Do You Remember? - See Page 7 - Columbia Military ...
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Do You Remember? — See Page 7
Volume 23, Number 1 Spring, 2013
haircut. My parents left and it was just
From the President Remembering Your First
me and my new roommate, Steve
Day at CMA Cooper from Irondale, Alabama, and a
dorm full of other boys I hadn’t gotten
Of all the memories we have of our to know yet. We went to Quad for for-
time spent at CMA, our first day is one mation at suppertime and were in ranks
we all very well remember. For me, it as we were assigned. The flag was low-
was in the Summer of 1964 that I decid- ered and we stood at attention saluting
ed to go to CMA, starting in August for the flag as they fired the cannon. I re-
the 1964-65 school year. We sent for a member jumping three feet off the
catalog and I remember looking at it ground not knowing that was going to
over and over trying to happen. We then filed into the Mess
visualize what life was Hall to our assigned tables and seats for
going to be like at CMA. my first CMA meal. I watched and did
My mom was busy sew- as everyone else did as we were called
Cadets – Well our Spring Board ing my name tags in my to attention, then seated with arms fold-
Meeting is over and we will meet again underwear, tee shirts, bath ed in front, and then rest. Then every-
in the Fall. You can see the results of towels and wash cloths. one began to eat. After the evening
the meeting in the minutes included in We were busy getting meal we returned to the barracks and
this edition of the Bugle. I hope that all everything on the list Tommy Phillips were ordered to spend study time until
8th Grade, 1965
know their class representatives and ready to go. We had lights out, reading the rule book and
will contact them if you have questions already been to CMA to get enrolled getting lockers in order. At lights out I
about our Association. In case you and for me to get fitted for my uni- heard Taps for the first time.
don’t know who your representative is, forms. At this point I was still wonder- As days passed, I got to know every-
please refer to page 10 of this edition of ing what I was in for. The day came one, made lots of good friends, and
the Bugle and, once again, if you have and we left home for my new “home”. CMA became a way of life. I did get a
any concerns or issues with your Asso- It was on a Friday and classes were to little homesick at first but soon became
ciation please let me or your representa- start on the following Monday. We so busy that there just wasn’t time for
tive know. I also want Association arrived at the campus and were told thinking of home. I followed the rules
members to be aware of some items of where I would be staying so we unload- and within 6 months was promoted to
interest in this edition of the Bugle. ed the trunk and took my things to my Cadet Staff Sergeant and Platoon Guide.
First, I wanted to let Association new room. I was starting the 8th grade I came away from CMA with values
members know that Mr. Ray Burt, own- and was moving into Whitthorne Hall. I that have stuck with me for all these 48
er of Orman’s Photo Shop, passed away remember entering the dorm and the years since I was there. I want to thank
late last year. Mr. Burt bought the busi- first person I saw was Glen Wong. He my 8th grade math teacher, Mr. A.C.
ness from Buster Orman whose two was dressed in uniform with metals, Howell, for the example he was to me
sons attended CMA and graduated dur- shoulder cords, and sergeant stripes. and the others. He was a gentleman and
ing the 1960s. As many of you know, There were a few Cadets dressed in a person we’d want to be like. Thanks
Mr. Orman took many of the class pic- uniform and other newcomers like me Mr. Howell.
tures and day to day pictures of CMA who hadn’t gotten theirs yet. We spent
life for several years. Following Mr. the rest of that day getting settled in and V.T. (Tommy) Phillips
running here and there getting books, CMA Class of 1969
- Continued on Page 2 - uniforms and, as you might guess, the
1
- Continued from Previous Page - Open Letter to CMA Alumni I retired at the age of 58 to go sail-
Burt’s death, Mrs. Burt decided to shut ing. During my working years we
down the business and get rid of the sailed for recreation and we traded up
photos and negatives that were housed through eight boats so that we now have
at the shop. She was contacted by Mr. a forty foot Hunter Marine sailboat,
David White, owner of White’s Camera Vesper Light II. The Hunter sleeps four
Shop in Columbia, about the photos and comfortably, eats eight nicely and par-
negatives at Orman’s and her plans for ties with gusto about twelve. Mostly,
them. He asked if he could have them we sailed in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida
with the possibility of providing the Keys, the East Coast and the Bahamas.
