SMA 12_14 news.pmd - Sma

Transcription

Staunton Military Academy
Foundation, Inc.
The Kablegram-Leader
P. O. Box 958, Woodrum Station
Staunton, Virginia 24402-0958
SMA/VWIL Alumni Newsletter
Published by the Staunton Military Academy Foundation • Staunton, Virginia
December 2014
Buildings and Grounds of Staunton Military Academy, Part 2 (1906 to 1919)
By Greg Robertson, SMA ‘70
Staunton Military Academy Alumni Association
P. O. Box 958, Woodrum Station, Staunton, Virginia 24402-0958
Telephone: (540) 885-1309 / (800) 627-5806
E-mail: SMAOffice@sma-alumni.org • Website: http://www.sma-alumni.org
Please fill out this form and mail it to above or fax it to: (866)-950-4452.
SMA Alumni Association, Inc. (payable to: SMA Alumni Association, Inc.)
• Annual Membership Dues: ($60.00 per year, 1 September through 31 August)
If you are paying for multiple years, please indicate below which years (past/present/future).
$___________
SMA Foundation, Inc. (payable to: SMA Foundation, Inc.)
• SMA Heritage Fund (tax exempt):
$___________
The purpose of the SMA Heritage Fund is to help ensure that the memories, traditions, and
alumni efforts are carried into perpetuity. Your donation helps the alumni association maintain
the alumni office, memorial wall, archives, web site and quarterly newsletter. Your contributions
are tax deductible.
und (tax exempt):
• Truth, Duty
Duty,, and Honor F
Fund
$___________
The purpose of the Truth, Duty, and Honor Fund is to support entities such as the Virginia
Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL) Program at Mary Baldwin College (MBC) that exemplify
the core values of Truth, Duty, and Honor (TDH) through educational scholarships and program
support. Your contributions are tax deductible.
Note. If you are contributing to the TDH Fund, please indicate the breakdown of your contribution.
Educational Scholarships:
Program Support:
The Grounds of the Staunton Military Academy circa 1978.
First Entry Gate
Sometime between 1891 and
1899, Pleasant Street (now Kable
Street) was built following an existing
driveway from Winchester Street (now
Coalter Avenue) to the eastern edge of
the Academy. Captain Kable built the
first entry gate to the Academy, where
this road entered the grounds. Though
pictures of it do not appear until the
1911 yearbook, the arched entry was
most likely built in 1907. This was the
same time that a gate was built at the
entrance to the service road leading to
South Barracks from Prospect Street.
$___________
$___________
Total: $___________
PAYMENT
• Check (please see above for correct “payable to”)
• Credit Card (can only accept MC/Visa)
Master Card Visa
Card Number:
__________________
Expiration Date:
__________________
Security Code: (CCV2 code on back of card)
__________________
Name: (exactly as written on credit card) _________________________
Billing Address:
(exactly as written on CC billing statement)
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
____________________ Zip: _____________
Contact Phone Number:
_____________________________________
Email Address:
___________________@________________
Signature:
_____________________________________
—32—
First Entry Gate circa 1910
Continued on page 3
—1—
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Building & Grounds (pt 2)1,3-10
Reflections .............................. 2
Briefly .................................... 11
Benches & Sponsorships 12-13
Legacy .............................. 13-15
Reunion 2015 .................. 16-17
Raffle ..................................... 18
Robertson Releases....... ......19
Scanning Project .................. 20
McCampbell busts ................ 20
SMA Gallery ..................... 21-22
VWIL letter ............................ 23
VWIL Gallery .................... 24-25
VWIL News ...................... 25-26
Taps .................................. 27-29
Walk of Honor ...................... 30
Cadet Store ........................... 31
Dues/Initiatives ..................... 32
© Copyright 2014
Alumni Association
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
reflections from the hill
President .................... William K. Bissett, SMA ‘74
Vice President ....... Thomas E. B. Phillips, SMA ‘74
Secretary .................................. Al Rossy, SMA ‘74
Treasurer ...................... Thomas A. Davis, SMA ‘62
Chaplain ........................ Richard Henderson, SMA ‘63
By Bill Bissett,
President SMA Alumni Association
PERMANENT COMMITTEES
ALUMNI RELATIONS
Hello again, fellow Alums:
Lee W. Lawrence, SMA ‘56 ................. Member
FINANCE
Thomas A. Davis, SMA ‘62 ............... Chairman
Edmund A. Smith, SMA ‘76 ............... Member
We are winding down the
year, and boy, has it flown by! I
can’t thank the board and all who
have been chasing some of the
projects enough for all they have
done this year. Greg Robertson has been working tirelessly
assembling our history and doing a wonderful job as usual. Tim
Scheel has been trying to find us a spot on the roadways to
identify us to everyone, and I can’t thank him enough. All the
rest of the board has been putting in more time than usual on
committees making sure we have a legacy for the future. I think
every cadet should take a minute to thank all of these people at
the reunion in April, especially Arlene and Brocky for taking
such good care of us.
On another note, we moved our location for our fall
face-to-face board meeting to Fort Lauderdale beach this year,
and it seemed to work pretty well. The weather was perfect,
and we had somewhat of good turnout, even though there were
a couple of last minute cancelations for health reasons. We will
be discussing whether we will do it again next fall, and if so, we
would like to see a bigger group involved. More than just board
members attended, and we would like to make it an off-campus
reunion of sorts. Anyone interested in trying it next year, please
let us know. I would like to thank Kevin Gorman for his special
breakfast food he delivered to the meeting in Fort Lauderdale.
It made everyone’s day.
The holidays are coming up, and by the time you get
this issue, thanksgiving will be over. and Christmas will be upon
us. I hope everyone takes a minute to remember all of our alumni
brothers that have passed before us, and have a wonderful
Christmas and a very happy and prosperous new year. I look
forward to seeing all of you in the April at the all class reunion.
LEGAL
Warren Hutton, SMA ‘75 ..................... Member
SCHOLARSHIPS
Tom Davis, SMA ’62 ............................ Member
AD-HOC COMMITTEES
SMA FOUNDATION LEGACY FUND
Peter Birckhead SMA ’73 ................. Chairman
*Steve Bond SMA ’61 ...................... Co-Chair
Warren Hutton, SMA ’75 .................... Member
*Tony Shipula ’74 .............................. Member
Tom Davis SMA ’62 ............................ Member
*Bob Poovey SMA ’60 ...................... Member
*Sid Huguenin ’73 ............................. Member
Amanda Lancaster VWIL ’03 .............. Member
Bill Bissett SMA ’74 ........ Non-voting Advisory
Mark Orr, SMA ’73 ......... Non-voting, Advisory
REUNION
Edmund A. Smith, SMA ‘76 .............. Chairman
Thomas E. B. Phillips, SMA ‘74 ........... Member
Lee W. Lawrence, SMA ’56 ................. Member
*Jay Nedry, SMA ‘69 .......................... Member
SMA-VWIL MUSEUM
*Brocky Nicely, SMA ‘65 ...................... Curator
Thomas E. B. Phillips, SMA ‘74 ......... Chairman
Thomas A. Davis, SMA ‘73 . ................ Member
Mark J. Orr, SMA ‘73 .......................... Member
William K. Bissett, SMA ‘74 ................. Member
KABLEGRAM
Burdette Holmes, SMA ’62 ..................... Editor
Amanda Bennett Lancaster, VWIL ’03 ...... Assoc. Editor
WEBSITE
Mark J. Orr, SMA ‘73 ...................... Webmaster
AT LARGE
Dominic (Jack) Dalbo ....................SMA
J. Harvey Martin III ...................... SMA
Erinn Singman Kaine .................... VWIL
Mei-Ling Fye ................................. VWIL
CADET STORE
The Cadet Store is located in the
SMA-VWIL Museum in the former
SMA Supply Room. The form at right
should be completed and mailed, with
your check enclosed, to:
SMA Alumni Association
You can also contact the store by
e-mail at SMAOffice@sma-alumni.org
or call (540) 885-1309 for information, leave a message, and your call
will be returned as soon as possible.
Credit card orders can be processed by using the form on page 28.
Your order will be shipped when payment is received.
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ITEM
TOTAL
$____________
Baseball Caps ........................................................... $7.00
Structured Hats:
White with Blue Lettering “Staunton Military Academy”
Blue with Gold Lettering “Staunton Military Academy”
Blue with Gold Hat Shield
$____________
Baseball Caps ......................................................... $15.00
Unstructured Hats: Blue, White, OR Tan with Cross Rifles and Lettering
“Staunton Military Academy”
T-Shirts: M-3X
Gold: (w/ Blue Embroidered Hat Shield on front &
$____________
Embroidered SMA Shoulder Patch on sleeve) .......... $18.00
$____________
Gold: (with full color hat shield patch) .................... $20.00
$____________
Black: (with full color hat shield patch) ................... $20.00
T-Shirts: M-3X - Long sleeve
$____________
Gold: (with full color hat sheild patch) .................... $25.00
$____________
Sweatshirts: M-3X
$____________
Blue: (Gold Embroidered Hat Shield Patch) ............. $10.00
Gray: (Embroidered Cross Rifles and lettering
$____________
“Staunton Military Academy”) ..................................... $10.00
Polo (Golf) Shirts: M-3X
$____________
Solid White or Blue with Blue Embroidered Hat Shield ... $39.00
$____________
Solid Black with Gold Embroidered Hat Shield ........ $39.00
Blue (Chevron design on collar and cuff)
Embroidered with cross rifles and lettering
“Staunton Military Academy” ................................. $20.00
$____________
Jackets: $65.00 M-3X
Navy Blue with Gold Embroidered Hat Shield
$____________
(2)-2XL (1)XL - ONLY SIZES LEFT .................... $50.00
$____________
Gold with Full color Hat Shield ................................ $75.00
$____________
Black with Full Color Hat Shield Patch .................... $75.00
Blue Fleece 1/4 zipper front pullover
$____________
Embroidered with Gold Hat Shield ........................... $39.00
Small cooler bright yellow w/black trim: full color
$____________
Hat Shield Patch on front ......................................... $24.00
$____________
Officer/NCO Belt Buckle ......................................... $35.00
$____________
Leather Garrison Belt ............................................... $40.00
(can be cut to sizes up to 50 inches)
$____________
Car Window Decal ...................................................... $3.50
$____________
Original Post Cards of scenes from SMA ................... $2.00
$____________
SMA Shoulder Patches ............................................... $2.00
$____________
Blue Book (reprint) .................................................. $15.00
$____________
Mug: Black “Barrel” Mug with Gold Hat Shield ....... $5.00
$____________
Steins: White with Gold Hat Shield .......................... $10.00
License Plate Holder: Plastic with lettering
$____________
“Staunton MilitaryAcademyAlumniAssociation” in gold .................. $5.00
DVD Disc:”A History of the Staunton Military Academy”
Produced and Directed by Greg Robertson SMA ’70
$____________
................................................................................... $20.00
CD: A collection of items related to the history of SMA
contains ads (1884-1930) catalogs, panorama of campus &
Corps of Cadets, postcards, and 16 Yearbooks including the
$____________
first(1906) and last printed (1975) ............................ $20.00
Shipping charges must be added:
$00.00 to $30.00 ................................................................ $0011.00
$31.00 to $70.00 .................................................................. $013.15
$71.00 and above ................................................................ $015.15
Total:
$____________
$____________
$____________
$____________
Name:___________________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________
City:_______________________________________State:_______ZIP:_______________
Telephone: ( ______) ______________E-mail:__________________________
© Copyright 2014 — SMA Alumni Association
—2—
EACH
Charges listed below are for United States in-country delivery only.
Shipments to Hawaii, Bahamas, and other distant destinations are
subject to shipper’s charges.
Pass in Review
* VIP (non board member)
_____
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Bill Bissett
President
SMAAA
SMA ALUMNI OFFICE
Arlene Nicely ............. SMA Office Manager
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TDH
’68
’74
‘02
‘05
QUAN.
—31—
SMA-VWIL “Walk of Honor” Brick Order Form
P.O. Box 958, Staunton, VA 24402
Tel: (540) 885-1309 / (800) 627-5806; Email: SMAOffice@sma-alumni.org
Purchase a Brick in your name! The individually inscribed commemorative bricks are a way to honor and recognize SMA alumni,
former faculty members, teachers, coaches, staff, graduating classes, and SMA friends and supporters. The blank bricks on the existing
walkway will be replaced with each 100 orders of inscribed bricks. Each 4" x 8" brick costs $60.00 and can be purchased with a taxdeductible contribution to the SMA Foundation, Inc.
Continued...
The arch resembled the Sally Port entryway into South
Barracks, and parapets similar to those on the barracks
topped the structure. The entry way also had the additional
significance of changing the approach to the academy from
the front door of the Kable House (from Prospect Street)
to the Plaza (from Pleasant Street).
The entry was removed sometime around 1917.
YMCA Building
ORDER
SMA Foundation, Inc. (payable to SMA Foundation, Inc.)
“Walk of Honor” Brick
($60.00 per brick)
Pool room in YMCA Building circa 1912
$___________
Building East of Old Stables
If multiple bricks are being purchased, please fill out add’l copies of the form to specify the inscription
information for each brick being ordered. Number each page (form) being faxed. The first page should
include the total amount being ordered and charged (e.g., $60/brick x quantity purchased = Total.
Total Order:
There is no documentation as the use of this single
story rectangular building. Nor are there any pictures of
it. The building first shows up on the 1904 Sanborn Fire
Insurance Map, but has disappeared by the survey used
for the 1949 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map.
$___________
Inscription Information: (please print clearly)
Line 1. ______________________________________________________________________________
Line 2. ______________________________________________________________________________
Line 3.______________________________________________________________________________
PAYMENT
Check (payable to SMA Alumni Association)
Credit Card (can only accept MC/Visa)
Card Number:
Expiration Date:
Master Card Visa
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Name:
_____________________________________
(exactly as written on credit card)
CONTACTAND SIGNATURE
Email Address:
Signature:
Sometime between 1909 and 1914, a small shed was
built against the retaining wall near South Barracks to
house the contract dry cleaning representative. The
building does not appear on the 1909 Sanborn Fire
Insurance Map but does appear on the 1914 Map. The
building was rebuilt and enlarged over the years serving
the needs of the expanding Corps of Cadets until the
school closed in 1976. The building was razed in 1979.
No pictures of the building are known to exist
YMCA Building seen from Prospect Street circa 1912
Billing Address:
Dry Cleaning Shack
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
____________________ Zip:_____________
_____________________________________
___________________@________________
_____________________________________
Inscriptions may be up to three lines (maximum of 20 characters per line). Punctuation
marks count as characters.
— 30 —
In October of 1909, William G. Kable purchased the
four acres directly north of the school grounds from Julius
Prufer for $8,000. This land would provide the room for
the expansion of the major academy buildings for the next
25 years. Along with the purchase of the land came a
house that became known as the YMCA building.
The SMA Chapter of the YMCA formed in 1908
and grew to over 200 members by 1918. An article on
the 1916 Yearbook states that “The essential work of the
Association during the past year has been characterized
by a spirit of loyalty and enthusiasm.” Membership began
dropping after the death of William G. Kable. By 1924,
all mention of the YMCA at SMA had disappeared from
the Kablegrams and the Yearbooks.
An article in the January 24, 1925 issue of the
Kablegram calls the building the “Old YMCA.” The
building at that time housed a music studio, storage of
musical instruments, offices of the Kablegram, and was
used as an emergency barracks.
The building was demolished in 1925 to make way
for the construction of Memorial Hall.
SMA Grounds in 1909
Continued on page 4
—3—
taps
Continued from page 3
Chemistry Building
Sanders (spouse Jennifer Sanders)
of Mooresville NC. They and their
Spouses gave Sandy and Ann six
grandchildren: Erik and Michaela
Colleen, Jordan and Cassidy
Sanders, and Mariah and Danielle
Sanders of whom they were very
proud.
Sandy and the family are
grateful for the many caregivers
that have been there for them when
needed. A memorial Service was
held on Saturday, November 1st, Cadet Sanders in 1954.
2014. at Ridge Road Baptist Church, 2011 Ridge Rd, Raleigh
NC, 27607. In lieu of Flowers please make donations to
Transitions Hospice Care of Wake County or Ridge Road
Baptist Church.
Micheal D. Read, SMA ‘44
Chemistry Building circa 1911
Though the exact date of its construction is not known,
the Chemistry building was probably added around 1910.
It does not appear on the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of
1909 and one photo of the 1912 Corps (most likely taken
in late 1911) shows it as a standalone building. In 1912,
West Barracks was constructed up to the south and west
sides of the building.
The building still stands and houses the Business Offices
of Mary Baldwin College.
House at 239 Pleasant Street
Sorry to report that Mike
Read my buddy and classmate of
class of 1944 passed away on April
1, 2014. We did our 50th Reunion,
but things didn’t work out for
our 70th.
Mike was a great guysmart, lots of laughs He was I
used to call him the “crookedest
guidon bearer” that ever was - and
I never ceased to be amazed that
Company A ever made it to the
Cadet Read in 1944.
parade ground from the Hill. He
couldn’t keep a straight line.
He worked for Electric Boat and made many a
dive in the submarines he helped develop. Honor graduate
of Lehigh, lost his wife number of years ago. We had the
good fortune to work together for a number of years in the
old Explosives Division of Atlas Powder and had a lot of
laughs together including his making homemade anti-freeze
in the Acid Lab where he sometimes worked.
Mike enlisted after graduation in the U.S. Army
and was in Japan as part of occupation.
