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Class of 1964 Roll Call

Robert Ayers

Robert Ayers
April 10, 2020 

Present!
In September 1960, I walked into Norwich scared, naïve and overwhelmed. I was just 17. But it was a family thing; my father and my grandfather were both graduates. I was pretty low key during my time at NU, but I worked hard and eventually made the Dean’s List. In June 1964, I walked out with a degree and a job. I ended up teaching high school English for 43 years. I thank my Norwich experience for giving me an education, confidence, and lots of stories. Best wishes to you all!

Bob Ayers


Terry Badger

Terry Badger
February 6, 2020 

Present


William BarlowBill Barlow
February 7, 2020 
Still "present" and thanks for doing this.
Hello and best wishes to all members of the Class of 1964.


Charlie Baumann

Charlie Baumann
April 2, 2020 

Present. Few days go by that I don't think of Norwich and my classmates. Reflecting on my four years at Norwich some 55+ years following graduation, I am in awe of how well the University prepared me for the myriad challenges I dealt with throughout my professional life.

Norwich forever.

Charlie Baumann


Bruce BoldtBruce Boldt
February 10, 2020 
Bruce Boldt - Present


Mike BranleyMike Branley
February 15, 2020 

Present and accounted for. Joe and Don, thanks for taking this on. I think it is a wonderful idea. For me personally, one memory which I vividly recall was the night Will Stoddard, Dick Manson, Ron Brackett and I think Charlie Shogren as well as myself spent in the Concord, New Hampshire Jail. We were carpooling with Ron on our way back to Norwich when Ron's car broke down in Concord at nightfall. It was winter and after walking the streets trying to find a place warm to spend the night, we saw a light indicating a police station. We walked inside, informed them of our situation and they let us sleep in some empty jail cells in the back. I forget who got the drunk cell but I got better accommodations sleeping on one of those wooden planks with chains coming from the wall like you see in old Western movies. Not the Hyatt, but better than freezing outside.

Mike Branley


Wayne BrockWayne Brock
February 7, 2020 
Joe & Don,

First of all I want to thank you both for sending the listing of our Classmates of ‘64 that are no longer with us. As I review the listing I can picture in my mind's eye the cadet at Norwich so many years ago. I feel that Norwich gives you that personal attachment to your classmates. Although I did not know everyone on a personal level I knew them and remember their face and mannerisms. Of personal note was John Langenfeld, my roommate Freshmen year. John was a star soccer player and was on the Norwich squad. He got injured his Freshman year “falling out” of Alumni Hall and cut his heal severely on the tread. I spent most of the first semester in a private room as he recuperated. I still remember the stress of those few months of “rook” hell with no one to vent with. The Cadre recognized the situation and would constantly check on me to bolster my spirit. No special treatment, but a compassionate interaction. That is the very essence of the Norwich experience.

I wish I had dedicated myself more to my studies instead of spending most of my free time at Harry’s, but I still graduated and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Corps of Engineers. I am proud of Norwich and the University it has become over the past 55 years since I graduated.

Thank you again for the Call The Roll.

“Present and accounted for”

Wayne Brock ‘64


Larry BudnickLarry Budnick
April 13, 2020 

Present!
Thanks for the memories.
Our class has an endowed scholarship named “Class of 1964 Scholarship.”
The students that are awarded the scholarship are all members of the Corps
of Cadets. They’re the future of our nation. If you met them you would be
impressed.
It would be greatly appreciated if everyone can support our scholarship.
This scholarship will be one part of the legacy we leave to Norwich University.

Thanks,
Larry Budnick


Kelton ChubbKelton Chubb
April 1, 2020 
I’m here....


Richard CorsettiRichard Corsetti
April 2, 2020 

I’m here and doing well.

Dick “Crotch” Corsetti
                            978-994-2828


Donald Day, Jr.Donald Day, Jr.
April 10, 2020 

Present (mostly)

I wanted to share a memory of my time at NU with my class of '64 brothers but found it difficult because the unpleasant ones--rook year, CMC, tours--were the first to surface. Then came the good ones, so plentiful I had a hard time deciding which to write about. Here is one that got me laughing again after all these years.

