-mail us at mmaalum@shentel,net. Perhaps
those of you who do receive this will share this newsletter with those you may
still be in touch with. The list of Lost International Alums now appears on our
website. Just click the link to International Alumni.
______________________________________________________________________________
"STATE OF THE REUNION ADDRESS"
Upcoming Reunions:
* "THE
GREAT MMA ALUMNI BIKE RALLY" FROM DAYTONA BEACH TO KEY WEST: SUMMER
2008 The list is growing! The
MMAAA is now a supporting member of Bikers Against Drunk Drivers. We will be
hosting a Bike Rally in the Summer of 2008. One of the highlights will be
stopping by the world's largest Harley-Davidson dealership which is Destination
Daytona owned by none other than our own Bruce Rossmeyer '61! Be sure to secure
your opportunity to win one of ten Harleys and two trucks by helping us support
B.A.D.D. Eight individual Harleys will be offered, another Harley will be given
with a 51 Ford F100 Pick Up that is tricked out and restored and one more Harley
with a 4 door 5.7 liter Toyota Tundra!
If you are interested in the 2008
Bike Rally and helping us support B.A.D.D. call or e-mail the Alumni Office.
There will be more information on our website along with a sharing link to the
B.A.D.D. website.
* PUNTA
CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:
Plans are developing now for possibly June, 2008!
* MMA
ALUMNI FLORIDA REUNION 2008: February
12-18, 2008 Plans
have been made once again to have our centralized Florida Reunion at
Shades of Green
within the Disney World Complex
near Orlando again next year! We are anticipating at least 75 attendees for
next year, fifty rooms are now being held for this event on February
12-18, 2008. The Alumni Banquet will again be held
Saturday evening, February 16, 2008. Rooms start at $111.00
per night compared to nearly $300.00 at other Disney Resorts! RESERVATIONS
ARE BEING TAKEN NOW AT SHADES OF GREEN. OUR CODE NUMBER IS: 0802MASSAN PLEASE
MENTION YOU ARE ATTENDING THE MMA ALUMNI FLORIDA REUNION. KEEP
A CHECK ON OUR ALUMNI WEBSITE ALSO AT: www.massanutten.org FOR UPDATES OF
SPECIAL EVENTS.
* FLORIDA
2008: Some of us will be getting together following the Shades of Green
Reunion.
Dick Morris '45 and Gino Milita
'68 are making plans for smaller individual group reunions throughout the state
of Florida since it is such a large state and we have 300 plus Alums now living
there. They hope these smaller "Backyard Reunions" will be more convenient for
many of those Florida Alums.
We will keep you
updated as other Florida area plans are finalized.
If you are interested in
establishing a Reunion, Luncheon or simply a backyard Alumni Barbecue in your
area, please contact us! Two or three for lunch makes a starter reunion!
Call us, we'll help you reach out and
touch a classmate!
WE ARE FORMING SMALL
GROUPS TO VISIT YOU AT YOUR HOME JUST TO GET YOU TO A REUNION!
THE NEXT KNOCK ON YOUR
DOOR JUST MIGHT BE
"THE
REUNION SQUAD"
Plans
are ALREADY being made for
Homecoming 2008
Mark your calendar NOW for October 10 - 12, 2008
________________________________________________________________________
CHECK
OUT THE WEBSITE FOR THIS SECTION!
MEMORIES: THEN & NOW!
There are many of us who want to
see photos of all you fat, bald, and gray alums out there, and your families!
Check out the "MEMORIES: THEN AND NOW" page on the website
Mystery Pix appear there now!
Why not share your pix with us?
Share your thoughts, stories and any special
notices here with us!
Contact the Alumni Association and your information will appear here next week!
We thank our Alums who share old and recent photos to be added to the website.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
YOU
ARE THE FUTURE OF THE
MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY
ALUMNI
ASSOCIATION
"Success is
finding your successor"
Sincerely,
Gino Milita '68
Executive Director MMAAA
Director of Alumni Affairs
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
If you are coming to Woodstock or planning to attend Homecoming 2008,
the MMAAA office highly recommends the Holiday Inn Express
which serves a full breakfast now and has the best rates for MMA Alums at $85.00
a night. (This is lower than any of the area's nicer hotels). We have taken
the liberty of ALREADY blocking as many rooms as we could for Homecoming 2008
.... October 10-12, 2008 so that you can enjoy your stay in Woodstock and
rekindle old friendships!
Holiday Inn Express
(Formerly Ramada Inn) 1130 Motel
Drive Woodstock 459-5000
Hotels/Motels—Woodstock
BudgetHost Inn U.S. 11 South of Woodstock 459-4086
Comfort Inn 1011 Motel Drive Woodstock 459-7600
Campgrounds/RV Parks
Creekside Campground 108 Palmyra Rd, Edinburg 540-984-4299
Battleof Cedar Creek Campground Middletown 540-869-1888
Endless Caverns U.S. 11, New Market 540-896-2283
Hotels/Motels within 30 miles
Days Inn740-4100, 9360 George R. Collins Drive New Market
Hotel Strasburg 465-9191, 213 South Holliday Street Strasburg
The Shenvalee740-3181, 9660 Fairway Drive New Market
Quality Inn—Shenandoah Valley 740-3141, 162 West Old Cross Road New Market
Valley View Motel 465-8510, 29156 Old Valley Pike Strasburg
Wayside Inn
869-1797, 7783 Main Street Middletown
Super 8868-1800
2120 Reliance Rd. Middletown
Bed & Breakfasts—Shenandoah County
Carver House465-3700, West King Street, Strasburg
Candlewick Inn459-8008, North Church Street, Woodstock
Cross Roads Inn B & B 740-4266, 9222 John Sevier Road, New Market
Edinburg Inn 984-8286, 218 South Main Street, Edinburg
The Hatch 984-8939, 211 North Main Street Edinburg
Hockman Manor House984-8889 U.S. 11, north of Edinburg
The Inn at Narrow Passage 459-8000, U.S. 11 South of Woodstock
Rosendale Inn 740-4281 17917 Farmhouse Lane New Market
The Jacob Swartz House 740-9208, 574 Jiggady Road New Market
The Red Shutter Farmhouse 740-4281, 17917 Farmhouse Lane New Market
River'd Inn 459-5369, 1972 Artz Road off U.S. 11 North of Woodstock
Sky Chalet Mountain Lodges856-2147, Basye
The Strathmore House 477-4141, 658 Wissler Road Quicksburg
The White House Bed & Breakfast 740-4352, 390 Hulings Lane New Market
Whispering Pines Rest & Ride 984-3276, 533 Lantz Road Edinburg
Widow Kip’s Country Inn 477-2400, 355 Orchard Drive Mount Jackson
Have You Lost Touch With Your
Classmates?
Why pay Classmates.com or any
other website?
WE HAVE ALL THE
INFORMATION YOU NEED!
WE CAN HELP!!!!!
Send us your special requests with name, class
year, and last know address. Check out the newly revised Alumni Association
Website at www.massanuttenalum.org.
Click on the link to our Memberclicks On-Line Directory. Once there, enter your
username and password, then you will be able to search for your classmates and
find their latest contact information. While you are there, check and update
your own profile in case your friends are looking for you!
NEED MORE HELP?
Contact us and we'll help walk you through
the process. If the Alumni Association can be of assistance to you in any way,
please do not hesitate to contact us as we are here to serve you!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
"Opportunities are usually
disguised as hard work, so most people don't ever recognize them."
The MMAAA Staff:
Gino Milita '68
Executive Director
Director of Alumni
Affairs
Kathy Kern
Administrative
Assistant
Toni Dinges
Technical
Administrator