Not many of ‘44 still around, Dr. Jim Jordan ,44
Leon R. Sheperd, SMA ‘48
Leon R. Sheperd, devoted
of JoAnn (Mike
Humphrey), Michael,
Emily Galt (Tom),
Reuben
(Hollie
Gallagher) and Justin
(Robin);
cherished
grandfather of Lindsay
Edwards, James and
Jackson Galt, Lauren,
Henry, Isaac and Daniel
Sheperd; loving partner of Cadet Sheperd in 1948.
Jan Blumenthal; beloved
brother of Marilyn Strauss; son of the late Reuben and Bena
(nee Lichtenberg) Sheperd; widower of Barbara Lessem
Sheperd; dear uncle of Sheperd and Marilyn Kahn; Elizabeth
and Joel Scheer, Jeremy and Elana Lessem, and Jordan
Lessem; great uncle of Katherine and Sam Kahn, Emma
and John Scheer and Cleo Lessem; brother-in-law of Mark
and Ina Lessem; also remembered by Jan’s children Michael
Baskin (Bonnie Blane) and Stevi Baskin (Dan Reynolds).
Lifelong friend of the Sterns and the Gibsons.
He was in the National Guard during the Korean
War and a graduate of Staunton Military Academy. Lee
attended Ohio State University and was a member of Zeta
Beta Tau Fraternity. The life of every party, his humor and
joie de vivre will be remembered by all who knew him.
Contributions are suggested to the Cleveland Animal
Protective League
father
Editor’s note: Submitted by Mike’s classmate
and friend, Dr. James Jordan.
Cadet Battalion on Plaza with House at 239 Pleasant
Street in upper right of picture circa 1912
In May of 1912, William G. Kable purchased the house
and property at 239 Pleasant Street that adjoined the
northeastern edge of the Plaza. The house was razed shortly
after purchase and the first Mess Hall was rolled to the property.
Natatorium
Chemistry Laboratory circa 1934
Natatorium (YMCA building to the left) circa 1913
Cleon W. “Sandy” Sanders, Jr., SMA ‘54
Raleigh - Cleon W. (Sandy) Sanders, Jr.
died on October 29th 2014, at his
home surrounded by family
members after an extended battle
with cancer.
He was the son of Dr. Cleon W.
Sanders Sr. and Remoh T.
Sanders. He was born in Raleigh
and grew up in Benson, North
Carolina. He attended Staunton
Military Academy and UNC at
Chapel Hill. After military service,
he married Elizabeth Ann Proctor.
Cleon Sanders, SMA ‘54 This marriage of 53 years was
blessed with three wonderful
children, Elizabeth (Beth) Colleen, (spouse Jon Colleen) of
Port Charlotte, Florida; David Hardy Sanders, (spouse
Rebecca Sanders) of Garner NC; and Matthew Roderick
Editor’s note: originally published by clevelandapl.org.
Continued on page 5
—4 —
—29 —
taps
FARRELL RAY (“KARO”) MOORE, SMA ‘51
Cumberland MD; his sisters, Jane Mason and her husband,
Edward, Cumberland, MD; and Annette Fey-Deahl and her
husband, Donald, Fayetteville, NC; his sisters-in-law: Cathy
Fey, Bedford, PA; and Shirley Dickerhoff, Fayetteville, NC;
a special niece, friend, and soul mate, Pam Fey-Moss; and
numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends were received at Merritt-Adams Funeral
Home, P.A. 404 Decatur Street,
Cumberland, MD, on Sunday,
January 5, 2003, from 2:00 to 4:00
P.M., and 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. A
funeral service were conducted at
the funeral home on Monday,
January 6, 2003, at 11:00 A.M., with
the Reverend Lee Brotemarkle
officiating. Interment was in Sunset
Memorial Park. Pallbearers were
Jerry Young, Rick Atkinson, Bobby
Marker, Darrell Sommerlatt, Fred
Fey, Jr., and Michael Mason.
Cadet Fey in 1963.
Farrell Ray Moore, age 83,
of Johnson City, TN, passed away
Monday, May 12, 2014 in James
Quillen VA Center. Born June 8,
1930 in Clinchco, VA, attended
Clintwood High School and
graduated from Staunton
Military Academy in Staunton,
Va., where he was named
Athlete of the Year 1951. Served
in the U.S. Air Force during the
Korean War. Graduated in 1958
Cadet Moore in 1951.
from Emory & Henry College,
where he was a member of the baseball team, co-captain of
the basketball team, vice president of the Senior Class and
president of Sigma Iota fraternity. From 1958 through 1964,
he was a teacher and coached basketball, football and baseball
at Rich Valley, Garden Creek and Gate City high schools in
southwest VA. Before retiring in 1991, he worked for The
Rollins Corporation for twenty years and was a long-time
member of The President’s Club, recognizing Rollins’ top
salesmen in the U.S. He was also a member of the Homestead,
Fla. Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
for over twenty years.
Preceded in death by his father and mother, Willard
and Muriel Moore; brother, Billy Moore; two sisters,
Doris Sykes and Louise McMeans; two brothers-inlaw, Robert (“Bob”) Sykes and Brackston Pilkenton;
and a nephew, Neal McMeans.
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Suzan
Moore and Scott Mullins of Nora, Va.; one sister, Linda
Taylor of Kingsport, Tenn.; and many nieces and
nephews.
The funeral service was conducted Friday, May 16,
2014 in Akard Funeral
Home Chapel
with
Chaplain Mary K. Briggs
officiating. Committal and
interment followed in Temple Hill
Cemetery, Castlewood, VA. Bristol
VFW Honor Guard conducted
military rites. Pallbearers were:
Jonathon and Dean Taylor; Aaron
and Tim Pilkenton; and Gary, Mike
and Wayne McMeans. Honarary
pallbearers are Jason Taylor;
Darren Pilkenton; David Sykes;
Farrell Ray Moore
Tyler Taylor; Joey Pilkenton; Ken
Bailey; Frank “T-bone” Lewis;
Harold Lambert; Raymond Buchanan; Jimmy Stanley; James
“Trigg” Dotson and Bill Brummitt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to
Emory & Henry College, P.O. Box 950, Emory, VA 24327.
Editor’s note. Originally published by Akard Funeral Home.
Matthew N. Messanotte, SMA ‘37
Matthew Nicholas Mezzanotte, a
prominent Washington, DC real estate developer,
passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at
Georgetown University Hospital with his family at
his bedside.
Mr. Mezzanotte was born in Washington,
DC on February 11, 1922. He graduated from
Staunton Military Academy and attended the
University of Maryland and Columbia University
in New York City. He served as a Navy pilot during
World War II.
After his discharge, he was a concert violinist and
performed at Constitution Hall, Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood
Bowl, and the White House.
Mr. Mezzanotte developed the new town of Fort
Washington, MD and many other properties in the Washington
area. He owned the Savoy Suites and Carlyle Suites Hotels
in Washington, DC and the Heart of Palm Hotel in Palm
Beach, Florida.
He was a 33rd degree Mason and a very proud
member of the University Club where he lunched daily.
He was the beloved husband of the late Genevieve
Dillman Mezzanotte. He is survived by his nieces and
nephews, all of whom loved him dearly. In lieu of flowers,
memorial donations may be made to the Red Cross or
Georgetown University Medical Center.
—28 —
Continued on page 29
The building contained a mess hall that seated 400, a
separate small dining room, a large kitchen and pantry, and
offices on the first floor. Meals were served family style with
platters of food being delivered by uniformed waiters. Three
faculty apartments and cadets rooms occupied the second
floor. Junior School cadets lived in these cadet rooms.
Sometime between 1914 and 1921, an extension to the
mess hall was added to the west with a large stairway joining
the two. In 1927, the washrooms in the cadet area on the
second floor were remodeled. In 1934, the Junior School
cadets were moved to the remodeled Hospital attached to
the Skinner House and the second floor of West Barracks
was remodeled to house the Infirmary.At this time the building
stopped being referred to as West Barracks and became
simply known as The Mess Hall. Waiter service ended in the
mess hall with a remodel in 1964 that brought cafeteria-style
service to SMA.
The mess hall part of the building is still in use by Mary
Baldwin College as the Student Activities Center. The upper
floors house the College’s Alumni Office.
In 1912 a separate Natatorium, or swimming pool,
was constructed at SMA to replace the swimming pool in
the basement of South Barracks. The local newspapers
described it as the largest in the state outside of Richmond.
The building was constructed of concrete blocks, had a
standing seam metal roof, and multiple large windows to
admit light. The building also had showers and dressing
rooms. The pool measured 60 X 37 feet, was graduated
from a depth of 3 feet to 7 feet, and had a modern jumping
board and two spring boards. Modern for its time, the
water was heated, and the building had steam heat.
The school demolished the building and pool in 1931
to make way for Kable Hall.
Interior of Natatorium circa 1913
West Barracks
Interior of Kitchen circa 1913
West Barracks (a.k.a. Mess Hall) circa 1920
West Barracks, or The Mess Hall as it became known
in later years, was constructed in 1912 to replace the old
wooden mess hall. The construction was of concrete block in
Neo-Classical architecture style.Adorned with fluted columns
topped by Corinthian capitals, the southwest corner touched
the Kable House. The more utilitarian north end wrapped
around the Chemistry building and extended west.
Thanksgiving Dance in Mess Hall circa 1917
Continued on page 6
—5 —
taps
Interior of Mess Hall circa 1935
SMA Grounds in 1914
Building East of Natatorium
Sometime between 1914 and 1921, a wood frame
building was constructed just east of the swimming pool.
Initially, this building was used for classrooms. After
additional classrooms were outfitted in the barracks east of
East Barracks, the building was used as the band practice
room. No pictures are known to exist of this building. The
building was razed in 1931 to make way for Kable Hall.
Magazine
Mathematics Building
Also between 1914 and 1921, the school erected a
wood frame building designated as the Mathematics
Building. The building does not appear on the 1914 Sanborn
Fire Insurance Map, but does appear on the 1921 Map.
No pictures of the building are known to exist.
After the construction of Memorial Hall in 1925, the
building was remodeled into a barracks capable of housing
20 cadets. The building was destroyed in a fire on February
12, 1933.
Cafeteria Serving Lines circa 1970
Sidney Carl Caplan, SMA ‘55
A few words to
celebrate an extremely
beloved, open armed, open
hearted, and open minded
fisherman, outdoorsman,
entrepreneur, businessman,
landscaping encyclopedia,
son, brother, husband, and
father to two beautiful
daughters.
Robert
Byrd
Barksdale, 57, of Botetourt
was born May 15, 1957
here in Roanoke. He led
Cadet Barksdale in 1975.
a peaceful life chock full
of love, laughter, and nutty times with his wave of lifelong
friends. He was an honorary graduate of Cave Spring High
School and a graduate of Staunton Military
Academy.
Robert is survived by his wife Helen
Barksdale, mother Mary Anne Barksdale, his
father Byrd Barksdale, sister Mary Alice
Barksdale, brother John Barksdale, and two
daughters Anna and Susan Barksdale. “You are
gone much too soon, but we will always have you
in our hearts.”
On August 22, 2014, Sidney Carl
Caplan, beloved husband of Millie
Caplan (nee Kessler); devoted
father of Jonathan Caplan and
Susan (Dr. David) Samuels;
cherished brother of the late Ruth
Sue Ruben; cherished brother-inlaw of Shelly Ruben; loving son of
the late Marion and Morris Caplan;
loving son-in-law of the late Miriam
and Cecil Kessler. He graduated
Cadet Caplan in 1955. from Staunton Military Academy
in 1955.
Funeral services and internment were held at Beth
El Memorial Park – Randallstown on August 24.
Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be sent to the charity
of your choice.
Editor’s note: Information provided by Millie
Caplan.
Philip Scott Fey, SMA ‘63
Cumberland, MD
- Philip Scott Fey, 57, of
3614 Rexmere Drive,
Baltimore, MD, died
Wednesday, January 1, 2003, Union
Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD.
Born October 10, 1945,
Cumberland, MD, he was the son
of the late George Charles Fey and
Marion Monroe (Starkey) Fey. He
was also preceded in death by three
half brothers: Richard S. Fey,
Ph.D., George Fey, Jr., Lawrence
Philip Scott Fey
“Bud” Dickerhoff; and one brother:
Frederick “Fred” Monroe Fey. Mr. Fey was the founder
and former owner of the Colonial Manor Motor Lodge.
He graduated from Staunton Military Academy,
Allegany College of Maryland, and Frostburg State
University. He was employed by the State of Maryland as a
Senior Addictions Counselor at Carroll County Health
Department’s Bureau of Addictions Treatment Services. He
was a member of the National Rifle Association. He also
attended graduate school at the University of Maryland and
the University of North Carolina.
Mr. Fey is survived by his daughter, Amy C.
Mockbee, Scottsdale, AZ; his brother, Richard C. Deckerhoff,
Originally published on Memorial Networks by
Batesville Interactive.
Leonard Walter Burka, SMA ‘51
Between 1914 and the survey taken for the 1921
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, a small building was built on
the northwestern edge of the school property. The building
is labeled as being the “Magazine”. No pictures of the
building exist, and no evidence of the building remains.
Infirmary Examination Room circa 1938
Robert Byrd Barksdale, SMA ‘75
On Tuesday, October 28, 2014,
Leonard Walter Burka of Chevy
Chase, Maryland. Beloved husband
of Frances Kossow Burka; loving
father of Michael (Barbara) Burka
and Sharon Burka; dear brother of
Edward (Karen) Burka and the late
Elliott Burka; brother-in-law of
Christine
Burka;
adoring
grandfather of Alex and Jeffrey.
Funeral service was held Friday,
Cadet Burka in 1951. October 31, 2014 at Adas Israel
Congregation. Interment Judean
Memorial Gardens, Olney, Maryland. In Lieu of flowers,
memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Historical
Society of Greater Washington; the Leonard and Frances
Burka Social Action Fund at Adas Israel, or a charity of your
choice.
Continued on page 7
—6 —
—27 —
VWIL
NEWS
A New Face at VWIL
The Skinner House
September 18, 2014
The new Director of Operations at Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership is no
stranger to Staunton or Mary Baldwin College. “I’m a Staunton native, and I’m very aware
of MBC — I had family members go here. I grew up going to First Presbyterian,” said Paul
Jenkins, whose interest was piqued when the college advertised for a Director of Operations
for the corps of cadets.
With experience as an attorney — in the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General Corps,
where he still serves as a reserve officer — and as a private-practice lawyer in
Charlottesville, Jenkins brings nearly a decade of experience to the college. “I’m having fun
so far,” Jenkins said of his new post, which began September 8.
As director of operations, Jenkins will provide oversight of the co-curricular
components of VWIL, ensuring that all cadets have the opportunity to develop leadership
skills and understanding in preparation for both military and civilian careers. He will ensure
effective operation of the regimental and class systems, work to maintain high esprit and
morale among cadets, guide and train student leaders, work with key external constituencies
to garner and organize support for the program, and assist in recruiting and retaining capable
students.
Paul Jenkins
In addition, Jenkins will oversee the scheduled co-curricular and military components
of the VWIL program, including physical training. He will counsel students and coordinate with all college offices that support
the cadet-training program.
Originally published by Liesel Crosier in mbu.edu\news.
VWIL Cadets Honor Local Veterans
By Laura Peters of the News Leader
STAUNTON – A 21-gun salute went off at Mary Baldwin College as the final glimmer of sunlight faded into the mountains. The
college’s Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership held a dinner and small ceremony for local veterans Monday night at Hunt
Hall. About a dozen veterans showed up to be honored by the college and other members of the community. “Thank you to our
veterans,” Mary Baldwin President Pamela Fox said. “You’ve fought for our freedom ... and paved the way for peace across the
world.” Each year, VWIL hosts an event to honor their service on Veterans Day.
Albert Richardson, of Staunton, said looking back on his service in the Army during Vietnam means a lot to him. He remained
in the Army Reserves for years after active duty. “I spent a lot of time and effort in this,” he said.
Thomas Morton, of Staunton, spent more than 29 years in the Army as a sergeant major during the Vietnam War. Morton said
when he and his comrades were on base, the soldiers were a family. “You assist each other in everything, you aren’t an individual,
you’re a family.”
When Morton came back from two and a half tours in Vietnam, he and other soldiers didn’t come back to pomp and
circumstance. But now, Morton believes, recognition is what being a veteran is all about. “It feels good because when we got back
from Vietnam, there was no honor,” he said.
Stuarts Draft veteran, Craig DuCharme, spent six years in the Navy. At the dinner, DuCharme honored his father’s service by
wearing his father’s Army tie from World War II. “My father served under Gen. George Patton, so he saw some real action,” he
said. DuCharme said he has a deep appreciation for those who have served. “I think it’s a privilege,” he said of being honored as
a veteran. “It serves as an opportunity for those who served for our country, because freedom comes with a price.”
Robert Jackson, of Staunton, who also served in the Army, said once you’re a veteran, you’re always a veteran. “It means
everything,” he said.
This article by Laura Peters was originally published by the Newsleader on Nov. 11, 2014.
Cadet Hospital circa 1922
Front of Skinner House circa 1934
SMA purchased the property and house built in 1865
by Col. James Skinner for $23,000 on 2/5/1915. The date
of its construction made this house the oldest structure on the
Academy grounds. The initial use of the house is unknown.
In 1918, an addition was added to the rear of the house
for use as the Academy infirmary. In the spring of 1921,
construction started on a large wing off the edge of the addition
to expand the Infirmary to a cadet hospital. The School also
constructed multiple tennis courts on the land below the
hospital during the 1920’s and 1930’s.