     ________________________________________

One Saturday afternoon during my senior year, Joe Luzzi and I stayed a bit too long at Harry's. Excess beer consumption had depleted our funds to the point where we couldn't afford something to eat. So we hurried back to campus and made it just in time for third mess--barely in time because I distinctly remember Joe just put on his cadet jacket over his blue jeans. Anyway, we arrived at the mess hall and sat at our usual table full of senior bucks. It was located at the left rear of the mess hall, the location was chosen because it was mostly out of sight where our behavior generally escaped notice and Armine Heinz, our waiter, could occasionally sneak us an extra tray of steak. Joe sat at the head of the table. I think there were nine people at the table, nobody at the other end, four down each side. I, being the fourth on one side, was as far away from Joe as I could be and still be at the same table. As we were getting settled I said to Joe, "Hey Joe, toss me the milk." Bad choice of words. One could quibble as to whether it was actually a toss or more like a lob, but the result was the same: the glass decanter containing a full quart of milk was airborne. I remember it like a slow-motion replay. Anticipating a shower of milk, and possibly broken glass, everyone quickly pushed back from the table. Except me. Dumbstruck, I just stuck out my right hand and the quart of milk landed in it. Not a drop was spilled! I was as amazed as anyone but I tried to be cool so I just said "Thanks, Joe" and nonchalantly poured myself a glass of milk as if I had just participated in a well-executed prank.

Thanks for the perfect "toss" Joe.

Donald E. Day, Jr.
654 Plymouth Road
Harwinton, CT 06791
Phone: 860-485-9956


Doug DeRuisseauDoug DeRuisseau
April 3, 2020 
Joe and Don,

A great idea for you to reach out to our class for a roll call to see who is still kicking. As I thought about it I began to reminisce about some things that took place during those critical years which could well evoke some memories of our classmates:


• The cadet who mailed a dead pigeon to our beloved Captain Albree from Manchester, N.H.
• The cadet who poured sand in Major Hicks’s gas tank
• The never proven story about Mrs. Hicks
• The chipped beef served every Thursday morning and the inevitable farts it produced
• The dead deer hung above the entrance to the mess hall on a snowy morning in January
• The road grader driven from Barre to the upper parade ground on a dark Saturday evening (whoops, the room key left on the front seat)
• The girl smuggled (from VC) into Wilson Hall to a cadet on CMC
• The cadet transmitting from a pirate radio station who was never identified (Cabot Hall??)
• The cherry bomb detonated in a fire bucket in Alumni Hall which was revenge in the shaving cream wars one Thanksgiving week
• And, of course, the march on the Miss Montpelier diner in preparation for the VC Raid.

These are just some of the things that come back to me after these many years, memories that I will always cherish of a fruitful 4 years with a great bunch of friends in our formative years. I will always remember Norwich and what it did for me in preparation for the real world. Again, thanks for this opportunity to recall highlights and I hope that they come back to some of you as you reflect on that distant period in our lives.

Doug (Squire) DeRuisseau
Venice, Florida


William	DragonWilliam Dragon
April 2, 2020 

Present
There were many, but my most memorable event was our Panty Raid on VC

                            Bill Dragon


Joe EgolfJoe Egolf
April 1, 2020 
Present, Had a great time at Homecoming -Norwich 200 and at Schneiders farewell Bash I Naples Fl


Michael ElkinsMichael Elkins
February 6, 2020 

Present!

I fondly remember our days at Norwich and many memories remain to this day.

One of my all-time favorites is the following:

In our Rook Year, as most of us came with our parents to begin at Norwich, we sat in the Mess Hall as MG Ernest Harmon in the Crows Nest began addressing the new class of Rooks and parents present.

During that speech, the MG Harmon told the Fathers that they had done the best they were able to make their boys into good men and Norwich would take it from there. Most fathers nodded in appreciation.

He then turned to the Mothers and told them he wanted to tell them a story.

He said Norwich once had a campus dog. As the dog got older he liked to sleep near the hockey rink by the railroad tracks. One sunny summer day the dog was sleeping by the tracks and his tail was quietly twitching back an forth over the railroad tracks as he slept. Suddenly a train roared by and before the dog could even awake the train severed off his tail.

MG Harmon then paused briefly to let the image sink into everyone's mind and then continued by saying that the dog then whipped his head around to see what happened and the train immediately severed his head.

After another brief pause, the MG Harmon finished by saying he had a special message for the Mothers based on the moral of this story.

MG Harmon again paused for a brief moment and continued by saying: Mothers I assure you that Norwich will make sure that none of your boys will lose their heads over a piece of tail while at Norwich.

I fully expect some of our class proved the MG Harmon wrong but every year I was able, I enjoyed not only rehearing that speech but also watching the reactions of the parents and the new class of Rooks fighting to not visibly react.

MG Harmon was not a tall man and by the yardstick, most of us were much taller than he was; but, now even in my 70’s, there are few men that I have looked up to in admiration more than MG Ernest Harmon. Thank you, sir, for your help in so many ways to make me a better man.

Norwich, I salute you and what you continue to do.

Mike Elkins, Class of 1964


H. Earl Evans, IIIH. Earl Evans, III
April 2, 2020 

Please mark me "present". Perhaps a note from me later. Thanks.