photos or negatives to people who In 2009 we sailed from St. Augustine,
would be interested in them. She Florida to George Town Bahamas, and
agreed and Mr. White has started going to a marina at Palmas del Mar, Puerto
Dodd Daggett, Class of 1963, sends the be-
through the thousands of photos and Rico. We used the marina in Puerto
low open letter to his fellow CMA Alumni
negatives that were stored at Orman’s, Rico as a base to sail the Spanish Vir-
including many that were taken at CMA and other Bugle readers. gins, U.S. Virgins, and the British Vir-
from the 1930s on. I have spoken with I owe the Association an apology. I gins. Next year we plan to sail to St.
Mr. White on several occasions as he attended CMA for three years and grad- Martin and other Windward and Lee-
goes through the photos and negatives. uated in 1963. Upon graduation I put ward Islands.
As noted in the minutes on pages 3 and CMA behind me, but remembered, and The beer is cold, the winds fair, the
4 of this Bugle publication, Mr. White took through life, many good lessons, fishing is good and the people are
came to our Board meeting on March habits, and ideals. But, I wasn’t active friendly. I am fortunately alive and life
9th and gave a detailed presentation to in our Alumni Association. I didn’t has been good for Dodd Daggett, CMA
the Board members concerning the neg- return to the campus for forty-nine Class of 1963.
atives and pictures and what all has years. This not keeping up with old
been identified. There is great potential friends and their lives and memories Yours Very Truly,
to recover many negatives of pictures was a mistake. I apologize.
that we thought were lost. Most notable I have had a very lucky and fortu- Dodd Daggett
is the potential to recover the negatives nate life. I will share with you some of 258 Pearl Street
for the Senior Class Composites that the highs and lows. Marianna, Arkansas 72360
hung along the walls in Old Main. I am In 1963 I entered the University of 870-295-3358 (H)
pleased that the Board voted to purchase Arkansas studying business and running 870-768-5087 (C)
all of the negatives and pictures (see high and intermediate hurdles for the
Board Meeting Minutes) and that our track team. Please Pay Your Dues If You
offer was accepted. In 1967 I married Rebecca Johnson Have Not Already Done So
As many of you know if you have and over the years we have had four
been back to the campus recently, the As everyone knows, it takes a sig-
dogs, three children and one cat. The
new Anderson Fieldhouse is now com- nificant amount of money to keep the
Labrador Retriever was the best friend I
pleted and open. Many of us had a CMA Alumni Association going. Costs
have ever had and a good sailor.
chance to tour the facility during the for Bugle publications, the annual CA
1967 through 1970 found me at the
Spring Board Meeting and it is definite- scholarship, Board meetings, and reun-
University of Arkansas Law School.
ly a facility that will set Columbia ions require that we generate income to
The war was raging and I should not
Academy apart from other private support the Association.
have been in grad school. Most of you
schools in the area. We as an Associa- As of this publication, we only
were on active duty somewhere. In the
tion can be justly proud that the home have 364 of our almost 1500 alumni in
fall of 1970 my unacceptable grades and
side of the football field has been the database that are current with their
my draft number arrived in my mailbox
moved back to the side where many of dues. We need to improve on that per-
at the same time. The Dean of the Law
us remember cheering on the Bulldog centage and we need to ensure that we
School suggested “I try another field of
teams of the past. I encourage you to continue to improve on dues collection.
endeavor”. That “endeavor” was the
stop and take a tour if you are back in If you have not paid dues in the past
Arkansas Army National Guard where I
the area in the future. year, please consider making that $25
served as an Artillery Officer in eight
In our next edition I will talk a little annual payment. You can pay in ad-
inch self propelled and 105 air mobile
about Association plans for our next vance for future years if you desire.
units for nine and one-half years.