In the summer of 1934, both the original addition and
the added wing were remodeled to house Academy’s Junior
School. These younger cadets moved into their new quarters
in the fall of 1934. The building remained the Junior School
until the fall of 1966 when Tullidge Hall opened.
The original addition and the wing were torn down in
the fall of 1966. The original Skinner house was remodeled
and became the quarters of the Assistant Superintendent until
the school closed in 1976.
The building still stands today and houses the offices of
MBC’s Adult Degree Program.
Doctor’s Office circa 1926
Junior School Classroom circa 1935
The Commandant’s House
Captain W. G. Kable constructed the Commandant’s
House, or “Benbreagh” as it was named by the first
resident, Colonel Thomas Russell, in 1916. The name
Benbreagh means “house on the hill” in Gaelic. Built in
Colonial Revival style, it was the first and only family
residence built on SMA property. The only documented
improvement to the property was the construction of the
cobblestone wall around the north and west sides in 1926.
Rear of Infirmary circa 1919
—26 —
—7—
Continued on page 8
storage rooms. The floor of the gymnasium could be
converted into an assembly hall seating 1,600. A mezzanine
surrounded three sides of the gymnasium at the second
story level. Doors on the south end of the mezzanine
allowed access to the school armory that was buried
below the front entrance to the building.
The third floor of the building, which was accessed
directly from the cadet assembly area, housed a post office,
a cadet social room, the school library, five classrooms,
and a physical laboratory. The fourth thru sixth floors,
accessed by two stairways on each side of the south
entrance, were built with an open quadrangle. These floors
contained showers, washrooms, and 55 cadet rooms.
Initially, only returning cadets were housed in the barracks.
In 1926, two of the cadet rooms on the fourth floor
were remodeled into a single faculty apartment. In 1932,
the barracks was designated as the recruit, a.k.a. “Rat”,
barracks. Also in 1932, the military department moved
into the two classrooms on the northeast end of the third
floor. The three remaining classrooms were converted into
a biology laboratory in 1934.
A translucent roof was installed over the open
quadrangle in 1961.
The building was demolished in 1982.
VWIL
NEWS
SMA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LEGACY FUND
The Commandant’s House circa 1928
The building remained the property of W. G. Kable
until his death in July of 1920 and then ownership passed
to his sister, Margaret Russell, and her heirs. SMA
purchased the building from the estate of Margaret Russell
in 1946 and used it as the Superintendent’s Quarters until
the closing of the school in 1976. The building is currently
the residence of the President of Mary Baldwin College.
North Barracks
Post Office circa 1927
North Barracks circa 1920
Constructed in 1919, North Barracks dominated the
upper portion of the school with its three story Corinthian
columns and large clock set in the gable facing the cadet
assembly area. At six stories tall, the building towered
above all of the other structures on the academy grounds.
With the central power plant smoke stack attached to the
north end of the building and rising three stories above the
roof, it was the tallest building ever built in Staunton.
The ground floor of the building housed a large
gymnasium with twenty foot ceilings, dressing rooms, and
VWIL Air Force ROTC Cadets complete their fitness
assessment in late November 2014.
All-Female Cadet Corps Looking To Grow
By Megan Williams of the News Leader
STAUNTON – Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership, the only
all-female cadet corps in the country, at Mary Baldwin College.
A lot has changed since the first 42 women arrived on campus in 1995. One of the biggest changes has been one
of leadership. After getting the program off the ground and leading its development for almost two decades, Brig.
Gen. Mike Bissell retired in 2013 after a long career in the military and in leading young cadets.
For the first time, VWIL received a new commandant, Brig. Gen. Terry Djuric, who has big plans for the
expansion of the program and Mary Baldwin’s outreach to the military community. Djuric spent her first year with
the cadets learning about the program, gauging the progress that’s been made, studying metrics not just for VWIL
but for the college in general, and finally, coming up with goals for VWIL that align with the college’s strategic plan.
“That’s how we’re trained in the military,” Djuric said. “You don’t come in wielding ideas until you understand
what’s going on.”
Djuric looked at the quality of cadets that were being recruited, the retention rate from freshman year to sophomore
year, graduation rates and commissioning rates. “Basically what was the landscape the last four years,” she said.
From there, Djuric rolled out her goals for the cadet corps:
• Retain 60 percent of the class of 2018
• Reach 50 percent of the 2015 graduates to gauge how quickly they found employment
• Reduce operating costs by 20 percent
• Recommit 80 percent of the class of 2015 to earn leadership certification.
Although only a year in, Djuric said they have seen progress toward their goals. The class of 2014 had the
highest commissioning rate of any graduating class with 71 percent choosing to go into the military. Also, 23 cadets
have already been recruited for the class of 2019.
It’s not just through numbers that Djuric hopes to see the program grow, however. Outreach to the community is
also an important part of her mission. Djuric wants to make Troops to Teachers a part of Mary Baldwin’s mission.
It’s a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in
public schools. Djuric has been working with Mary Baldwin’s admissions office to help veterans get credit for
courses already taken and to work with them to receive the credits and credentials they still need.
Djuric spends a lot of time recruiting high school students who she believes will be successful in VWIL. These
students generally have high GPAs and are involved in many extra-curricular activities. She also works with the
Mary Baldwin admissions office to seek out students who have applied to the college and seem like a good fit for
the program.”It’s about recruiting the right quality and right quantity of cadets,” Djuric said.
Next up for VWIL is a Veterans Day dinner to honor vets at Mary Baldwin and in the community.
This article by Megan Williams was originally published by the Newsleader on Nov. 11, 2014.
Armory circa 1938
—8—
AMCSUS Centennial Colors at VWIL nULL Induction Parade.
Continued on page 9
—25—
VWIL
NEWS
VWIL Junior Class 2016 – Ring Weekend
VWIL Corps of Cadets proudly carry the SMA flag in the
Staunton Veterans Day Parade 2014.
Cadets in Physics Laboratory circa 1970
Library circa 1939
Basketball game in Large Gym circa 1970
VADM Peter Neffenger, Vice Commandant of the US Coast Guard,
was the reviewing officer and guest speaker at the Corps of Cadets
Family Weekend parade.
VWIL Advisory Board of Visitors (Brig Gen Van Cleef, CAPT
Riddle, CPT Guarino ’05) attended ROTC Control Time with
cadets on a military commissioning path.
Central Plant
Cadet Rooms circa 1975
GEN Peay Congratulates Cadet Captain Kimberely Denny and
First Captain Carolyn Denny.
Colonel Wesley Fox, USMC Retired and Medal of Honor
Recipient, congratulates Cadet 1st Captain Carolyn Denny and
Cadet Captain Kimberly Denny on their scholarships.
Central Plant under construction circa 1919
The Central Heating Plant for SMA was built
concurrently with North Barracks in 1919. The east end
of the building contained 4 coal-fired boilers that provided
steam for heat and hot water to North Barracks, the
Natatorium, and West Barracks. A large coal storage bin
sat east of the building with small tracks embedded in the
ground for coal carts. The cadet laundry was relocated to
the west end of the building from the building built in 1905.
Commencement in Large Gym circa 1966
VWIL Advisory Board of Visitors (Dr. Blair, Dr. Stein, and Ms. Williamson, VWIL ’12) assisted cadets on a
civilian leadership path with practice interviews.
—24 —
—9—
South Barracks and the Administration building were
connected to the heating plant shortly thereafter. In 1927,
the lines were extended to the Cadet Hospital. As other
buildings were added to SMA, the steam and hot water
lines were extended to those buildings.
The space once occupied by the laundry is used today
by the Mary Baldwin Drama Department as a costume
shop. The central heating plant is still in operation. The small
tracks used to transport coal are still imbedded in the
concrete of the coal bin. The coal bin itself is used as a
storage area for Mary Baldwin Grounds Maintenance.
NEWS
VWIL Vision, Mission, and Goals!
By Terry Djuric, Brig Gen (retired), VWIL Commandant of Cadets
Central Plant circa 2013
Houses at 229, 231, and 235 Pleasant Street
In December of 1919, the school
purchased the properties at 235, 231,
and 229 Pleasant Street.
The Cadet Officers Club assumed
occupancy of the house located on the
property at 235 Pleasant Street. The fire
of February 1933 heavily damaged the
building and it was razed shortly
thereafter.
The house at 231 Pleasant Street
was used as a faculty apartment for many
years. In 1929, this building became the
SMA Music Studio. At a later date, it
became the Day Student building. It
was razed sometime in the early 1980’s
during the construction of the new entry
driveway by MBC.
was also used initially as a faculty
apartment. In 1929, the building was
remodeled and the SMA Music School
located there. In later years, it became
known simply as the Band Shack. It
also was razed during the construction
of the new entry driveway by MBC.
VWIL
Aerial View of SMA showing Houses on Pleasant Street in the lower right circa 1960
End of Buildings and Grounds, Part 2 (1906 – 1919).
Editor’s note: Buildings and Grounds, Part 3 (1920 – 1976) will be published in the February, 2015 issue.
—10—
As we prepare for our college Winter Break, VWIL has had an outstanding Fall Semester. We inducted
47 nULLs into the Corps of Cadets, hosted VADM Neffenger, the Vice Commandant of the US Coast
Guard, performed in the Staunton Veterans Day Parade, hosted the VWIL Advisory Board of Visitors,
organized Mary Baldwin’s first-ever Veterans Honor Ceremony and Appreciation Dinner, and two of our
seniors were awarded national-level scholarships – the best in the Nation!
In this article, I will share the VWIL goals and objectives for the next five years. Goals and objectives help
provide direction to every organization. Meaningful goals and objectives motivate cadets to excel and learn a
sense of accomplishment. These goals were established by VWIL to complement Mary Baldwin College’s
goals in their Strategic Plan for 2014-2020. These goals are rooted in our original mission and vision.
The mission of the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership for 20 years has been to prepare and
develop women to become active and engaged leaders in the military, public service, and private sector of the local, regional, and
global community.
To achieve that mission, we have a vision for the cadet corps and the VWIL program: The Virginia Women’s Institute for
Leadership will be a nationally-recognized program known for combining military leadership training with civilian
approaches that highlight ethical rigor, intense challenges, mutual respect, and high achievement.
As we begin the next 20 years for the only all-female cadet corps in the nation, we will excel by growing the Corps of Cadets
in quality and quantity, by maturing the VWIL program, while ensuring we’re firmly grounded with our founding principles and
traditions, and by becoming recognized as a center for leadership and ethics at Mary Baldwin College. The VWIL Corps of
Cadets plays a vital role in achieving this vision. To achieve our vision by the year 2020 we will meet the following goals this year:
Recruit the right cadet
Retain 60% of our cadets into their second year
Recommit to our program by awarding the Leadership Certificate to 80% of the Class of 2015
Reach a 50% graduation rate of the original Class of 2015 and assist the graduates in reaching 90% job placement within
6 months of their graduation
Reduce operating costs to absorb the Corps growth
We have clear, actionable objectives outlined within each goal. And, in this Kablegram/Leader article, we will review
the first two goals and objectives.
Recruit the Right Cadet: Together with MBC’s Admissions counselors, the VWIL Staff is working with volunteer
cadets to assist in recruiting efforts. Each cadet will take a recruiting package to their high school and receive 10 merits for
every interested student’s address they return to MBC. We will also integrate recruiting events with every trip we take, including
the AMCSUS Conference in Texas, posting the Colors at the NCAA Division III Field Hockey National Championships, and the
St. Patrick’s Day parade. We will also advertise our VWIL graduates job placement and graduate school attendance in order to
improve the Corps’ recruiting and retention. We have already accepted 16 nULLs for the Class of 2019; so we’re well on our
way toward reaching our recruiting goal of inducting 45 VWIL nULLs in fall 2015.
Retain 60% of our cadets into their second year. We are committed to improving VWIL’s freshmen-to-sophomore
retention rate, which has been on a steady decline the past four years. We are establishing sustainable mentorships through our
Peer Advisors, Calic and nULL relationships, and Platoon Leaders. We are also demonstrating that we value the leadership and
skills of our nULLs (freshmen cadets) by assigning them Corps apprentice duties within the Howie Rifles and PEARLS drill
team, Honor Guard, Color Guard, and Physical Training Cadre. We have spent several months addressing the key stressors of
our cadets, and we are allowing more time in the Corps calendar for academics, college clubs and sports, and their jobs, which
help them earn money to pay their college bills. As mentioned in the last Kablegram, we have reintegrated the nULLs into
freshmen dorms. We are also emphasizing citizen leader development for the 40% of our graduates who choose to seek civilian
jobs. We have also emphasized the value of individual fitness improvement plans and take time to recognize cadets who improve
their fitness scores by 20% or better. All of these efforts will ensure we achieve our Corps enrollment size of 120 cadets by fall
2015 and retain 60% of the Class of 2018 in fall 2015. The Class of 2018 has currently retained 87% of their class.
In my next Kablegram/Leader article, I’ll share objectives of the remaining three VWIL goals: recommit, reach, and reduce.
In April 2015, we look forward to welcoming many of you back to your campus and celebrating with you at the Reunion Weekend.
Enjoy your holiday season.
—23—
briefly
SMA GALLERY
We Need Old Issues of the Kablegram
The SMA History Project is going to scan the archived Kablegrams into an electronic database that will be accessible
online. An inventory of the SMAAA museum’s holdings revealed missing issues from the years before the closing of the school.
If anybody happens to have the issues listed below and would be willing to donate them for this project, please contact the
museum curator, Brocky Nicely ‘65, at the SMAAA offices (SMAOffice@sma-alumni.org or 800- 627-5806) or Gregory P
Robertson ’70, SMA History Project (smahistory@hotmail.com or 575-313-0232).
1969 – 1970 - missing issues 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10
1971 – 1972 - missing issues 1 ,2 ,3 ,4 , 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
1972 – 1973 - missing issues 9 & 10
1973 – 1974 - missing issues 9 & 10
Flagpole Hill Restoration Project. The restored World War I
monument is good for another century.
1974 – 1975 - missing issues 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
1975 – 1976 - missing all issues
Restoration activities were not limited to Flagpole Hill. Colonel
Russell’s plaque receives attention, too.
SMA History Project Now Online
The SMA History Project is now available for viewing at www.smahistory.com.
Along with the up-to-date written History of SMA, the website contains advertisements dating from 1884 until 1940,
over 40 postcards from different years of the school, 13 panoramic pictures of the school through the years, multiple catalogs
from 1884 through 1970, yearbooks, videos, and a placeholder that will provide updates for the just initiated Kablegram
scanning project.
Memorial Benches. Six memorial benches were installed on
Flagpole Hill.
Every former cadet and friend should check it out and signup on the website for updates as further pieces of
the SMA History Project become available.
Memorial Benches. A north view shows the six new benches
with the MBC President’s House in view.
Deadline for the February 2015 Kablegram-Leader.
We plan to publish the pre-reunion issue of the Kablegram-Leader in February, 2015. The deadline for contributions is
January 15th. Please send pictures!
History of SMA: The Buildings and Grounds.
Our SMA historian, Greg Robertson, SMA ’70, has delivered the next chapter of the SMA History, titled “Buildings
and Grounds of Staunton Military Academy”. There is so much information in this chapter that we have split it into three
parts. Part 1 (1884 to 1905) was printed in the September issue of the Kablegram-Leader. The second part (1906 –
1919) is presented in this issue, and the third part (1920 – 1976) is slotted for the February, 2015 issue.
Memorial Benches. A new bench was installed in front of the
main entrance to the SMA/VWIL museum.
Memorial Benches. Another memorial bench sits above the
stairs leading to the SMA/VWIL museum.
—22—
—11—
BENCHES AND SPONSORSHIPS FOR SALE
SMA GALLERY
SPONSORSHIPS GOING FAST!
By Peter Birckhead, Legacy Fund Chairman
SMA Board of Directors
November 07, 2014
BENCHES FOR SALE IN KABLE COURTYARD!!
Due to the overwhelming response from alumni to our Sponsorship Bench Program, we have received approval from
MBC leadership to place four benches in Kable Courtyard. One of these benches has already been sold to Mrs. Deborah Lee
in honor of the memory of her late husband Frank Lee, SMA ’52. So, if you are interested in sponsoring a bench, please get in
touch with me soon. I am sure benches for this location will go fast!
We now have six benches donated and in place on Flag Pole Hill and two benches donated in place in front of the
SMA/VWIL Museum and SMA AA Office. Here is a listing of each bench locations, honorees, and sponsors:
SMAAA BoD held their face-to-face fall meeting in Florida this
year. Room with a view…
SMAAA BoD members (Tom Phillips, Bill Bissett, and Lee
Lawrence) conduct a strategy session in a local “Think Tank”
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Down to business… Bill Bissett opens the SMAAA BoD
face-to-face meeting.
Small table… only five BoD members made it to Florida. Next
year, we hope to do better.
Edmund Smith and Tom Phillips contemplate a motion at the
SMAAA BoD face-to-face meeting.
Flagpole Hill Restoration Project. Many layers of paint were
removed from the SMA Cannon.
Flagpole Hill Restoration Project. It’s clean! It’s painted! And
it’s level! Nice Job!!!
Flagpole Hill Restoration Project. The World War I monument
was repointed with hammer and chisel.
Flag Pole Benches:
Bench # 1 – donated by Jim Rice, SMA ‘63 and his wife Lida Hurst honoring Daryl Hurst, SMA Faculty Officer 1963- 1967.