H. Earl Evans III
                            earlthree@comcast.net


Marshall FerrisMarshall Ferris
April 10, 2020 
Marshall Ferris PRESENT is CD x


John FisherJohn Fisher
April 20, 2020 
Present. Thanks for the memories
John Fisher. 1964


Richard GrayRichard Gray
February 11, 2020 
Thanks for the updated roll call Joe. Sad to see how many class mates have passed, but glad to know you and I are still kicking.
Rick Gray


Robert HalleckRobert Halleck
February 7, 2020 

Present

Peace,
Bob Halleck


William	HarriganWilliam Harrigan
April 1, 2020 
William Harrigan —1964 Present and accounted for.
I thank Norwich for many things, first education, second maturing to manhood in my college years, and the opportunity to meet, my wonderful wife of over 50 years (VC 1963).
I realize that every time I think about NU or visit for reunions I reflect on how much I enjoy my memories of classmates and long friendships that still exist, Even though we are separated by geography and time I still feel like it was yesterday when I was on the hill with my classmates. And that feels very good.


Jay KoltenJay Kotlen
February 7, 2020 

For the last few months, almost every day Bobby Bale pops into my mind- I would speak to him at least 4 times/week- This I miss!-

He epitomized the dedication to our class and was a true friend- We only touched base over the past 7 years; when I would refer to him to my family or friends I would say, my "best friend Bobby Bale"- and he was- and I still miss him every day!!!!- Love and prayers still to Heather.

--
Jay


Willie LeipertWillie Leipert
April 3, 2020 
Willie Leipert, PRESENT. In Debary, Florida will try to return to Stowe, Vermont in May.


Ronald LewosRonald Lewos
April 10, 2020 
Present
Ronald W. Lewos
904-571-6758(cell)


John LordJohn Lord
April 1, 2020 
Present


Richard	LovisoneRichard Lovisone
April 1, 2020 
I would like to be marked present. Way too many great memories to just highlight just one. Let us all remember our 4 classmates that died in VN, prior to our 1st reunion. I must add that if it were not for Norwich, I have no idea where I would be today – jail maybe?????
Thanks a bunch, Joe and Don for doing this. It would be great to have 100% be PRESENT!!
Peace and God Bless
Dick, punchy, Lovi


Joseph LuzziJoseph Luzzi
February 16, 2020 
When I received the list of our deceased classmates, Robert Leary's name showed up on the list. I wasn't aware of his passing. His name brought back a memory that I hadn't thought of in 50 something years. We met in Vietnam. I had trouble the prior day at a bridge site that my platoon was building. Two men crossed the bridge and were killed in an ambush 100 yards down the road. Somebody ordered an infantry platoon to assist me in defending the area. The platoon leader was Bob Leary. He was in the 1st division. Bob was my CO my senior year at Norwich and he must have left a good impression on me because I was relieved knowing I had a good platoon securing the area.


John ManchesterJohn Manchester
February 7, 2020 
Present


Richard	MansonRichard Manson
April 13, 2020 

I read with a big smile, Mike Branley’s comment about our “fine” stay at the Concord, NH jail on our return to Norwich. I hadn’t thought about this in many, many years. As Mike aptly stated, “it wasn’t the Hyatt, but it did beat freezing.” It was a truly memorable night.

Dick Manson


Bob McAllisterBob McAllister
February 6, 2020
Present


Colin McArthurColin McArthur
April 10, 2020 
Joe, As you are well aware I graduated in 65 but 64 was once, is now, and will ever be my Norwich year group. The school knows it I know it and I hope you guys accept it.
Stay safe.
Mac


Tom MonetaTom Moneta
April 1, 2020 
Present and accounted for.


Richard	MoodyRichard Moody
April 2, 2020 
Present and thanks for your efforts.

Dick


William O'BrienWilliam O’Brien
February 12, 2020 
Joe, Don,
A review of those listed in the Roll Call for 2019 brings to mind vivid images, personalities and memories of a time spent in formations, parades, classes, the mess hall, PX and road trips. While honoring those who have passed, those who remain have an opportunity to reach out and share reflections on the Norwich we experienced which is uniquely reserved to members of the Class of ‘64.
This is a wonderful annual tradition that should be continued.
Thank you both for providing this opportunity.
O’B
     ________________________________________

On one cold morning I was in Col Hugh O’Farrell’s corner office from which he continuously watched the activity on the Upper Parade ground. The only cadet in sight came walking along, hands in pockets, cadet jacket half-zipped with garrison cap perched on top of his head on the way to his job in the mess hall. O’Farrell got up from his chair went to the window and commented, “ look at that cadet, he is just the type we don’t need around here”. That cadet was Frannie Brennan, who would later become the most decorated member of our Class. At our 50th Reunion I shared this moment with him. He recalled coming from early morning hockey practice where occasionally Gen Harmon skated. He related that one time, Gen Harmon warned, “Brennan, you hit me with that puck and you will be picked up at the front gate”.


