Greetings 78ers…

I again have the sad task this quarter of reporting on Gary Ardo’s passing on 30 March in Wilmington, NC. Most of you probably received the AOG notification on 15 Apr which offered a few details. For those who did not receive the notice, his widow Jayne would appreciate condolences sent to her at 1307 Sill Bluff Ln, Leland, NC 28451-6200. One of Gary’s friends posted some great pix of him on his obit page: https://www.coastalcremationsnc.com/obituaries/Gary-Ardo?obId=40159277 one of which is below. After his successful AF career, Gary became an Air Force JROTC instructor in the UK and Aviano AB for many years before moving back to the States. In fact, Gary’s celebration of life was scheduled to be done at Aviano due to his long standing service there. The shot below is with one of his core commanders judging by her rank and medals. He gave back in many ways and am sure will be missed by those who knew him.

On Friday, 25 Apr, the Madera Cyber Innovation Center was dedicated at USAFA with a superb and well attended ceremony. Paul and Joan Madera’s leadership both financially and corporately led the way and literally made it happen. The USAFA website articulated what an absolute game changer the Center will be:

The Madera Cyber Innovation Center reflects the Academy’s commitment to providing world-class facilities for cadets. It houses the Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences,AF CyberWorxand the Institute for Future Conflict.In 14 unique laboratories and classrooms, cadets will learn cyber through hands-on opportunities and traditional instruction. Since core computer and cyber sciences courses will be taught in the facility, cadets from all academic disciplines will experience the center.

Of course there was strong support of several classmates many of whom flew in from across the country to celebrate the special time with Paul and Joan. Pictured below from left to right are Dave Blisk, Punch Moulton, Ed Hunt, Rich Shook, Wayne Hermandorfer, Paul, Jack Kucera, Scott Miller, Bill Ackerman, Ken Kaylor, Lance Undhjem, Tom Kogler, Ron Furstenaeu, and Dave Scott. Not pictured but in attendance was Dave Dallago. I talked to Wayne personally and he confirmed what an amazing and appropriate event it was. 

Not only is the building named after Paul and Joan but several rooms within are dedicated to the class and classmates due to their generosity. Room 310 (Open Cadet Lounge) was funded by the class, Room 405 (office) was funded by Dick Newton and Room 409 (office) was funded by Paul “Mad Dog” Madera. Well done everyone! I feel that it bears repeating that we are now the only class that has two buildings named after classmates. This shows not only Jack and Paul’s incredible generosity but their leadership as well as they both led the charge for funding and construction. 

Along with our OK relocation I felt that it wasn’t to retire yet so am flying the Challenger 350 for Flexjet. During my interview last year I ran into Glenn Frick who is also flying the Challenger for the same company. He is still living in SC and after retiring from JetBlue decided he didn’t want to hang it up either. While I was in Challenger training at the SIMCOM (now CAE) facility in Orlando FL I also ran into Dennis Kelly. The shot below is the two of us before he instructed me in the sim. As pilots know, if you keep flying you’ll end up being a student often which is usually a humbling experience and this was certainly no different. Dennis has been in the area for several years teaching multiple biz jets for Flight Safety before moving to CAE. He is also a Check Airman in the airplane and is keeping extremely busy. He and his bride love the area and don’t have any intention of leaving.

I talked to John Paterson and he has graciously agreed to honcho the 50^th (yeah, it hurts to even think about it but it’ll be here before we know it). He’s asking for inputs from the 45^th so he can include suggestions in the planning. He’s already communicating with the AOG and the 50^th reunion class has priority for just about everything. Further, the presence of facilities in both the Madera and Kucera buildings plus the Hotel Polaris (which Wayne said is a total class act) will keep the entire reunion at Camp USAFA. John’s e-mail is genpaterson@comcast.net so let your (respectful) voice be heard. 

That’s all I have this quarter…you guys PLEASE send me stuff! The only social media I’m on is LinkedIn so if you don’t send anything I don’t have a lot to report on. May everyone have a “great” summer.

 God Bless

78 is Great!