Bench # 2 – donated by the SMA Class of 1961 and other old boys honoring Richard Staunch, SMA Class of 1961.
Bench # 3 – donated by “The Six Pack” honoring John O. Antonelli, SMA Class of 1961.
Bench #4 – donated by Clark Cockrell, SMA ’61 honoring COL.(Ret) Michael S. Byington, U.S. Army, 1943-2014 and SMA
Class of 1961.
Bench #5 – donated by Bill Bissett, Tom Phillips, Bruce Thomas, Steve Crane and Al Rossy all SMA ’74 honoring the SMA
Class of 1974.
Bench #6 – donated by John W. Vaughan, SMA ’69 honoring M Sgt Glen Gibson, SMA Military Instructor 1965-1976.
SMA/VWIL Museum Benches:
Bench # 1 – donated by the 1964 SMA Military League Championship Basketball Team, led by the efforts of George
Jennings, SMA ’64, honoring Coach Pandak, SMA Head Basketball Coach, Head Football Coach, Head Baseball Coach,
Director of Athletics and Faculty Member 1954-1975.
Bench #2 – donated by Fredrick Hazelwood, SMA ’65 to honor his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Macushla Hazlewood.
Kable Courtyard Benches (3 still available)
Bench # 1 – donated by Mrs. Deborah Lee in honor of her deceased husband Frank Lee, SMA ’52.
Please join me in a special thanks to each of these sponsors!! And the next time you are at our former campus, please
check out these benches. They really look great!!
Any finally, a special thanks to Brent Douglas, Director of Facilities Management for MBC, for all his help in making
these benches and projects possible. We could not get this done without his help!
—12—
—21—
SCIMITAR SCANNING PROJECT
BENCHES AND SPONSORSHIPS FOR SALE cont.
by Gregory Robertson, SMA Historian
The SMA History Project is looking for donations of the SMA Cadet Literary Magazine, The Scimitar, for
scanning into the History Project’s website database to be made available online.
An inventory of the SMAAA museum’s holdings revealed only a few issues in hand. The museum holds the
following issues: May 1960, March 1961, May 1962, Spring 1964, Fall 1964, Winter 1964, Spring 1965, Fall 1965,
Winter 1967, Winter 1968, & Fall 1969. If anybody happens to have other issues and would be willing to loan or
donate them for this project, please contact Gregory P. Robertson, SMA History Project (smahistory@hotmail.com).
After scanning, the issues will either be returned to the donator or given to the SMA/VWIL Museum depending
on the wishes of the donator.
Thanks!
Airport to unveil bust of WWII flying ace
By Staci Sturrock - Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
In the cockpit of his Hellcat fighter plane, Navy Capt. David McCampbell was a one-man
war machine. During seven months of service in the Pacific during World War II, McCampbell
took out 34 airborne enemy planes — more than any other American pilot during a single tour of
duty — and disabled another 20 Japanese aircraft on the ground.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt personally presented the Alabama native, who grew up in
West Palm Beach, with the Congressional Medal of Honor, and McCampbell also received the
Navy Cross, Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. He was inducted into the National Aviation
Hall of Fame (NAHF) in 1996, the same year he died in
Riviera Beach’s VA Medical Center at the age of 86.
Nicknamed “the Ace of Aces,” the Naval aviator
will be remembered at noon Tuesday with the unveiling of a bust in his likeness at Palm
Beach International Airport, where the terminal building already bears his name.
According to the NAHF website, in 1943 McCampbell took command of the
deadly Air Group Fifteen, a.k.a. the Fabled Fifteen, which destroyed more enemy planes
and sank more ships than any other air group in the Pacific theater.
OTHER NOTABLE SPONSORSHIPS
WORLD WAR I MONUMENT AND CANNON ON FLAG POLE HILL
Sponsorships for the restoration of the WWI Monument and Cannon on Flag Pole Hill have both been received. Peter Worth,
SMA ’57 has generously donated $10,000 to sponsor the complete restoration of the WWI Monument, and Jim Rice, SMA PG ’63, has
lead the effort with his classmates with a $6,000 donation to sponsor the complete restoration of the Cannon. Look for these iconic
pieces to be standing tall soon! Thanks to Peter and Jim, and their partners, for making these great sponsorships possible.
SMA EAGLE
The original SMA Eagle, along the memorial wall of the SMA/VWIL Museum is in grave need of repair or
replacement, if it is unable to be restored. Jack Vaughan has once again stepped up and agreed to cover this expense with a
very generous donation. The amount of work needed and the cost to do so are still being evaluated, but I wanted you to know
about this pending project and Jack’s generosity. Look for updates on this in future Kablegram-Leader articles.
Interested in helping?? For more information and donation amounts necessary for more great projects please contact
me directly at 713-819-1980 or peterbirckhead@gmail.com.
Thanks
Peter Birckhead, SMA ‘73
SMA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LEGACY FUND PROJECT COMMITTEE
Updated as of November 7, 2014
By Peter Birckhead ‘73 • peterbirckhead@comcast.net • 713-819-1980
OVER $500,000 HAS BEEN RAISE
That is right, at mid-term of our fund raising campaign (18 months of a 36 month campaign) the Legacy Fund Project
Committee has raised in excess of $500K through direct cash contributions, cash commitments and/or designated Life Insurance/
IRA Death Benefit Designations. Here is a breakdown of donations:
Cash/Cash Commitments
Life Insurance/IRA Benificary Designations
$435,416
$317,000 (see notes)
GRAND TOTAL TO DATE
$752,416
And, on the morning of Oct. 24, 1944, McCampbell led seven American fighters
against 60 Japanese aircraft. When he returned to the carrier USS Essex, his plane’s
engine was sputtering for gas, and his guns were empty of ammunition. But he’d added
another nine Japanese planes to his tally.
THANKS TO THESE DONORS WHO HAVE MADE THIS POSSIBLE:
(Levels of Giving and Recognition Designations)
The Kiwanis Club of Westside West Palm Beach has donated the bust, by
longtime Palm Beach artist Muriel Kaplan, for permanent display at the airport. Kaplan
and members of McCampbell’s family will attend the event.
$100,000+ (KABLE SOCIETY)
Peter Worth ’57 (pledge) (w benches, WWI Monument restoration and Flag and Flag Pole upkeep sponsorship)
Editor’s note: Captain David McCampbell graduated from Staunton Military Academy in 1928. One
of his classmates was Barry Goldwater from Arizona, who served in the U.S. Senate and was the Republican
presidential candidate in 1964.
$60,000+ (FIRST CAPTAIN)
Jack Dalbo ‘68 (pledge)
—20—
—13—
$35,000+ (CAPTAIN)
Bill Bissett ’74 (w/bench
sponsorship)
$10,000+ (LIEUTENANT)
Fileno Digregorio Foundation
REV. Richard Henderson ‘63
(pledge)
Regina and Barry Longyear ’60
Robert Parrino ‘75
Patricia and Herk Wolfe ‘49
$5,000+ (SERGEANT MAJOR)
H. Clark Cockrell ’61 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Thomas A. Davis ‘62
John Fuog ‘70
John Michael Garner ‘53
Bob Poovey ‘60
John Vaughan ’63 (w/bench and
SMA Eagle sponsorship)
$4,000+ (SERGEANT FIRST
CLASS)
Fredrick Hazlewood ’65 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Jim Rice ’63 (w/bench and Cannon
restoration sponsorship)
CLASS)
Charles R. Jenkins ‘53
Tom Phillips ’74 (w/bench
sponsorship)
CLASS)
Joanie and John Antonelli ‘61
Steve Bond ‘61
CLASS)
Deborah Lee (in memory of her
husband Frank ’52)
Floyd Ostrom ’62 (pledge)
CLASS)
Michael Byington ‘61
CLASS)
Peter Birckhead ‘73
Dr. Randy Blackburn ‘72
Steve Bond ’61 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Charlie Drumheller ’66 (w/Cannon
Joseph A. Frank Jr. ‘68
Kevin J. Gorman ‘70
Hubert N. Hoffman ‘62
Burdette Holmes ‘62
Robert Horvath ‘47
Warren Hutton ‘75
Allen Jones ’48
Gary Jones ’64 (w/bench
sponsorships)
Anthony C. Korvas’59
David Marshall ‘72
Robert Norton ‘67
Mark Orr ‘73
Tim Scheel ‘73
Ralph Sebrell ’48
David Shipula ‘73
Peter Stark ‘50
Leslie Taylor ’66
Frederick Walton ‘33
Virginia Windley (Don) ‘70
Ronald and Susan Yates (Patron)
$500+ (BENIFACTOR)
John Browne, Jr. ’64 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Robert Cauthen ‘64
Randolph Dodge PG ’64 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Judith Griffin (in memory of her
husband Benson ’56)
Jay Horwitt “64 (w/bench
sponsorship)
George Jennings ’64 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Gale and Duke Myers ‘60
Victor Rosenberg ‘56
Louis Stathis ’70
Edmund Smith ‘76
Bruce Thomas ’74 (w/bench
sponsorship)
$250+ (BENIFACTOR)
Robert Barksdale
Steven Crane ’74 (w/bench
sponsorship)
—14—
$250+ (BENIFACTOR)cont.
Geoffrey Hall ‘65
Christopher Jones ‘71
William Lambert ’62
John C. Lucy ‘76
David Rhodes ‘72
Al Rossy ’74 (w/bench
sponsorship)
W. John Turner ‘67
Lee Woody ‘47
Mr.&Mrs. Ronald Yates (Susan
Lambert SH ‘73)
Gregory Robertson releases two novels and an eBook
Gregory P. Robertson, SMA ’70, has temporarily left the world of his non-fiction History work and released two novels
just in time for Christmas. The first is a Military-based Thriller entitled SOUTHERN ROADIE. The second novel is an Aviationbased story entitled WHY THE BIRDS SING. Both novels are available on Amazon.com in both paperback and eBook formats.
In addition to these two novels, Gregory has rewritten nine of his Life As A Cadet stories that were published previously
in the Kablegram-Leader and has bundled them into an eBook entitled LIFE AS A CADET – HOW TO FIND HUMOR WITH
A BLACK STRIPE DOWN YOUR LEG. It is available through Amazon.com and Smashwords.com. For more information
on these books, please visit Greg’s website at www.gregoryprobertson.com.
SOUTHERN
ROADIE:
$200+ (BENIFACTOR)
Howard E. Gibson ‘45
Craig E. Hanson ‘74
Steve Landa ‘63
Edmund Leigh ‘74
John Nolde ‘63
$100+ (BENIFACTOR)
Thomas Brigham, Jr. ‘70
Judge Alfred Burka ‘45
Leonard Burka ‘51
Jose Colon ’60
John Conomikes ‘50
David Dana ‘49
William Deane, Jr. ‘65
Jerome S. Fletcher ‘47
Joseph Ritok ‘66
N. Scott Gardiner (Patron)
COL Zach Hagedorn, Jr. ‘51
Tad Hall ’73
Mark Hancock ‘62
John C. Hildebrand ‘72
Alexander Howard ‘45
Sally Howie Jebson (Patron)
Page Kable (Patron)
Lee Lawrence ‘56
Glen MacFadden ‘59
Randall Melton ‘76
Gordon Milestone ‘43
Mark Milone ‘60
Russell Ogan ‘70
Robert A, Piper ‘68
Simon M. Painter ‘58
Continued on next page
There are three types of soldiers on a battlefield: Targets, Followers, and Warriors. Jeff Briggs
is a warrior.
During an ambush in the jungles of Vietnam, a rocket explodes near Jeff and his best friend Clarence.
The next thing Jeff knows, it is two years later and he has no memory of anything past the explosion. The
only clue he has is a worn piece of paper with Clarence’s address in New Orleans. He hits the road to
find his friend and has struggle against injustices and temptations that threaten to keep him from his goal.
During these struggles and without any warning, his reality shifts repeatedly from the road, into the jungle
battle, and then back to the road again.
While in battle, he searches the jungle for his friend. He fights his way up a path following a blood trial
that starts where the rocket hit them and ends when the path splits in two, leaving him feeling lost and
hopeless. While on the road, he is attacked by a mob, jailed by a small town deputy, and then tempted by
an old girl friend to stay with her. As New Orleans gets closer, he worries what
truth will confront him there.
Why The
All the time, he is never sure whether the road or the jungle is his true reality.
Birds Sing :
Orphaned at sixteen and assaulted at eighteen by a man whom she thought loved her, Vicki is
searching for a life free from fear.
Forced to leave her home, she ends up at a desert airport filled with old airplanes and fun-loving skydivers.
When Vicki tries skydiving, she experiences a wonderful sense of peaceful solitude while she hangs under
her parachute high above the desert.Ever fearful of another assault, she remains distant from the other
jumpers and watches them from afar as laughter, love, danger, and the threat of sudden death punctuate
their lives. Just when she begins to trust again, an unwelcome advance evokes a reaction from her that
threatens her job and causes her to withdraw further into her solitary world.Then, after bailing out of a
crippled airplane, she hangs under her parachute not knowing if the other jumpers from the airplane are
alive or dead. She drifts slowly toward an unsure fate wondering if she will ever find happiness, friendship,
and love again.
LIFE
AS A CADET:
A collection of humorous memoir-based anecdotes revolving around the Cadets at the
Staunton Military Academy and in situations after graduation where the knowledge gained
while attending the school came in handy.
For those of you that never had the opportunity to attend a military academy, it is a sub-culture on to
itself. Life in a military academy is like having a hundred older brothers that closely resembled Wayne
on the Wonder Years or Eddie Haskell on Leave It to Beaver, while, at the same time, providing a
feeling of belonging to something greater than yourself long before that feeling instills itself in those
outside the gates of the academy. You live so closely with every other cadet that, as you grow up with
them, the relationship becomes a cross between a family and a team. Like a family, you may have liked
some of those around you better than others, but you always share a common theme in your lives. Like
a team, you shared experiences together that you carry with you forever.
Chapter titles include The 1966 raid on the Augusta Military Academy, The Mess Hall Break-in, and
The Charge of The First Battalion.
This is Volume 1 of a three-volume set.
Editor’s Note: Give yourself a nice Christmas gift… go get one or two of Greg’s books.
—19—
Peter Phillips ‘50
W. Charles Pfister ‘74
Robert Remaley (Patron)
George Shiarella ‘48
Aleida Snell (Patron) Husband
Dale Frederick Snell ‘56
John Steele ‘52
Frank Till ‘71
William Truog ‘64 (Anna Randle
Truog Mem. Fund)
John T. Turner ‘67
W. John Turner ’67
Wm. Rock Viner ‘69
Peter Voss ’48
COL. Robert Wease (Faculty)
Lee P. Woody ‘47
William Foard ’56
Ben Hudson ’54
John Kelly ‘57
Joseph Koch ‘53
Edward McLorie ’63
Col. Michael Quinlan ‘57
AJ Scolio ‘43
William Stillgebauer ‘54
William Summers ‘60
Robert Tabor ‘58
Robert Flatford ‘66
Douglas Godwin ‘69
Ben Hollis ‘58
James Hayslip ‘75
Stanley Kaplan ‘54
Bryon Malogrides ‘61
Edward Mann ‘46
Kirk Moberley ‘63
Michael Meyers ‘59
Dan Newman ‘60
William Pandak ‘73
Edward Patsch ‘53
Brooke Read ‘46
Darrell Richardson ‘67
William Suppes, Jr. ‘45
Lawrence Steele III ‘61
Chris Tsucalas ‘59
Carl Winnefeld ‘61
$50+ (BENIFACTOR)
Richard Alonzo ’64‘
William Baldwin III ‘64
Bruce Buchanan ‘66
Carol Caldwallader (husband
Lewis ‘55)
$25+ (BENIFACTOR)
James Adams ‘59
Jacqueline Armstrong (Patron)
Husband John ‘37
Augustine Catalano ‘47
Wesley G. Constable ‘61
Robert Coyner ’49
Everette Doffermyre ‘66
John Diemer ‘67
Anthony Disher, Jr. ‘72
Michael Deuting ‘59
$15+ (BENIFACTOR)
Mark Butterworth 51’
Daniel Hunt ‘62
James Spencer (Patron)
Once again, thanks to all of these alumni who have supported the Legacy Fund Project and helped to ensure the memories,
traditions and alumni efforts are carried into perpetuity and as an association we are able to continue to support scholarship
receipts and organizations such as the VWIL Program at MBC, that exemplify our core values of Truth, Duty and Honor.
The listing above represents less than 10% of alumni giving. There are still 90% of those of you who have not made a donation!
Please consider a gift to the Legacy Fund. No amount is too small and all donations are fully tax deductible.
It is easy to donate, just contact me directly and we can discuss all of the options available to you. Peter Birckhead, SMA ’73,
peterbirckhead@gmail.com or 713-819-1980.
Thanks
SMA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
LEGACY FUND PROJECT COMMITTEE HIRES GRANT WRITTER
By Peter Birckhead ‘73
November 7, 2014
The Legacy Fund Project Committee and SMAA Board of Directors are pleased to announce that a professional Grant
Writer has been hired to help us pursue grant donations from foundations and corporations. Patricia Jutz, MA, with Your Writing
Doctor, (www.yourwritingdoctor.com) has been retained to assist myself and Jim Rice, SMA ’63, with not only submitting grants
but also raising the visibility of our Alumni Association, SMA/VWIL Museum, our history and all that we do for the VWIL
Program. Watch for updates on our progress in future issues of the Kablegram-Leader.