Doug PooleDoug Poole
February 6, 2020 
Douglas Poole
Present


Lawerence RootLawrence Root
April 1, 2020 

Hi There,

Lawrence E Root Sr. Served USAF 1964-70, Retired from Frontier Communications, Rochester, NY. Happily enjoying life with my wife Karen. Split our year between Pinedale WY and Vero Beach FL.

Best, Larry


James SissonJames Sisson
April 1, 2020 
Present


John StevensJohn Stevens
February 6, 2020
Present


Will StoddardWill Stoddard
February 9, 2020 
Thanks, Joe, for the opportunity to speak of Ron ….
Ron Brackett
Other than my father and Norwich, Ron had a profound impact on the course of my life.
I first met Ron as a fellow Rook in Charlie Company. Ron had dropped out the previous year and was returning to re-start his Freshmen year. He roomed with Charlie Baumann and I was a few doors away. I guess Ron realized that I was going to need some help and offered much advice on how to make it through the Rook year.
One day Ron suggested that I could carpool with him as my home was on his way to Norwich. Ron had gotten to know my father (Norwich ‘27’) on one of his visits to Norwich and I guess they must have hit it off. They would talk for hours every time he picked me up or dropped me off. Sometimes I would wonder if the carpool offer was more about my father than me, but they sure got along.
After graduation, we went our separate ways, him to Italy as a 2nd Lieutenant and me to California to work for Southern California Edison. In 1968 I lost my younger brother, a Private with the 809th Engineer Battalion who was killed in a training accident in Thailand before departing for Vietnam. Ron had read in a Boston Newspaper of my brother’s death and one evening he called me to see how I was doing. It was a tough time for me as I had lost my mother in 1964, and my older brother during the Korean War and was now left with only my father and no other relatives. Our long and many conversations I now realize helped me through a tough time in my life. In 1972 my father passed away and I was left to face whatever came by myself.
But Ron was always showing up in my life. During the next few years, Ron would come to Southern California to visit his mother and siblings who had moved there from Massachusetts. Each time he would call me to see how I was doing and occasionally we would meet at his mother’s house. Then one year it happened….
On Ron’s visit to California in 1975, he called me as usual and invited me over to his mother’s home for a backyard barbecue. There I met a young Vietnamese woman, Que, who had escaped from Saigon, and was now living with Ron’s sister Corrine who was Que’s sponsor. By coincidence, Corinne just happened to live in the same town as me, Orange California. To cut it short we married a year later and began a family of our own.
Ron’s mother welcomed us both with open arms and from then on Que and I, and later my daughters spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at her home. In fact, this last Christmas marks our 44th consecutive Christmas with the Brackett extended clan. More importantly, they gave my two daughters a sense of family they would never have had with just the four of us. Both my daughters to this day consider the children of Ron’s brothers and sisters as their cousins.
At Norwich Ron and I did not pal around much. We had different majors and me as a forever private remained at Charlie Company for all four years while Ron was promoted and moved to other companies. But that bond first as a carpool buddy and lasting throughout all the years until Ron, unfortunately, passed away, I now realize was as close to a brother as I ever had.
Will Stoddard '64'


John ThomasJohn Thomas
April 1, 2020 
Love this idea, and our class pictures, to link name with a face. Penny and I have a ski home at Sugarbush, which is a convenient location for Norwich. I am a National Ski Patroller. Fall reunions and hockey games, both men and women, awesome. As I still am in academia, I use the Library quite a bit, also. So nice compared to what we had. I am semi-retired from West Virginia University, School of Medicine and we live in Morgantown, WV, when not in Vermont. I was in old Jackman, a Zoobe until my last year, but have not played the trombone since I left. Drats. Maybe at the 200 band commemoration this Fall.


John WhitcombJohn Whitcomb
February 6, 2020 
Still here by the grace of God.

John Whitcomb


Fulton WilcoxFulton Wilcox
April 20, 2020 
Present. My General Harmon story, by way of Professor K Wayne Wall, is worth retelling as a great "elevator speech." Professor Wall pitched for a $25,000 debate team budget in 1961, used for debate tournament entry fees and travel money. He told the General that while it would cost millions to put a Norwich athletic team into Division I play, but $25,000 would put Norwich into top-level debate tournaments. The pitch succeeded because it focused on General Harmon's love of the offense. Jack Wingerte be back by r and I both benefited from General Harmon's aspirations for Norwich.


Peter WoodlyPeter Woodly
April 10, 2020 
Present

Pete