Grand Reunion. I hope that many of Many alumni pay two years in dues
In 1972 I returned to law school,
you will plan to return to the campus when they register for the bi-annual
corrected my academic deficiencies,
then or even before and take a tour of reunions. You can take that opportunity
and was later admitted to the Bar and
the CMA Museum and the campus. I to pay dues even if you cannot attend
then practiced law for about 35 years.
promise that you won’t be disappointed. the reunion. Please send in your dues
My family and I were involved in an
payment to:
automobile accident in 1974 and I
CMAAA
Mike Gilchrist should have died. Lots of my body
804 Athenaeum Place
Class of 1963 parts were broken, bent, cut and abused.
Columbia, TN 38401
Seat belts saved our lives.
2
Columbia Military Academy
Alumni Association
Board of Directors Meeting
March 9th, 2013
Academy Hall
Columbia Academy Campus
Columbia, TN
Attendees
Mike Gilchrist ’63 - President, Robin
Salze ’66 - Vice President, Randy
Howell ‘72 - Secretary, Skip Snow ‘55-
Asst Treasurer, John Bass ‘53, Don
Kimbrell ‘53, Courtney Wilhoite ‘53,
Marshall Cranford ‘54, Bill Raiford ‘55,
Tom Hayward ‘56, Tom Walbert ‘58, Some of the CMAAA Board Members getting ready to do the Association’s business during
Wally Couch ‘62, Tom Colvert ‘65, Jim the Board Meeting on March 9th. Twenty five board members along with Buddy Fisher, CA
Borum ‘66, Ed Tuggle ‘67, Bill Wade President James Thomas, and David White of Columbia were present for the meeting.
‘68, Bobby Bain ‘72, Jim Pennington
‘72, Greg Thompson ‘72, Dudley Do- um’s finances at the end of 2012 of the new Anderson Fieldhouse and
linger ‘73, Woody Pettigrew ‘73, Win- ($18,972). When Ed Tuggle and I were invited the Board to visit the new build-
ston Elston ‘74, Marshall Briggs ‘75, discussing the amount of money that ing after lunch. He informed the Board
Van McMinn ‘76, Jay Robins ‘76, and would be in the Museum’s account at of the accidental death of a recent CA
Buddy Fisher - Friend of the Board. the end of the current lease (2021) and grad, Matt Williams, and that they were
how much we would need to execute the able to have his funeral in the field-
Meeting Minutes two options on the lease, we ended up house. The following facility issues
saying that we would have $18, 972 at were relayed to the Board: The top
The spring meeting of the Columbia the end of the lease and that we would level of Moore Hall is in significant
Military Academy Alumni Association only need to raise an additional $6,000 disrepair, needing work to the roof, re-
was called to order by Association Pres- between now and then to have the ap- placement of broken windows and re-
ident, Mike Gilchrist. There were 25 proximate $24,000 needed to get us pair work to broken and missing bricks.
Board members and officers present through 10 more years of lease pay- There are 3 options for the project: 1)
along with guests CA President James ments and maintenance when we exe- proceed with the repairs with a current
Thomas, David White of White’s Cam- cute those two options. That $18,972 is bid of $60K to complete the repairs, 2)
era Shop and Friend of the Board Bud- an incorrect figure of what we will have remove the upper level and 3) demolish
dy Fisher. The Pledge of Allegiance on balance at the end of 2021. The cur- the building. The third option is not one
was led by John Bass and the invocation rent budget calls for us to have a little that Dr. Thomas is interested in pursu-
was given by Don Kimbrell. A motion over $11,000 on balance at the end of ing but there has been some discussion
was made, seconded and passed to ac- 2021. That is still a healthy balance along those lines with the CA Board.
cept the minutes from the last Board and still one that I believe we can work Jackson Hall, Lee Hall and Main build-
meeting as posted in the Bugle. from to execute the two options. We ing are all in need of roof repairs. Jack-
will have to raise some more money for son Hall is already scheduled to receive
Treasurer Report
the Museum between now and then but I a new roof. Dr. Thomas was ques-
In Becky Moon’s absence, Woody do not foresee a problem with being tioned about the future use of the old
Pettigrew gave a summary of the report. able to maintain the Museum and exe- gym and he assured the Board there was
Current balance on hand in the general cute the options. no plan to take down the building; CA
CMAAA account is $42,420. The bal- will continue using it for practice and as
CA President Remarks a baseball locker room and a visitor’s
ance in the museum account as of the
end of 2012 was $18,972 and the bal- football team locker room. The new
Dr. Thomas offered the Association his
ance as of 2/28/2013 is $19,116. There fieldhouse will not provide a locker
welcome to the CA campus. In his ad- room for the visitors.