Finally, I wish to thank Jim Rice, who is local to the Staunton area, for stepping up and agreeing to assist with this endeavor
and Richard Henderson, SMA ’63 and member of the SMAA Board of Directors, for recommending Patricia Jutz.
Anyone willing to help or just desiring additional information and specifics on this initiative should please let me know.
Thank you.
—18—
Peter Birckhead
peterbirckhead@comcast.net
713-819-1980
—15—
—16—
—17—
—16—
—17—
Peter Phillips ‘50
W. Charles Pfister ‘74
Robert Remaley (Patron)
George Shiarella ‘48
Aleida Snell (Patron) Husband
Dale Frederick Snell ‘56
John Steele ‘52
Frank Till ‘71
William Truog ‘64 (Anna Randle
Truog Mem. Fund)
John T. Turner ‘67
W. John Turner ’67
Wm. Rock Viner ‘69
Peter Voss ’48
COL. Robert Wease (Faculty)
Lee P. Woody ‘47
William Foard ’56
Ben Hudson ’54
John Kelly ‘57
Joseph Koch ‘53
Edward McLorie ’63
Col. Michael Quinlan ‘57
AJ Scolio ‘43
William Stillgebauer ‘54
William Summers ‘60
Robert Tabor ‘58
Robert Flatford ‘66
Douglas Godwin ‘69
Ben Hollis ‘58
James Hayslip ‘75
Stanley Kaplan ‘54
Bryon Malogrides ‘61
Edward Mann ‘46
Kirk Moberley ‘63
Michael Meyers ‘59
Dan Newman ‘60
William Pandak ‘73
Edward Patsch ‘53
Brooke Read ‘46
Darrell Richardson ‘67
William Suppes, Jr. ‘45
Lawrence Steele III ‘61
Chris Tsucalas ‘59
Carl Winnefeld ‘61
$50+ (BENIFACTOR)
Richard Alonzo ’64‘
William Baldwin III ‘64
Bruce Buchanan ‘66
Carol Caldwallader (husband
Lewis ‘55)
$25+ (BENIFACTOR)
James Adams ‘59
Jacqueline Armstrong (Patron)
Husband John ‘37
Augustine Catalano ‘47
Wesley G. Constable ‘61
Robert Coyner ’49
Everette Doffermyre ‘66
John Diemer ‘67
Anthony Disher, Jr. ‘72
Michael Deuting ‘59
$15+ (BENIFACTOR)
Mark Butterworth 51’
Daniel Hunt ‘62
James Spencer (Patron)
Once again, thanks to all of these alumni who have supported the Legacy Fund Project and helped to ensure the memories,
traditions and alumni efforts are carried into perpetuity and as an association we are able to continue to support scholarship
receipts and organizations such as the VWIL Program at MBC, that exemplify our core values of Truth, Duty and Honor.
The listing above represents less than 10% of alumni giving. There are still 90% of those of you who have not made a donation!
Please consider a gift to the Legacy Fund. No amount is too small and all donations are fully tax deductible.
It is easy to donate, just contact me directly and we can discuss all of the options available to you. Peter Birckhead, SMA ’73,
peterbirckhead@gmail.com or 713-819-1980.
Thanks
SMA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
LEGACY FUND PROJECT COMMITTEE HIRES GRANT WRITTER
By Peter Birckhead ‘73
November 7, 2014
The Legacy Fund Project Committee and SMAA Board of Directors are pleased to announce that a professional Grant
Writer has been hired to help us pursue grant donations from foundations and corporations. Patricia Jutz, MA, with Your Writing
Doctor, (www.yourwritingdoctor.com) has been retained to assist myself and Jim Rice, SMA ’63, with not only submitting grants
but also raising the visibility of our Alumni Association, SMA/VWIL Museum, our history and all that we do for the VWIL
Program. Watch for updates on our progress in future issues of the Kablegram-Leader.
Finally, I wish to thank Jim Rice, who is local to the Staunton area, for stepping up and agreeing to assist with this endeavor
and Richard Henderson, SMA ’63 and member of the SMAA Board of Directors, for recommending Patricia Jutz.
Anyone willing to help or just desiring additional information and specifics on this initiative should please let me know.
Thank you.
—18—
Peter Birckhead
peterbirckhead@comcast.net
713-819-1980
—15—
$35,000+ (CAPTAIN)
Bill Bissett ’74 (w/bench
sponsorship)
$10,000+ (LIEUTENANT)
Fileno Digregorio Foundation
REV. Richard Henderson ‘63
(pledge)
Regina and Barry Longyear ’60
Robert Parrino ‘75
Patricia and Herk Wolfe ‘49
$5,000+ (SERGEANT MAJOR)
H. Clark Cockrell ’61 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Thomas A. Davis ‘62
John Fuog ‘70
John Michael Garner ‘53
Bob Poovey ‘60
John Vaughan ’63 (w/bench and
SMA Eagle sponsorship)
CLASS)
Fredrick Hazlewood ’65 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Jim Rice ’63 (w/bench and Cannon
CLASS)
Charles R. Jenkins ‘53
Tom Phillips ’74 (w/bench
sponsorship)
CLASS)
Joanie and John Antonelli ‘61
Steve Bond ‘61
CLASS)
Deborah Lee (in memory of her
husband Frank ’52)
Floyd Ostrom ’62 (pledge)
CLASS)
Michael Byington ‘61
CLASS)
Peter Birckhead ‘73
Dr. Randy Blackburn ‘72
Steve Bond ’61 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Charlie Drumheller ’66 (w/Cannon
Joseph A. Frank Jr. ‘68
Kevin J. Gorman ‘70
Hubert N. Hoffman ‘62
Robert Horvath ‘47
Warren Hutton ‘75
Allen Jones ’48
Gary Jones ’64 (w/bench
sponsorships)
Anthony C. Korvas’59
David Marshall ‘72
Robert Norton ‘67
Mark Orr ‘73
Tim Scheel ‘73
Ralph Sebrell ’48
David Shipula ‘73
Peter Stark ‘50
Leslie Taylor ’66
Frederick Walton ‘33
Virginia Windley (Don) ‘70
Ronald and Susan Yates (Patron)
$500+ (BENIFACTOR)
John Browne, Jr. ’64 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Robert Cauthen ‘64
Randolph Dodge PG ’64 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Judith Griffin (in memory of her
husband Benson ’56)
Jay Horwitt “64 (w/bench
sponsorship)
George Jennings ’64 (w/bench
sponsorship)
Gale and Duke Myers ‘60
Victor Rosenberg ‘56
Louis Stathis ’70
Edmund Smith ‘76
Bruce Thomas ’74 (w/bench
sponsorship)
$250+ (BENIFACTOR)
Robert Barksdale
Steven Crane ’74 (w/bench
sponsorship)
—14—
Geoffrey Hall ‘65
Christopher Jones ‘71
William Lambert ’62
John C. Lucy ‘76
David Rhodes ‘72
Al Rossy ’74 (w/bench
sponsorship)
W. John Turner ‘67
Lee Woody ‘47
Mr.&Mrs. Ronald Yates (Susan
Lambert SH ‘73)
Gregory Robertson releases two novels and an eBook
Gregory P. Robertson, SMA ’70, has temporarily left the world of his non-fiction History work and released two novels
just in time for Christmas. The first is a Military-based Thriller entitled SOUTHERN ROADIE. The second novel is an Aviationbased story entitled WHY THE BIRDS SING. Both novels are available on Amazon.com in both paperback and eBook formats.
In addition to these two novels, Gregory has rewritten nine of his Life As A Cadet stories that were published previously
in the Kablegram-Leader and has bundled them into an eBook entitled LIFE AS A CADET – HOW TO FIND HUMOR WITH
A BLACK STRIPE DOWN YOUR LEG. It is available through Amazon.com and Smashwords.com. For more information
on these books, please visit Greg’s website at www.gregoryprobertson.com.
SOUTHERN
ROADIE:
$200+ (BENIFACTOR)
Howard E. Gibson ‘45
Craig E. Hanson ‘74
Steve Landa ‘63
Edmund Leigh ‘74
John Nolde ‘63
$100+ (BENIFACTOR)
Thomas Brigham, Jr. ‘70
Judge Alfred Burka ‘45
Leonard Burka ‘51
Jose Colon ’60
John Conomikes ‘50
David Dana ‘49
William Deane, Jr. ‘65
Jerome S. Fletcher ‘47
Joseph Ritok ‘66
N. Scott Gardiner (Patron)
COL Zach Hagedorn, Jr. ‘51
Tad Hall ’73
Mark Hancock ‘62
John C. Hildebrand ‘72
Alexander Howard ‘45
Sally Howie Jebson (Patron)
Page Kable (Patron)
Lee Lawrence ‘56
Glen MacFadden ‘59
Randall Melton ‘76
Gordon Milestone ‘43
Mark Milone ‘60
Russell Ogan ‘70
Robert A, Piper ‘68
Simon M. Painter ‘58
Continued on next page
There are three types of soldiers on a battlefield: Targets, Followers, and Warriors. Jeff Briggs
is a warrior.
During an ambush in the jungles of Vietnam, a rocket explodes near Jeff and his best friend Clarence.
The next thing Jeff knows, it is two years later and he has no memory of anything past the explosion. The
only clue he has is a worn piece of paper with Clarence’s address in New Orleans. He hits the road to
find his friend and has struggle against injustices and temptations that threaten to keep him from his goal.
During these struggles and without any warning, his reality shifts repeatedly from the road, into the jungle
battle, and then back to the road again.
While in battle, he searches the jungle for his friend. He fights his way up a path following a blood trial
that starts where the rocket hit them and ends when the path splits in two, leaving him feeling lost and
hopeless. While on the road, he is attacked by a mob, jailed by a small town deputy, and then tempted by
an old girl friend to stay with her. As New Orleans gets closer, he worries what
truth will confront him there.
Why The
All the time, he is never sure whether the road or the jungle is his true reality.
Birds Sing :
Orphaned at sixteen and assaulted at eighteen by a man whom she thought loved her, Vicki is
searching for a life free from fear.
Forced to leave her home, she ends up at a desert airport filled with old airplanes and fun-loving skydivers.
When Vicki tries skydiving, she experiences a wonderful sense of peaceful solitude while she hangs under
her parachute high above the desert.Ever fearful of another assault, she remains distant from the other
jumpers and watches them from afar as laughter, love, danger, and the threat of sudden death punctuate
their lives. Just when she begins to trust again, an unwelcome advance evokes a reaction from her that
threatens her job and causes her to withdraw further into her solitary world.Then, after bailing out of a
crippled airplane, she hangs under her parachute not knowing if the other jumpers from the airplane are
alive or dead. She drifts slowly toward an unsure fate wondering if she will ever find happiness, friendship,
and love again.
LIFE
AS A CADET:
A collection of humorous memoir-based anecdotes revolving around the Cadets at the
Staunton Military Academy and in situations after graduation where the knowledge gained
while attending the school came in handy.
For those of you that never had the opportunity to attend a military academy, it is a sub-culture on to
itself. Life in a military academy is like having a hundred older brothers that closely resembled Wayne
on the Wonder Years or Eddie Haskell on Leave It to Beaver, while, at the same time, providing a
feeling of belonging to something greater than yourself long before that feeling instills itself in those
outside the gates of the academy. You live so closely with every other cadet that, as you grow up with
them, the relationship becomes a cross between a family and a team. Like a family, you may have liked
some of those around you better than others, but you always share a common theme in your lives. Like
a team, you shared experiences together that you carry with you forever.
Chapter titles include The 1966 raid on the Augusta Military Academy, The Mess Hall Break-in, and
The Charge of The First Battalion.
This is Volume 1 of a three-volume set.
Editor’s Note: Give yourself a nice Christmas gift… go get one or two of Greg’s books.
—19—
SCIMITAR SCANNING PROJECT
BENCHES AND SPONSORSHIPS FOR SALE cont.
by Gregory Robertson, SMA Historian
The SMA History Project is looking for donations of the SMA Cadet Literary Magazine, The Scimitar, for
scanning into the History Project’s website database to be made available online.
An inventory of the SMAAA museum’s holdings revealed only a few issues in hand. The museum holds the
following issues: May 1960, March 1961, May 1962, Spring 1964, Fall 1964, Winter 1964, Spring 1965, Fall 1965,
Winter 1967, Winter 1968, & Fall 1969. If anybody happens to have other issues and would be willing to loan or
donate them for this project, please contact Gregory P. Robertson, SMA History Project (smahistory@hotmail.com).
After scanning, the issues will either be returned to the donator or given to the SMA/VWIL Museum depending
on the wishes of the donator.
Thanks!
Airport to unveil bust of WWII flying ace
By Staci Sturrock - Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
In the cockpit of his Hellcat fighter plane, Navy Capt. David McCampbell was a one-man
war machine. During seven months of service in the Pacific during World War II, McCampbell
took out 34 airborne enemy planes — more than any other American pilot during a single tour of
duty — and disabled another 20 Japanese aircraft on the ground.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt personally presented the Alabama native, who grew up in
West Palm Beach, with the Congressional Medal of Honor, and McCampbell also received the
Navy Cross, Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. He was inducted into the National Aviation
Hall of Fame (NAHF) in 1996, the same year he died in
Riviera Beach’s VA Medical Center at the age of 86.
Nicknamed “the Ace of Aces,” the Naval aviator
will be remembered at noon Tuesday with the unveiling of a bust in his likeness at Palm
Beach International Airport, where the terminal building already bears his name.
According to the NAHF website, in 1943 McCampbell took command of the
deadly Air Group Fifteen, a.k.a. the Fabled Fifteen, which destroyed more enemy planes
and sank more ships than any other air group in the Pacific theater.
OTHER NOTABLE SPONSORSHIPS
WORLD WAR I MONUMENT AND CANNON ON FLAG POLE HILL
Sponsorships for the restoration of the WWI Monument and Cannon on Flag Pole Hill have both been received. Peter Worth,
SMA ’57 has generously donated $10,000 to sponsor the complete restoration of the WWI Monument, and Jim Rice, SMA PG ’63, has
lead the effort with his classmates with a $6,000 donation to sponsor the complete restoration of the Cannon. Look for these iconic
pieces to be standing tall soon! Thanks to Peter and Jim, and their partners, for making these great sponsorships possible.
SMA EAGLE
The original SMA Eagle, along the memorial wall of the SMA/VWIL Museum is in grave need of repair or
replacement, if it is unable to be restored. Jack Vaughan has once again stepped up and agreed to cover this expense with a
very generous donation. The amount of work needed and the cost to do so are still being evaluated, but I wanted you to know
about this pending project and Jack’s generosity. Look for updates on this in future Kablegram-Leader articles.
Interested in helping?? For more information and donation amounts necessary for more great projects please contact
me directly at 713-819-1980 or peterbirckhead@gmail.com.
Thanks
Peter Birckhead, SMA ‘73
Updated as of November 7, 2014
By Peter Birckhead ‘73 • peterbirckhead@comcast.net • 713-819-1980
OVER $500,000 HAS BEEN RAISE
That is right, at mid-term of our fund raising campaign (18 months of a 36 month campaign) the Legacy Fund Project
Committee has raised in excess of $500K through direct cash contributions, cash commitments and/or designated Life Insurance/
IRA Death Benefit Designations. Here is a breakdown of donations:
Cash/Cash Commitments
Life Insurance/IRA Benificary Designations
$435,416
$317,000 (see notes)
GRAND TOTAL TO DATE
$752,416
And, on the morning of Oct. 24, 1944, McCampbell led seven American fighters
against 60 Japanese aircraft. When he returned to the carrier USS Essex, his plane’s
engine was sputtering for gas, and his guns were empty of ammunition. But he’d added
another nine Japanese planes to his tally.
THANKS TO THESE DONORS WHO HAVE MADE THIS POSSIBLE:
(Levels of Giving and Recognition Designations)
The Kiwanis Club of Westside West Palm Beach has donated the bust, by
longtime Palm Beach artist Muriel Kaplan, for permanent display at the airport. Kaplan
and members of McCampbell’s family will attend the event.
$100,000+ (KABLE SOCIETY)
Peter Worth ’57 (pledge) (w benches, WWI Monument restoration and Flag and Flag Pole upkeep sponsorship)
Editor’s note: Captain David McCampbell graduated from Staunton Military Academy in 1928. One
of his classmates was Barry Goldwater from Arizona, who served in the U.S. Senate and was the Republican
presidential candidate in 1964.
$60,000+ (FIRST CAPTAIN)
Jack Dalbo ‘68 (pledge)
—20—
—13—
BENCHES AND SPONSORSHIPS FOR SALE
SMA GALLERY
SPONSORSHIPS GOING FAST!
By Peter Birckhead, Legacy Fund Chairman
SMA Board of Directors
November 07, 2014
BENCHES FOR SALE IN KABLE COURTYARD!!
Due to the overwhelming response from alumni to our Sponsorship Bench Program, we have received approval from
MBC leadership to place four benches in Kable Courtyard. One of these benches has already been sold to Mrs. Deborah Lee
in honor of the memory of her late husband Frank Lee, SMA ’52. So, if you are interested in sponsoring a bench, please get in
touch with me soon. I am sure benches for this location will go fast!
We now have six benches donated and in place on Flag Pole Hill and two benches donated in place in front of the
SMA/VWIL Museum and SMA AA Office. Here is a listing of each bench locations, honorees, and sponsors:
SMAAA BoD held their face-to-face fall meeting in Florida this
year. Room with a view…
SMAAA BoD members (Tom Phillips, Bill Bissett, and Lee
Lawrence) conduct a strategy session in a local “Think Tank”
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Down to business… Bill Bissett opens the SMAAA BoD
face-to-face meeting.
