USAFA Class Histories

2017 CUP-TURNING CEREMONY: USAF ACADEMY CLASS OF 1963, SATURDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2017 CLUBHOUSE, EISENHOWER GOLF COURSE, USAF ACADEMY COLORADO

Classmates, spouses, families, and guests filled the clubhouse dining room for the annual Cup-Turning Ceremony, to be followed by a hearty buffet of Mexican food, and then for many, a trip to Falcon Stadium in the approaching monsoon. There, some enjoyed/endured about a half of the first quarter of football between our Falcons and San Diego State. By that point, those who hadn’t already fled to their cars, reported being as wet as if they`d jumped in a pool with their clothes on. Back to the clubhouse: As MC Bill Ball explained we were there to honor 6 classmates who had passed and had not previously had their cups turned in 2016 or before. This year, we remembered:

Klem Kalberer, Jr. of 14th Squadron

Barry Wetherington of 12th Squadron

Bill Keenan of 5th Squadron

Bill Hentges of 11th Squadron

Grant Bornzin of 1st Squadron

Mike Gibbons of 20th Squadron

Present for the ceremony were two of Bill Hentges`s grandchildren, down from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, members of Grant Bornzin`s family who`d been here Friday for Grant`s Memorial Service at the USAF Academy Cemetery; and members of Mike Gibbons` family here for his Memorial Service on Monday.

Before turning each cup, at least one classmate presented prepared remarks to share some things about the lives of our departed classmates. I remember attending a cup-turning ceremony several years ago in front of our cup cabinet on the balcony overlooking Arnold Hall’s Grand Ballroom. I concluded, then, that listening to eulogies of classmates` accomplishments each year was a reminder of what an extraordinary group of young men gathered on 26 June 1959 to become the USAF Academy Class of 1963. So, if you weren’t with us in the clubhouse, you missed it. Well, not quite.

I kept a video camera running through the 6 presentations. My videos are much more hit-or miss than most of my pictures, but these are a pretty good representation of each presentation. More info in the file folder containing the videos.



Finally, I didn`t get involved at all in the overall organization of the events of Mini-Reunion Weekend. Nevertheless, as the photographer I see, once again, the results of time-consuming work that makes such an afternoon come off without a hitch (other than the inch of rain, which was beyond the control of our class reunion gurus). As always, Bob Hayes shouldered the big burden, I`m sure with the help of Charlie Ann, of the overall organization of the event. He puts out the notices/invitations, works the menu and venue, sets the price, collects the money and a great many details for us to have the event. Bill Ball headed up the program again this year and served as Master of Ceremonies. As in the past, I`m guessing Gordon Bredvik had a big role again in helping with getting at least one classmate assigned to bring together material on each classmate being remembered. Drue Deberry worked up the program brochure. Stinky Steinbrink was available as always when needed to provide a closing prayer and blessing for the follow-on meal.

I apologize for overlooking anyone else among the usual suspects, as we do have a hardcore group of classmates who do what needs to be done to arrange local events open to everyone to enjoy if you can join us.