was no additional discussion regarding dress he covered several topics includ-
the general account. However, discus- ing the current CA enrollment which is Old Business
sion was raised regarding the museum now at 780 students. This number in-
account and how the account balance cludes 60 students in grades 1 through 6 At the August 2012 meeting it was de-
will be impacted in the future. Since at the Spring Hill campus. With the cided that a survey of participants of the
the meeting, Woody provided an up- current growth rate, he anticipates the 2012 Grand Reunion would be made to
date/correction as follows: The financial enrollment reaching the 800 mark for get feedback regarding the facilities,
report that I handed out at the Board the 2013-2014 school year. Dr. Thomas programs, etc. of the reunion. To date,
Meeting showed the status of the Muse- spoke about the January 2013 opening - Continued on Page 4 -
3
this survey has not been done. Doug conded and passed to get the engraving there is a 1906 CMA Yearbook being
Townes will be contacted to determine done as soon as possible. auctioned on E-bay. The opening bid is
the status of the survey. Mike Gilchrist recommended that a $199 and the bidding is open for one
position of Association Historian be more day. He asked if the Board would
New Business added as a permanent position to the be interested in trying to purchase the
Board of Directors, either as an officer item. After discussion, a motion was
David White, owner of White’s made, seconded and passed for Van to
or as a separate position. After discus-
Camera Shop of Columbia, spoke to the make a bid on the item. Board mem-
sion a motion was made, seconded and
Board regarding the discovery of a large passed that Woody Pettigrew be named bers were asked to provide any donation
number of CMA photo negatives dating as the Association Historian, in a non- to Van that they wanted to in order to
back to the 1930s while removing items help in the purchase of the yearbook.
officer capacity.
from the former Orman’s Photo Shop. (As a follow-on to the minutes, Van suc-
Friend of the Board Buddy Fisher
Mr. Ray Burt, the former owner, passed cessfully bid on/bought the 1906 Year-
addressed the Board regarding his pas-
away in 2012 and Mr. White was asked book.)
sion for CMA and similar schools.
to clean out the building by Mrs. Burt. Bill Raiford read a citation to the
Although Buddy did not actually gradu-
It is currently the plans of Mrs. Burt to Board that had been provided by Greg
ate from CMA, he did spend time as a
dispose of these negatives, as well as Thompson. The citation was a copy of
child on the campus as his father was on
many others that were found, using a a letter that Colonel Robert Rasch, Unit-
the faculty. He expressed his apprecia-
Georgia firm that breaks the negatives ed States Army, had written to the Ex-
tion for the campus and the job CA has
down to retrieve the silver content. ecutive Vice President of INTUITIVE
done, and commended the Association
While only bringing a few pennies per Research and Technology Corporation
for its loyalty and commitment to sus-
negative, Mr. White pointed out that (company where Greg works) com-
taining the history of the school, as well
there are well over 1 million negatives. mending the job that Woody Pettigrew
as the continued efforts to hold reunions
We were shown several recovered (also an INTUITIVE employee) does
and sustain the relationships that have
CMA photos and negatives, which if for Colonel Rasch’s Project Office
been built through the years.
procured by the Association, could po- within the United States Army. The
The Board entered into discussion
tentially enable the alumni to recover Board congratulated Woody for his con-
regarding the 2014 Grand Reunion.
lost or destroyed photos such as individ- tinued efforts with our nation’s military.