Small table… only five BoD members made it to Florida. Next
year, we hope to do better.
Edmund Smith and Tom Phillips contemplate a motion at the
SMAAA BoD face-to-face meeting.
Flagpole Hill Restoration Project. Many layers of paint were
removed from the SMA Cannon.
Flagpole Hill Restoration Project. It’s clean! It’s painted! And
it’s level! Nice Job!!!
Flagpole Hill Restoration Project. The World War I monument
was repointed with hammer and chisel.
Flag Pole Benches:
Bench # 1 – donated by Jim Rice, SMA ‘63 and his wife Lida Hurst honoring Daryl Hurst, SMA Faculty Officer 1963- 1967.
Bench # 2 – donated by the SMA Class of 1961 and other old boys honoring Richard Staunch, SMA Class of 1961.
Bench # 3 – donated by “The Six Pack” honoring John O. Antonelli, SMA Class of 1961.
Bench #4 – donated by Clark Cockrell, SMA ’61 honoring COL.(Ret) Michael S. Byington, U.S. Army, 1943-2014 and SMA
Class of 1961.
Bench #5 – donated by Bill Bissett, Tom Phillips, Bruce Thomas, Steve Crane and Al Rossy all SMA ’74 honoring the SMA
Class of 1974.
Bench #6 – donated by John W. Vaughan, SMA ’69 honoring M Sgt Glen Gibson, SMA Military Instructor 1965-1976.
SMA/VWIL Museum Benches:
Bench # 1 – donated by the 1964 SMA Military League Championship Basketball Team, led by the efforts of George
Jennings, SMA ’64, honoring Coach Pandak, SMA Head Basketball Coach, Head Football Coach, Head Baseball Coach,
Director of Athletics and Faculty Member 1954-1975.
Bench #2 – donated by Fredrick Hazelwood, SMA ’65 to honor his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Macushla Hazlewood.
Kable Courtyard Benches (3 still available)
Bench # 1 – donated by Mrs. Deborah Lee in honor of her deceased husband Frank Lee, SMA ’52.
Please join me in a special thanks to each of these sponsors!! And the next time you are at our former campus, please
check out these benches. They really look great!!
Any finally, a special thanks to Brent Douglas, Director of Facilities Management for MBC, for all his help in making
these benches and projects possible. We could not get this done without his help!
—12—
—21—
briefly
SMA GALLERY
We Need Old Issues of the Kablegram
The SMA History Project is going to scan the archived Kablegrams into an electronic database that will be accessible
online. An inventory of the SMAAA museum’s holdings revealed missing issues from the years before the closing of the school.
If anybody happens to have the issues listed below and would be willing to donate them for this project, please contact the
museum curator, Brocky Nicely ‘65, at the SMAAA offices (SMAOffice@sma-alumni.org or 800- 627-5806) or Gregory P
Robertson ’70, SMA History Project (smahistory@hotmail.com or 575-313-0232).
1969 – 1970 - missing issues 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10
1971 – 1972 - missing issues 1 ,2 ,3 ,4 , 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
1972 – 1973 - missing issues 9 & 10
1973 – 1974 - missing issues 9 & 10
Flagpole Hill Restoration Project. The restored World War I
monument is good for another century.
1974 – 1975 - missing issues 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
1975 – 1976 - missing all issues
Restoration activities were not limited to Flagpole Hill. Colonel
Russell’s plaque receives attention, too.
SMA History Project Now Online
The SMA History Project is now available for viewing at www.smahistory.com.
Along with the up-to-date written History of SMA, the website contains advertisements dating from 1884 until 1940,
over 40 postcards from different years of the school, 13 panoramic pictures of the school through the years, multiple catalogs
from 1884 through 1970, yearbooks, videos, and a placeholder that will provide updates for the just initiated Kablegram
scanning project.
Memorial Benches. Six memorial benches were installed on
Flagpole Hill.
Every former cadet and friend should check it out and signup on the website for updates as further pieces of
the SMA History Project become available.
Memorial Benches. A north view shows the six new benches
with the MBC President’s House in view.
Deadline for the February 2015 Kablegram-Leader.
We plan to publish the pre-reunion issue of the Kablegram-Leader in February, 2015. The deadline for contributions is
January 15th. Please send pictures!
History of SMA: The Buildings and Grounds.
Our SMA historian, Greg Robertson, SMA ’70, has delivered the next chapter of the SMA History, titled “Buildings
and Grounds of Staunton Military Academy”. There is so much information in this chapter that we have split it into three
parts. Part 1 (1884 to 1905) was printed in the September issue of the Kablegram-Leader. The second part (1906 –
1919) is presented in this issue, and the third part (1920 – 1976) is slotted for the February, 2015 issue.
Memorial Benches. A new bench was installed in front of the
main entrance to the SMA/VWIL museum.
Memorial Benches. Another memorial bench sits above the
stairs leading to the SMA/VWIL museum.
—22—
—11—
South Barracks and the Administration building were
connected to the heating plant shortly thereafter. In 1927,
the lines were extended to the Cadet Hospital. As other
buildings were added to SMA, the steam and hot water
lines were extended to those buildings.
The space once occupied by the laundry is used today
by the Mary Baldwin Drama Department as a costume
shop. The central heating plant is still in operation. The small
tracks used to transport coal are still imbedded in the
concrete of the coal bin. The coal bin itself is used as a
storage area for Mary Baldwin Grounds Maintenance.
NEWS
VWIL Vision, Mission, and Goals!
By Terry Djuric, Brig Gen (retired), VWIL Commandant of Cadets
Central Plant circa 2013
Houses at 229, 231, and 235 Pleasant Street
In December of 1919, the school
purchased the properties at 235, 231,
and 229 Pleasant Street.
The Cadet Officers Club assumed
occupancy of the house located on the
property at 235 Pleasant Street. The fire
of February 1933 heavily damaged the
building and it was razed shortly
thereafter.
was used as a faculty apartment for many
years. In 1929, this building became the
SMA Music Studio. At a later date, it
became the Day Student building. It
was razed sometime in the early 1980’s
during the construction of the new entry
driveway by MBC.
was also used initially as a faculty
apartment. In 1929, the building was
remodeled and the SMA Music School
located there. In later years, it became
known simply as the Band Shack. It
also was razed during the construction
of the new entry driveway by MBC.
VWIL
Aerial View of SMA showing Houses on Pleasant Street in the lower right circa 1960
End of Buildings and Grounds, Part 2 (1906 – 1919).
Editor’s note: Buildings and Grounds, Part 3 (1920 – 1976) will be published in the February, 2015 issue.
—10—
As we prepare for our college Winter Break, VWIL has had an outstanding Fall Semester. We inducted
47 nULLs into the Corps of Cadets, hosted VADM Neffenger, the Vice Commandant of the US Coast
Guard, performed in the Staunton Veterans Day Parade, hosted the VWIL Advisory Board of Visitors,
organized Mary Baldwin’s first-ever Veterans Honor Ceremony and Appreciation Dinner, and two of our
seniors were awarded national-level scholarships – the best in the Nation!
In this article, I will share the VWIL goals and objectives for the next five years. Goals and objectives help
provide direction to every organization. Meaningful goals and objectives motivate cadets to excel and learn a
sense of accomplishment. These goals were established by VWIL to complement Mary Baldwin College’s
goals in their Strategic Plan for 2014-2020. These goals are rooted in our original mission and vision.
The mission of the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership for 20 years has been to prepare and
develop women to become active and engaged leaders in the military, public service, and private sector of the local, regional, and
global community.
To achieve that mission, we have a vision for the cadet corps and the VWIL program: The Virginia Women’s Institute for
Leadership will be a nationally-recognized program known for combining military leadership training with civilian
approaches that highlight ethical rigor, intense challenges, mutual respect, and high achievement.
As we begin the next 20 years for the only all-female cadet corps in the nation, we will excel by growing the Corps of Cadets
in quality and quantity, by maturing the VWIL program, while ensuring we’re firmly grounded with our founding principles and
traditions, and by becoming recognized as a center for leadership and ethics at Mary Baldwin College. The VWIL Corps of
Cadets plays a vital role in achieving this vision. To achieve our vision by the year 2020 we will meet the following goals this year:
Recruit the right cadet
Retain 60% of our cadets into their second year
Recommit to our program by awarding the Leadership Certificate to 80% of the Class of 2015
Reach a 50% graduation rate of the original Class of 2015 and assist the graduates in reaching 90% job placement within
6 months of their graduation
Reduce operating costs to absorb the Corps growth
We have clear, actionable objectives outlined within each goal. And, in this Kablegram/Leader article, we will review
the first two goals and objectives.
Recruit the Right Cadet: Together with MBC’s Admissions counselors, the VWIL Staff is working with volunteer
cadets to assist in recruiting efforts. Each cadet will take a recruiting package to their high school and receive 10 merits for
every interested student’s address they return to MBC. We will also integrate recruiting events with every trip we take, including
the AMCSUS Conference in Texas, posting the Colors at the NCAA Division III Field Hockey National Championships, and the
St. Patrick’s Day parade. We will also advertise our VWIL graduates job placement and graduate school attendance in order to
improve the Corps’ recruiting and retention. We have already accepted 16 nULLs for the Class of 2019; so we’re well on our
way toward reaching our recruiting goal of inducting 45 VWIL nULLs in fall 2015.
Retain 60% of our cadets into their second year. We are committed to improving VWIL’s freshmen-to-sophomore
retention rate, which has been on a steady decline the past four years. We are establishing sustainable mentorships through our
Peer Advisors, Calic and nULL relationships, and Platoon Leaders. We are also demonstrating that we value the leadership and
skills of our nULLs (freshmen cadets) by assigning them Corps apprentice duties within the Howie Rifles and PEARLS drill
team, Honor Guard, Color Guard, and Physical Training Cadre. We have spent several months addressing the key stressors of
our cadets, and we are allowing more time in the Corps calendar for academics, college clubs and sports, and their jobs, which
help them earn money to pay their college bills. As mentioned in the last Kablegram, we have reintegrated the nULLs into
freshmen dorms. We are also emphasizing citizen leader development for the 40% of our graduates who choose to seek civilian
jobs. We have also emphasized the value of individual fitness improvement plans and take time to recognize cadets who improve
their fitness scores by 20% or better. All of these efforts will ensure we achieve our Corps enrollment size of 120 cadets by fall
2015 and retain 60% of the Class of 2018 in fall 2015. The Class of 2018 has currently retained 87% of their class.
In my next Kablegram/Leader article, I’ll share objectives of the remaining three VWIL goals: recommit, reach, and reduce.
In April 2015, we look forward to welcoming many of you back to your campus and celebrating with you at the Reunion Weekend.
Enjoy your holiday season.
—23—
storage rooms. The floor of the gymnasium could be
converted into an assembly hall seating 1,600. A mezzanine
surrounded three sides of the gymnasium at the second
story level. Doors on the south end of the mezzanine
allowed access to the school armory that was buried
below the front entrance to the building.
The third floor of the building, which was accessed
directly from the cadet assembly area, housed a post office,
a cadet social room, the school library, five classrooms,
and a physical laboratory. The fourth thru sixth floors,
accessed by two stairways on each side of the south
entrance, were built with an open quadrangle. These floors
contained showers, washrooms, and 55 cadet rooms.
Initially, only returning cadets were housed in the barracks.
In 1926, two of the cadet rooms on the fourth floor
were remodeled into a single faculty apartment. In 1932,
the barracks was designated as the recruit, a.k.a. “Rat”,
barracks. Also in 1932, the military department moved
into the two classrooms on the northeast end of the third
floor. The three remaining classrooms were converted into
a biology laboratory in 1934.
A translucent roof was installed over the open
quadrangle in 1961.
The building was demolished in 1982.
VWIL
NEWS
SMA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LEGACY FUND
The Commandant’s House circa 1928
The building remained the property of W. G. Kable
until his death in July of 1920 and then ownership passed
to his sister, Margaret Russell, and her heirs. SMA
purchased the building from the estate of Margaret Russell
in 1946 and used it as the Superintendent’s Quarters until
the closing of the school in 1976. The building is currently
the residence of the President of Mary Baldwin College.
North Barracks
Post Office circa 1927
North Barracks circa 1920
Constructed in 1919, North Barracks dominated the
upper portion of the school with its three story Corinthian
columns and large clock set in the gable facing the cadet
assembly area. At six stories tall, the building towered
above all of the other structures on the academy grounds.
With the central power plant smoke stack attached to the
north end of the building and rising three stories above the
roof, it was the tallest building ever built in Staunton.
The ground floor of the building housed a large
gymnasium with twenty foot ceilings, dressing rooms, and
VWIL Air Force ROTC Cadets complete their fitness
assessment in late November 2014.
All-Female Cadet Corps Looking To Grow
By Megan Williams of the News Leader
STAUNTON – Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership, the only
all-female cadet corps in the country, at Mary Baldwin College.
A lot has changed since the first 42 women arrived on campus in 1995. One of the biggest changes has been one
of leadership. After getting the program off the ground and leading its development for almost two decades, Brig.
Gen. Mike Bissell retired in 2013 after a long career in the military and in leading young cadets.
For the first time, VWIL received a new commandant, Brig. Gen. Terry Djuric, who has big plans for the
expansion of the program and Mary Baldwin’s outreach to the military community. Djuric spent her first year with
the cadets learning about the program, gauging the progress that’s been made, studying metrics not just for VWIL
but for the college in general, and finally, coming up with goals for VWIL that align with the college’s strategic plan.
“That’s how we’re trained in the military,” Djuric said. “You don’t come in wielding ideas until you understand
what’s going on.”
Djuric looked at the quality of cadets that were being recruited, the retention rate from freshman year to sophomore
year, graduation rates and commissioning rates. “Basically what was the landscape the last four years,” she said.
From there, Djuric rolled out her goals for the cadet corps:
• Retain 60 percent of the class of 2018
• Reach 50 percent of the 2015 graduates to gauge how quickly they found employment
• Reduce operating costs by 20 percent
• Recommit 80 percent of the class of 2015 to earn leadership certification.
Although only a year in, Djuric said they have seen progress toward their goals. The class of 2014 had the
highest commissioning rate of any graduating class with 71 percent choosing to go into the military. Also, 23 cadets
have already been recruited for the class of 2019.
It’s not just through numbers that Djuric hopes to see the program grow, however. Outreach to the community is
also an important part of her mission. Djuric wants to make Troops to Teachers a part of Mary Baldwin’s mission.
It’s a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in
public schools. Djuric has been working with Mary Baldwin’s admissions office to help veterans get credit for
courses already taken and to work with them to receive the credits and credentials they still need.
Djuric spends a lot of time recruiting high school students who she believes will be successful in VWIL. These
students generally have high GPAs and are involved in many extra-curricular activities. She also works with the
Mary Baldwin admissions office to seek out students who have applied to the college and seem like a good fit for
the program.”It’s about recruiting the right quality and right quantity of cadets,” Djuric said.
Next up for VWIL is a Veterans Day dinner to honor vets at Mary Baldwin and in the community.
This article by Megan Williams was originally published by the Newsleader on Nov. 11, 2014.
Armory circa 1938
—8—
AMCSUS Centennial Colors at VWIL nULL Induction Parade.
Continued on page 9
—25—
VWIL
NEWS
VWIL Junior Class 2016 – Ring Weekend
VWIL Corps of Cadets proudly carry the SMA flag in the
Staunton Veterans Day Parade 2014.
Cadets in Physics Laboratory circa 1970
Library circa 1939
Basketball game in Large Gym circa 1970
VADM Peter Neffenger, Vice Commandant of the US Coast Guard,
was the reviewing officer and guest speaker at the Corps of Cadets
Family Weekend parade.
VWIL Advisory Board of Visitors (Brig Gen Van Cleef, CAPT
Riddle, CPT Guarino ’05) attended ROTC Control Time with
cadets on a military commissioning path.
Central Plant
Cadet Rooms circa 1975
GEN Peay Congratulates Cadet Captain Kimberely Denny and
First Captain Carolyn Denny.
Colonel Wesley Fox, USMC Retired and Medal of Honor
Recipient, congratulates Cadet 1st Captain Carolyn Denny and
Cadet Captain Kimberly Denny on their scholarships.
Central Plant under construction circa 1919
The Central Heating Plant for SMA was built
concurrently with North Barracks in 1919. The east end
of the building contained 4 coal-fired boilers that provided
steam for heat and hot water to North Barracks, the
Natatorium, and West Barracks. A large coal storage bin
sat east of the building with small tracks embedded in the
ground for coal carts. The cadet laundry was relocated to
the west end of the building from the building built in 1905.
Commencement in Large Gym circa 1966
VWIL Advisory Board of Visitors (Dr. Blair, Dr. Stein, and Ms. Williamson, VWIL ’12) assisted cadets on a
civilian leadership path with practice interviews.
—24 —
—9—
VWIL
NEWS
A New Face at VWIL
The Skinner House
September 18, 2014
The new Director of Operations at Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership is no
stranger to Staunton or Mary Baldwin College. “I’m a Staunton native, and I’m very aware
of MBC — I had family members go here. I grew up going to First Presbyterian,” said Paul
Jenkins, whose interest was piqued when the college advertised for a Director of Operations
for the corps of cadets.
With experience as an attorney — in the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General Corps,
where he still serves as a reserve officer — and as a private-practice lawyer in
Charlottesville, Jenkins brings nearly a decade of experience to the college. “I’m having fun
so far,” Jenkins said of his new post, which began September 8.
As director of operations, Jenkins will provide oversight of the co-curricular
components of VWIL, ensuring that all cadets have the opportunity to develop leadership
skills and understanding in preparation for both military and civilian careers. He will ensure
effective operation of the regimental and class systems, work to maintain high esprit and
morale among cadets, guide and train student leaders, work with key external constituencies
to garner and organize support for the program, and assist in recruiting and retaining capable
students.
Paul Jenkins
In addition, Jenkins will oversee the scheduled co-curricular and military components
of the VWIL program, including physical training. He will counsel students and coordinate with all college offices that support
the cadet-training program.
Originally published by Liesel Crosier in mbu.edu\news.
VWIL Cadets Honor Local Veterans
By Laura Peters of the News Leader
STAUNTON – A 21-gun salute went off at Mary Baldwin College as the final glimmer of sunlight faded into the mountains. The
college’s Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership held a dinner and small ceremony for local veterans Monday night at Hunt
Hall. About a dozen veterans showed up to be honored by the college and other members of the community. “Thank you to our
veterans,” Mary Baldwin President Pamela Fox said. “You’ve fought for our freedom ... and paved the way for peace across the
world.” Each year, VWIL hosts an event to honor their service on Veterans Day.
Albert Richardson, of Staunton, said looking back on his service in the Army during Vietnam means a lot to him. He remained
in the Army Reserves for years after active duty. “I spent a lot of time and effort in this,” he said.
Thomas Morton, of Staunton, spent more than 29 years in the Army as a sergeant major during the Vietnam War. Morton said
when he and his comrades were on base, the soldiers were a family. “You assist each other in everything, you aren’t an individual,
you’re a family.”
When Morton came back from two and a half tours in Vietnam, he and other soldiers didn’t come back to pomp and
circumstance. But now, Morton believes, recognition is what being a veteran is all about. “It feels good because when we got back
from Vietnam, there was no honor,” he said.
Stuarts Draft veteran, Craig DuCharme, spent six years in the Navy. At the dinner, DuCharme honored his father’s service by
wearing his father’s Army tie from World War II. “My father served under Gen. George Patton, so he saw some real action,” he
said. DuCharme said he has a deep appreciation for those who have served. “I think it’s a privilege,” he said of being honored as
a veteran. “It serves as an opportunity for those who served for our country, because freedom comes with a price.”
Robert Jackson, of Staunton, who also served in the Army, said once you’re a veteran, you’re always a veteran. “It means
everything,” he said.
This article by Laura Peters was originally published by the Newsleader on Nov. 11, 2014.
Cadet Hospital circa 1922
Front of Skinner House circa 1934
SMA purchased the property and house built in 1865
by Col. James Skinner for $23,000 on 2/5/1915. The date
of its construction made this house the oldest structure on the
Academy grounds. The initial use of the house is unknown.
In 1918, an addition was added to the rear of the house
for use as the Academy infirmary. In the spring of 1921,
construction started on a large wing off the edge of the addition
to expand the Infirmary to a cadet hospital. The School also
constructed multiple tennis courts on the land below the
hospital during the 1920’s and 1930’s.
In the summer of 1934, both the original addition and
the added wing were remodeled to house Academy’s Junior
School. These younger cadets moved into their new quarters
in the fall of 1934. The building remained the Junior School
until the fall of 1966 when Tullidge Hall opened.
The original addition and the wing were torn down in
the fall of 1966. The original Skinner house was remodeled
and became the quarters of the Assistant Superintendent until
the school closed in 1976.
The building still stands today and houses the offices of
MBC’s Adult Degree Program.
Doctor’s Office circa 1926
Junior School Classroom circa 1935
The Commandant’s House
Captain W. G. Kable constructed the Commandant’s
House, or “Benbreagh” as it was named by the first
resident, Colonel Thomas Russell, in 1916. The name
Benbreagh means “house on the hill” in Gaelic. Built in
Colonial Revival style, it was the first and only family
residence built on SMA property. The only documented
improvement to the property was the construction of the
cobblestone wall around the north and west sides in 1926.
Rear of Infirmary circa 1919
—26 —
—7—
Continued on page 8
taps
Interior of Mess Hall circa 1935
SMA Grounds in 1914
Building East of Natatorium
Sometime between 1914 and 1921, a wood frame
building was constructed just east of the swimming pool.
Initially, this building was used for classrooms. After
additional classrooms were outfitted in the barracks east of
East Barracks, the building was used as the band practice
room. No pictures are known to exist of this building. The
building was razed in 1931 to make way for Kable Hall.
Magazine
Mathematics Building
Also between 1914 and 1921, the school erected a
wood frame building designated as the Mathematics
Building. The building does not appear on the 1914 Sanborn
Fire Insurance Map, but does appear on the 1921 Map.
No pictures of the building are known to exist.
After the construction of Memorial Hall in 1925, the
building was remodeled into a barracks capable of housing
20 cadets. The building was destroyed in a fire on February
12, 1933.
Cafeteria Serving Lines circa 1970
Sidney Carl Caplan, SMA ‘55
A few words to
celebrate an extremely
beloved, open armed, open
hearted, and open minded
fisherman, outdoorsman,
entrepreneur, businessman,
landscaping encyclopedia,
son, brother, husband, and
father to two beautiful
daughters.
Robert
Byrd
Barksdale, 57, of Botetourt
was born May 15, 1957
here in Roanoke. He led
Cadet Barksdale in 1975.
a peaceful life chock full
of love, laughter, and nutty times with his wave of lifelong
friends. He was an honorary graduate of Cave Spring High
School and a graduate of Staunton Military
Academy.
Robert is survived by his wife Helen
Barksdale, mother Mary Anne Barksdale, his
father Byrd Barksdale, sister Mary Alice
Barksdale, brother John Barksdale, and two
daughters Anna and Susan Barksdale. “You are
gone much too soon, but we will always have you
in our hearts.”
On August 22, 2014, Sidney Carl
Caplan, beloved husband of Millie
Caplan (nee Kessler); devoted
father of Jonathan Caplan and
Susan (Dr. David) Samuels;
cherished brother of the late Ruth
Sue Ruben; cherished brother-inlaw of Shelly Ruben; loving son of
the late Marion and Morris Caplan;
loving son-in-law of the late Miriam
and Cecil Kessler. He graduated
Cadet Caplan in 1955. from Staunton Military Academy
in 1955.
Funeral services and internment were held at Beth
El Memorial Park – Randallstown on August 24.
Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be sent to the charity
of your choice.
Editor’s note: Information provided by Millie
Caplan.
Philip Scott Fey, SMA ‘63
Cumberland, MD
- Philip Scott Fey, 57, of
3614 Rexmere Drive,
Baltimore, MD, died
Wednesday, January 1, 2003, Union
Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD.
Born October 10, 1945,
Cumberland, MD, he was the son
of the late George Charles Fey and
Marion Monroe (Starkey) Fey. He
was also preceded in death by three
half brothers: Richard S. Fey,
Ph.D., George Fey, Jr., Lawrence
Philip Scott Fey
“Bud” Dickerhoff; and one brother:
Frederick “Fred” Monroe Fey. Mr. Fey was the founder
and former owner of the Colonial Manor Motor Lodge.
He graduated from Staunton Military Academy,
Allegany College of Maryland, and Frostburg State
University. He was employed by the State of Maryland as a
Senior Addictions Counselor at Carroll County Health
Department’s Bureau of Addictions Treatment Services. He
was a member of the National Rifle Association. He also
attended graduate school at the University of Maryland and
the University of North Carolina.
Mr. Fey is survived by his daughter, Amy C.
Mockbee, Scottsdale, AZ; his brother, Richard C. Deckerhoff,
Originally published on Memorial Networks by
Batesville Interactive.
Leonard Walter Burka, SMA ‘51
Between 1914 and the survey taken for the 1921
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, a small building was built on
the northwestern edge of the school property. The building
is labeled as being the “Magazine”. No pictures of the
building exist, and no evidence of the building remains.
Infirmary Examination Room circa 1938
Robert Byrd Barksdale, SMA ‘75
On Tuesday, October 28, 2014,
Leonard Walter Burka of Chevy
Chase, Maryland. Beloved husband
of Frances Kossow Burka; loving
father of Michael (Barbara) Burka
and Sharon Burka; dear brother of
Edward (Karen) Burka and the late
Elliott Burka; brother-in-law of
Christine
Burka;
adoring
grandfather of Alex and Jeffrey.
Funeral service was held Friday,
Cadet Burka in 1951. October 31, 2014 at Adas Israel
Congregation. Interment Judean
Memorial Gardens, Olney, Maryland. In Lieu of flowers,
memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Historical
Society of Greater Washington; the Leonard and Frances
Burka Social Action Fund at Adas Israel, or a charity of your
choice.
Continued on page 7
—6 —
—27 —
taps
FARRELL RAY (“KARO”) MOORE, SMA ‘51
Cumberland MD; his sisters, Jane Mason and her husband,
Edward, Cumberland, MD; and Annette Fey-Deahl and her
husband, Donald, Fayetteville, NC; his sisters-in-law: Cathy
Fey, Bedford, PA; and Shirley Dickerhoff, Fayetteville, NC;
a special niece, friend, and soul mate, Pam Fey-Moss; and
numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends were received at Merritt-Adams Funeral
Home, P.A. 404 Decatur Street,
Cumberland, MD, on Sunday,
January 5, 2003, from 2:00 to 4:00
P.M., and 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. A
funeral service were conducted at
the funeral home on Monday,
January 6, 2003, at 11:00 A.M., with
the Reverend Lee Brotemarkle
officiating. Interment was in Sunset
Memorial Park. Pallbearers were
Jerry Young, Rick Atkinson, Bobby
Marker, Darrell Sommerlatt, Fred
Fey, Jr., and Michael Mason.
Cadet Fey in 1963.
Farrell Ray Moore, age 83,
of Johnson City, TN, passed away
Monday, May 12, 2014 in James
Quillen VA Center. Born June 8,
1930 in Clinchco, VA, attended
Clintwood High School and
graduated from Staunton
Military Academy in Staunton,
Va., where he was named
Athlete of the Year 1951. Served
in the U.S. Air Force during the
Korean War. Graduated in 1958
Cadet Moore in 1951.
from Emory & Henry College,
where he was a member of the baseball team, co-captain of
the basketball team, vice president of the Senior Class and
president of Sigma Iota fraternity. From 1958 through 1964,
he was a teacher and coached basketball, football and baseball
at Rich Valley, Garden Creek and Gate City high schools in
southwest VA. Before retiring in 1991, he worked for The
Rollins Corporation for twenty years and was a long-time
member of The President’s Club, recognizing Rollins’ top
salesmen in the U.S. He was also a member of the Homestead,
Fla. Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
for over twenty years.
Preceded in death by his father and mother, Willard
and Muriel Moore; brother, Billy Moore; two sisters,
Doris Sykes and Louise McMeans; two brothers-inlaw, Robert (“Bob”) Sykes and Brackston Pilkenton;
and a nephew, Neal McMeans.
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Suzan
Moore and Scott Mullins of Nora, Va.; one sister, Linda
Taylor of Kingsport, Tenn.; and many nieces and
nephews.
The funeral service was conducted Friday, May 16,
2014 in Akard Funeral
Home Chapel
with
Chaplain Mary K. Briggs
officiating. Committal and
interment followed in Temple Hill
Cemetery, Castlewood, VA. Bristol
VFW Honor Guard conducted
military rites. Pallbearers were:
Jonathon and Dean Taylor; Aaron
and Tim Pilkenton; and Gary, Mike
and Wayne McMeans. Honarary
pallbearers are Jason Taylor;
Darren Pilkenton; David Sykes;
Farrell Ray Moore
Tyler Taylor; Joey Pilkenton; Ken
Bailey; Frank “T-bone” Lewis;
Harold Lambert; Raymond Buchanan; Jimmy Stanley; James
“Trigg” Dotson and Bill Brummitt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to
Emory & Henry College, P.O. Box 950, Emory, VA 24327.
Editor’s note. Originally published by Akard Funeral Home.
Matthew N. Messanotte, SMA ‘37
Matthew Nicholas Mezzanotte, a
prominent Washington, DC real estate developer,
passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at
Georgetown University Hospital with his family at
his bedside.
Mr. Mezzanotte was born in Washington,
DC on February 11, 1922. He graduated from
Staunton Military Academy and attended the
University of Maryland and Columbia University
in New York City. He served as a Navy pilot during
World War II.
After his discharge, he was a concert violinist and
performed at Constitution Hall, Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood
Bowl, and the White House.
Mr. Mezzanotte developed the new town of Fort
Washington, MD and many other properties in the Washington
area. He owned the Savoy Suites and Carlyle Suites Hotels
in Washington, DC and the Heart of Palm Hotel in Palm
Beach, Florida.
He was a 33rd degree Mason and a very proud
member of the University Club where he lunched daily.
He was the beloved husband of the late Genevieve
Dillman Mezzanotte. He is survived by his nieces and
nephews, all of whom loved him dearly. In lieu of flowers,
memorial donations may be made to the Red Cross or
Georgetown University Medical Center.
—28 —
The building contained a mess hall that seated 400, a
separate small dining room, a large kitchen and pantry, and
offices on the first floor. Meals were served family style with
platters of food being delivered by uniformed waiters. Three
faculty apartments and cadets rooms occupied the second
floor. Junior School cadets lived in these cadet rooms.
Sometime between 1914 and 1921, an extension to the
mess hall was added to the west with a large stairway joining
the two. In 1927, the washrooms in the cadet area on the
second floor were remodeled. In 1934, the Junior School
cadets were moved to the remodeled Hospital attached to
the Skinner House and the second floor of West Barracks
was remodeled to house the Infirmary.At this time the building
stopped being referred to as West Barracks and became
simply known as The Mess Hall. Waiter service ended in the
mess hall with a remodel in 1964 that brought cafeteria-style
service to SMA.
The mess hall part of the building is still in use by Mary
Baldwin College as the Student Activities Center. The upper
floors house the College’s Alumni Office.
In 1912 a separate Natatorium, or swimming pool,
was constructed at SMA to replace the swimming pool in
the basement of South Barracks. The local newspapers
described it as the largest in the state outside of Richmond.
The building was constructed of concrete blocks, had a
standing seam metal roof, and multiple large windows to
admit light. The building also had showers and dressing
rooms. The pool measured 60 X 37 feet, was graduated
from a depth of 3 feet to 7 feet, and had a modern jumping
board and two spring boards. Modern for its time, the
water was heated, and the building had steam heat.
The school demolished the building and pool in 1931
to make way for Kable Hall.
Interior of Natatorium circa 1913
West Barracks
Interior of Kitchen circa 1913
West Barracks (a.k.a. Mess Hall) circa 1920
West Barracks, or The Mess Hall as it became known
in later years, was constructed in 1912 to replace the old
wooden mess hall. The construction was of concrete block in
Neo-Classical architecture style.Adorned with fluted columns
topped by Corinthian capitals, the southwest corner touched
the Kable House. The more utilitarian north end wrapped
around the Chemistry building and extended west.
Thanksgiving Dance in Mess Hall circa 1917
Continued on page 6
—5 —
taps
Chemistry Building
Sanders (spouse Jennifer Sanders)
of Mooresville NC. They and their
Spouses gave Sandy and Ann six
grandchildren: Erik and Michaela
Colleen, Jordan and Cassidy
Sanders, and Mariah and Danielle
Sanders of whom they were very
proud.
Sandy and the family are
grateful for the many caregivers
that have been there for them when
needed. A memorial Service was
held on Saturday, November 1st, Cadet Sanders in 1954.
2014. at Ridge Road Baptist Church, 2011 Ridge Rd, Raleigh
NC, 27607. In lieu of Flowers please make donations to
Transitions Hospice Care of Wake County or Ridge Road
Baptist Church.
Micheal D. Read, SMA ‘44
Though the exact date of its construction is not known,
the Chemistry building was probably added around 1910.
It does not appear on the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of
1909 and one photo of the 1912 Corps (most likely taken
in late 1911) shows it as a standalone building. In 1912,
West Barracks was constructed up to the south and west
sides of the building.
The building still stands and houses the Business Offices
of Mary Baldwin College.
House at 239 Pleasant Street
Sorry to report that Mike
Read my buddy and classmate of
class of 1944 passed away on April
1, 2014. We did our 50th Reunion,
but things didn’t work out for
our 70th.
Mike was a great guysmart, lots of laughs He was I
used to call him the “crookedest
guidon bearer” that ever was - and
I never ceased to be amazed that
Company A ever made it to the
Cadet Read in 1944.
parade ground from the Hill. He
couldn’t keep a straight line.
He worked for Electric Boat and made many a
dive in the submarines he helped develop. Honor graduate
of Lehigh, lost his wife number of years ago. We had the
good fortune to work together for a number of years in the
old Explosives Division of Atlas Powder and had a lot of
laughs together including his making homemade anti-freeze
in the Acid Lab where he sometimes worked.
Mike enlisted after graduation in the U.S. Army
and was in Japan as part of occupation.
Not many of ‘44 still around, Dr. Jim Jordan ,44
Leon R. Sheperd, SMA ‘48
Leon R. Sheperd, devoted
of JoAnn (Mike
Humphrey), Michael,
Emily Galt (Tom),
Reuben
(Hollie
Gallagher) and Justin
(Robin);
cherished
grandfather of Lindsay
Edwards, James and
Jackson Galt, Lauren,
Henry, Isaac and Daniel
Sheperd; loving partner of Cadet Sheperd in 1948.
Jan Blumenthal; beloved
brother of Marilyn Strauss; son of the late Reuben and Bena
(nee Lichtenberg) Sheperd; widower of Barbara Lessem
Sheperd; dear uncle of Sheperd and Marilyn Kahn; Elizabeth
and Joel Scheer, Jeremy and Elana Lessem, and Jordan
Lessem; great uncle of Katherine and Sam Kahn, Emma
and John Scheer and Cleo Lessem; brother-in-law of Mark
and Ina Lessem; also remembered by Jan’s children Michael
Baskin (Bonnie Blane) and Stevi Baskin (Dan Reynolds).
Lifelong friend of the Sterns and the Gibsons.
He was in the National Guard during the Korean
War and a graduate of Staunton Military Academy. Lee
attended Ohio State University and was a member of Zeta
Beta Tau Fraternity. The life of every party, his humor and
joie de vivre will be remembered by all who knew him.
Contributions are suggested to the Cleveland Animal
Protective League
father
Editor’s note: Submitted by Mike’s classmate
and friend, Dr. James Jordan.
Cadet Battalion on Plaza with House at 239 Pleasant
Street in upper right of picture circa 1912
In May of 1912, William G. Kable purchased the house
and property at 239 Pleasant Street that adjoined the
northeastern edge of the Plaza. The house was razed shortly
after purchase and the first Mess Hall was rolled to the property.
Natatorium
Chemistry Laboratory circa 1934
Natatorium (YMCA building to the left) circa 1913
Cleon W. “Sandy” Sanders, Jr., SMA ‘54
Raleigh - Cleon W. (Sandy) Sanders, Jr.
died on October 29th 2014, at his
home surrounded by family
members after an extended battle
with cancer.
He was the son of Dr. Cleon W.
Sanders Sr. and Remoh T.
Sanders. He was born in Raleigh
and grew up in Benson, North
Carolina. He attended Staunton
Military Academy and UNC at
Chapel Hill. After military service,
he married Elizabeth Ann Proctor.
Cleon Sanders, SMA ‘54 This marriage of 53 years was
blessed with three wonderful
children, Elizabeth (Beth) Colleen, (spouse Jon Colleen) of
Port Charlotte, Florida; David Hardy Sanders, (spouse
Rebecca Sanders) of Garner NC; and Matthew Roderick
Editor’s note: originally published by clevelandapl.org.
Continued on page 5
—4 —
—29 —
SMA-VWIL “Walk of Honor” Brick Order Form
P.O. Box 958, Staunton, VA 24402
Tel: (540) 885-1309 / (800) 627-5806; Email: SMAOffice@sma-alumni.org
Purchase a Brick in your name! The individually inscribed commemorative bricks are a way to honor and recognize SMA alumni,
former faculty members, teachers, coaches, staff, graduating classes, and SMA friends and supporters. The blank bricks on the existing
walkway will be replaced with each 100 orders of inscribed bricks. Each 4" x 8" brick costs $60.00 and can be purchased with a taxdeductible contribution to the SMA Foundation, Inc.
Continued...
The arch resembled the Sally Port entryway into South
Barracks, and parapets similar to those on the barracks
topped the structure. The entry way also had the additional
significance of changing the approach to the academy from
the front door of the Kable House (from Prospect Street)
to the Plaza (from Pleasant Street).
The entry was removed sometime around 1917.
YMCA Building
ORDER
SMA Foundation, Inc. (payable to SMA Foundation, Inc.)
“Walk of Honor” Brick
($60.00 per brick)
Pool room in YMCA Building circa 1912
$___________
Building East of Old Stables
If multiple bricks are being purchased, please fill out add’l copies of the form to specify the inscription
information for each brick being ordered. Number each page (form) being faxed. The first page should
include the total amount being ordered and charged (e.g., $60/brick x quantity purchased = Total.
Total Order:
There is no documentation as the use of this single
story rectangular building. Nor are there any pictures of
it. The building first shows up on the 1904 Sanborn Fire
Insurance Map, but has disappeared by the survey used
for the 1949 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map.
$___________
Inscription Information: (please print clearly)
Line 1. ______________________________________________________________________________
Line 2. ______________________________________________________________________________
Line 3.______________________________________________________________________________
PAYMENT
Check (payable to SMA Alumni Association)
Credit Card (can only accept MC/Visa)
Card Number:
Expiration Date:
Master Card Visa
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Name:
_____________________________________
(exactly as written on credit card)
CONTACTAND SIGNATURE
Email Address:
Signature:
Sometime between 1909 and 1914, a small shed was
built against the retaining wall near South Barracks to
house the contract dry cleaning representative. The
building does not appear on the 1909 Sanborn Fire
Insurance Map but does appear on the 1914 Map. The
building was rebuilt and enlarged over the years serving
the needs of the expanding Corps of Cadets until the
school closed in 1976. The building was razed in 1979.
No pictures of the building are known to exist
YMCA Building seen from Prospect Street circa 1912
Billing Address:
Dry Cleaning Shack
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
____________________ Zip:_____________
_____________________________________
___________________@________________
_____________________________________
Inscriptions may be up to three lines (maximum of 20 characters per line). Punctuation
marks count as characters.
— 30 —
In October of 1909, William G. Kable purchased the
four acres directly north of the school grounds from Julius
Prufer for $8,000. This land would provide the room for
the expansion of the major academy buildings for the next
25 years. Along with the purchase of the land came a
house that became known as the YMCA building.
The SMA Chapter of the YMCA formed in 1908
and grew to over 200 members by 1918. An article on
the 1916 Yearbook states that “The essential work of the
Association during the past year has been characterized
by a spirit of loyalty and enthusiasm.” Membership began
dropping after the death of William G. Kable. By 1924,
all mention of the YMCA at SMA had disappeared from
the Kablegrams and the Yearbooks.
An article in the January 24, 1925 issue of the
Kablegram calls the building the “Old YMCA.” The
building at that time housed a music studio, storage of
musical instruments, offices of the Kablegram, and was
used as an emergency barracks.
The building was demolished in 1925 to make way
for the construction of Memorial Hall.
SMA Grounds in 1909
Continued on page 4
—3—
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
reflections from the hill
President .................... William K. Bissett, SMA ‘74
Vice President ....... Thomas E. B. Phillips, SMA ‘74
Secretary .................................. Al Rossy, SMA ‘74
Treasurer ...................... Thomas A. Davis, SMA ‘62
Chaplain ........................ Richard Henderson, SMA ‘63
By Bill Bissett,
President SMA Alumni Association
PERMANENT COMMITTEES
ALUMNI RELATIONS
Hello again, fellow Alums:
Lee W. Lawrence, SMA ‘56 ................. Member
FINANCE
Thomas A. Davis, SMA ‘62 ............... Chairman
Edmund A. Smith, SMA ‘76 ............... Member
We are winding down the
year, and boy, has it flown by! I
can’t thank the board and all who
have been chasing some of the
projects enough for all they have
done this year. Greg Robertson has been working tirelessly
assembling our history and doing a wonderful job as usual. Tim
Scheel has been trying to find us a spot on the roadways to
identify us to everyone, and I can’t thank him enough. All the
rest of the board has been putting in more time than usual on
committees making sure we have a legacy for the future. I think
every cadet should take a minute to thank all of these people at
the reunion in April, especially Arlene and Brocky for taking
such good care of us.
On another note, we moved our location for our fall
face-to-face board meeting to Fort Lauderdale beach this year,
and it seemed to work pretty well. The weather was perfect,
and we had somewhat of good turnout, even though there were
a couple of last minute cancelations for health reasons. We will
be discussing whether we will do it again next fall, and if so, we
would like to see a bigger group involved. More than just board
members attended, and we would like to make it an off-campus
reunion of sorts. Anyone interested in trying it next year, please
let us know. I would like to thank Kevin Gorman for his special
breakfast food he delivered to the meeting in Fort Lauderdale.
It made everyone’s day.
The holidays are coming up, and by the time you get
this issue, thanksgiving will be over. and Christmas will be upon
us. I hope everyone takes a minute to remember all of our alumni
brothers that have passed before us, and have a wonderful
Christmas and a very happy and prosperous new year. I look
forward to seeing all of you in the April at the all class reunion.
LEGAL
Warren Hutton, SMA ‘75 ..................... Member
SCHOLARSHIPS
Tom Davis, SMA ’62 ............................ Member
AD-HOC COMMITTEES
SMA FOUNDATION LEGACY FUND
Peter Birckhead SMA ’73 ................. Chairman
*Steve Bond SMA ’61 ...................... Co-Chair
Warren Hutton, SMA ’75 .................... Member
*Tony Shipula ’74 .............................. Member
Tom Davis SMA ’62 ............................ Member
*Bob Poovey SMA ’60 ...................... Member
*Sid Huguenin ’73 ............................. Member
Amanda Lancaster VWIL ’03 .............. Member
Bill Bissett SMA ’74 ........ Non-voting Advisory
Mark Orr, SMA ’73 ......... Non-voting, Advisory
REUNION
Edmund A. Smith, SMA ‘76 .............. Chairman
Thomas E. B. Phillips, SMA ‘74 ........... Member
*Jay Nedry, SMA ‘69 .......................... Member
SMA-VWIL MUSEUM
*Brocky Nicely, SMA ‘65 ...................... Curator
Thomas E. B. Phillips, SMA ‘74 ......... Chairman
Thomas A. Davis, SMA ‘73 . ................ Member
Mark J. Orr, SMA ‘73 .......................... Member
William K. Bissett, SMA ‘74 ................. Member
KABLEGRAM
Burdette Holmes, SMA ’62 ..................... Editor
Amanda Bennett Lancaster, VWIL ’03 ...... Assoc. Editor
WEBSITE
Mark J. Orr, SMA ‘73 ...................... Webmaster
AT LARGE
Dominic (Jack) Dalbo ....................SMA
J. Harvey Martin III ...................... SMA
Erinn Singman Kaine .................... VWIL
Mei-Ling Fye ................................. VWIL
CADET STORE
The Cadet Store is located in the
SMA-VWIL Museum in the former
SMA Supply Room. The form at right
should be completed and mailed, with
your check enclosed, to:
SMA Alumni Association
You can also contact the store by
e-mail at SMAOffice@sma-alumni.org
or call (540) 885-1309 for information, leave a message, and your call
will be returned as soon as possible.
Credit card orders can be processed by using the form on page 28.
Your order will be shipped when payment is received.
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ITEM
TOTAL
$____________
Baseball Caps ........................................................... $7.00
Structured Hats:
White with Blue Lettering “Staunton Military Academy”
Blue with Gold Lettering “Staunton Military Academy”
Blue with Gold Hat Shield
$____________
Baseball Caps ......................................................... $15.00
Unstructured Hats: Blue, White, OR Tan with Cross Rifles and Lettering
“Staunton Military Academy”
T-Shirts: M-3X
Gold: (w/ Blue Embroidered Hat Shield on front &
$____________
Embroidered SMA Shoulder Patch on sleeve) .......... $18.00
$____________
Gold: (with full color hat shield patch) .................... $20.00
$____________
T-Shirts: M-3X - Long sleeve
$____________
Gold: (with full color hat sheild patch) .................... $25.00
$____________
Sweatshirts: M-3X
$____________
Blue: (Gold Embroidered Hat Shield Patch) ............. $10.00
Gray: (Embroidered Cross Rifles and lettering
$____________
“Staunton Military Academy”) ..................................... $10.00
Polo (Golf) Shirts: M-3X
$____________
Solid White or Blue with Blue Embroidered Hat Shield ... $39.00
$____________
Solid Black with Gold Embroidered Hat Shield ........ $39.00
Blue (Chevron design on collar and cuff)
Embroidered with cross rifles and lettering
“Staunton Military Academy” ................................. $20.00
$____________
Jackets: $65.00 M-3X
Navy Blue with Gold Embroidered Hat Shield
$____________
(2)-2XL (1)XL - ONLY SIZES LEFT .................... $50.00
$____________
Gold with Full color Hat Shield ................................ $75.00
$____________
Black with Full Color Hat Shield Patch .................... $75.00
Blue Fleece 1/4 zipper front pullover
$____________
Embroidered with Gold Hat Shield ........................... $39.00
Small cooler bright yellow w/black trim: full color
$____________
Hat Shield Patch on front ......................................... $24.00
$____________
Officer/NCO Belt Buckle ......................................... $35.00
$____________
Leather Garrison Belt ............................................... $40.00
(can be cut to sizes up to 50 inches)
$____________
Car Window Decal ...................................................... $3.50
$____________
Original Post Cards of scenes from SMA ................... $2.00
$____________
SMA Shoulder Patches ............................................... $2.00
$____________
Blue Book (reprint) .................................................. $15.00
$____________
Mug: Black “Barrel” Mug with Gold Hat Shield ....... $5.00
$____________
Steins: White with Gold Hat Shield .......................... $10.00
License Plate Holder: Plastic with lettering
$____________
“Staunton MilitaryAcademyAlumniAssociation” in gold .................. $5.00
DVD Disc:”A History of the Staunton Military Academy”
Produced and Directed by Greg Robertson SMA ’70
$____________
................................................................................... $20.00
CD: A collection of items related to the history of SMA
contains ads (1884-1930) catalogs, panorama of campus &
Corps of Cadets, postcards, and 16 Yearbooks including the
$____________
first(1906) and last printed (1975) ............................ $20.00
Shipping charges must be added:
$00.00 to $30.00 ................................................................ $0011.00
$31.00 to $70.00 .................................................................. $013.15
$71.00 and above ................................................................ $015.15
Total:
$____________
$____________
$____________
$____________
Name:___________________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________
City:_______________________________________State:_______ZIP:_______________
Telephone: ( ______) ______________E-mail:__________________________
© Copyright 2014 — SMA Alumni Association
—2—
EACH
Charges listed below are for United States in-country delivery only.
Shipments to Hawaii, Bahamas, and other distant destinations are
subject to shipper’s charges.
Pass in Review
* VIP (non board member)
_____
_____
Bill Bissett
President
SMAAA
SMA ALUMNI OFFICE
Arlene Nicely ............. SMA Office Manager
_____
_____
_____
_____
TDH
’68
’74
‘02
‘05
QUAN.
—31—
Foundation, Inc.
The Kablegram-Leader
SMA/VWIL Alumni Newsletter
Published by the Staunton Military Academy Foundation • Staunton, Virginia
December 2014
By Greg Robertson, SMA ‘70
P. O. Box 958, Woodrum Station, Staunton, Virginia 24402-0958
Telephone: (540) 885-1309 / (800) 627-5806
E-mail: SMAOffice@sma-alumni.org • Website: http://www.sma-alumni.org
SMA Alumni Association, Inc. (payable to: SMA Alumni Association, Inc.)
• Annual Membership Dues: ($60.00 per year, 1 September through 31 August)
If you are paying for multiple years, please indicate below which years (past/present/future).
$___________
SMA Foundation, Inc. (payable to: SMA Foundation, Inc.)
• SMA Heritage Fund (tax exempt):
$___________
The purpose of the SMA Heritage Fund is to help ensure that the memories, traditions, and
alumni efforts are carried into perpetuity. Your donation helps the alumni association maintain
the alumni office, memorial wall, archives, web site and quarterly newsletter. Your contributions
are tax deductible.
und (tax exempt):
• Truth, Duty
Duty,, and Honor F
Fund
$___________
The purpose of the Truth, Duty, and Honor Fund is to support entities such as the Virginia
Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL) Program at Mary Baldwin College (MBC) that exemplify
the core values of Truth, Duty, and Honor (TDH) through educational scholarships and program
support. Your contributions are tax deductible.
Note. If you are contributing to the TDH Fund, please indicate the breakdown of your contribution.
Educational Scholarships:
Program Support:
The Grounds of the Staunton Military Academy circa 1978.
First Entry Gate
Sometime between 1891 and
1899, Pleasant Street (now Kable
Street) was built following an existing
driveway from Winchester Street (now
Coalter Avenue) to the eastern edge of
the Academy. Captain Kable built the
first entry gate to the Academy, where
this road entered the grounds. Though
pictures of it do not appear until the
1911 yearbook, the arched entry was
most likely built in 1907. This was the
same time that a gate was built at the
entrance to the service road leading to
South Barracks from Prospect Street.
$___________
$___________
Total: $___________
PAYMENT
• Check (please see above for correct “payable to”)
• Credit Card (can only accept MC/Visa)
Master Card Visa
Card Number:
__________________
Expiration Date:
__________________
__________________
Name: (exactly as written on credit card) _________________________
Billing Address:
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
____________________ Zip: _____________
_____________________________________
Email Address:
___________________@________________
Signature:
_____________________________________
—32—
First Entry Gate circa 1910
Continued on page 3
—1—
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Building & Grounds (pt 2)1,3-10
Reflections .............................. 2
Briefly .................................... 11
Benches & Sponsorships 12-13
Legacy .............................. 13-15
Reunion 2015 .................. 16-17
Raffle ..................................... 18
Robertson Releases....... ......19
Scanning Project .................. 20
McCampbell busts ................ 20
SMA Gallery ..................... 21-22
VWIL letter ............................ 23
VWIL Gallery .................... 24-25
VWIL News ...................... 25-26
Taps .................................. 27-29
Walk of Honor ...................... 30
Cadet Store ........................... 31
Dues/Initiatives ..................... 32
© Copyright 2014
Alumni Association

SMA 12_14 news.pmd - Sma

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