Little discussion we needed to deter-
ual pictures from annuals, sports photos
mine the reunion must again be held in
and much more, including the senior Adjournment
the Franklin, Tennessee area, as Colum-
class photos that used to line the halls of
bia and surrounding towns still do not
Old Main. Mr. White suggested the A motion was made, seconded and
offer a potential location. Although
Association make an offer to Mrs. Burt passed to adjourn for lunch. Several
there have been many comments from
to obtain all of the CMA negatives. members of the Board joined CA Presi-
attendees to the last two reunions to try
These could be used as possible fund dent James Thomas for a tour of An-
and relocate closer to the campus, it was
raisers in the future. After discussion a derson Fieldhouse after lunch.
explained there is just no place with
motion was made, seconded and passed
sufficient space. A motion was made,
MOVING?
that the Board offer Mrs. Burt $5,000
seconded and passed that a committee
from the museum account to purchase
of Tom Walbert and Don Kimbrell
all locatable negatives and pictures re-
research and make a decision regarding
lated to CMA. (As a follow-on to the
minutes, Mr. White contacted Associa-
the location for the next event. The STAY IN TOUCH…
Board decided to recognize all former Please forward your new address to:
tion President Mike Gilchrist on 13
Mr. CMA and Miss CMA cadets at the
March and told him that Mrs. Burt ac- CMA Alumni Association
2014 reunion.
cepted our offer to purchase the nega-
Jim Borum asked Winston Elston, as 804 Athenaeum Place
tives and pictures. Mike will work with Columbia, TN 38401-3156
the Hall of Honor Committee Chairman,
Mr. White to finalize the deal.)
about the status of an individual that
Woody Pettigrew told the Board of
had been nominated for the Hall of
the opportunity for alumni to replace
Honor. Winston said there had been NAME: ____________________________
their old senior class rings that had been
some hurdles regarding his research but
lost, misplaced, etc. The price range of
felt that he now had the information he GRADUATING CLASS: _______________
the rings is $339 to $696 and there are 3
needed to complete the process.
choices of metals. (See details on how ADDRESS: _________________________
Winston Elston notified the Board
to order replacement rings on Page 8 of
that he will no longer be able to contin-
this Bugle). CITY: ____________________________
ue in the position as Chairman of the
Woody Pettigrew reminded the
Hall of Honor Committee. He will stay STATE: _____ ZIP: _________________
Board of the need to have the names of
on until a replacement is identified and
the 2012 Hall of Honor inductees en-
he stated that he will work with the PHONE: (____) _____________________
graved on the CMA Memorial. Recom-
President to find a replacement. The
mendation was to have this done as E-MAIL: ___________________________
Board thanked Winston for his hard
soon as possible and not wait until the
work through the years.
next reunion. A motion was made, se-
Van McMinn notified the Board that
4
Then and Now
Frank Blazey, Class of ‘41 1975 and moved to Hendersonville, NC. Springs for a year before returning to
Attending a military school was not the He was hired by the Coca Cola Compa- northern California. He and his wife
highest priority in Frank Blazey’s mind ny in Asheville as a training director. had one child, Rayme, who is an author,
during the late 1930s but events led to He later joined a manufacturing firm and now have one granddaughter, Eva.
thinking about military schools such as that produced conveyor systems for In California, Richard morphed over
Culver, CMA and Castle Heights. Al- many Fortune 500 companies. He be- from sculpture to primitive
though only 14 years old, Frank was came deeply involved with the commu- instruments and sound devic-
impressed by Coach Charles Hughes nity and joined a number of governing es. He began attending ses-
from CMA when he visited Frank’s boards. Frank says that Hendersonville sions at a friend’s studio
home in southern Illinois. Frank en- is one of the most patriotic communities where his instruments devel-
tered CMA with his step-father’s last where veterans of any war and those oped into more advanced
name of Hovey, and later currently serving are praised and creations like the Waterphone. This
changed it to Blazey. He at- thanked for their service. Frank was was in the late 1960s and early 1970s
tended CMA for three years able to spend a lot of time with his fam- and it was about this time that he
and was on the basketball and ily as all three of his children are now formed a new music ensemble, "The
baseball teams. Academics married and he and his wife became Gravity Adjusters Expansion
were of the highest priority at grandparents. He and his wife have Band". They began performing in the
CMA and he profited by having Stuart traveled throughout the world visiting San Francisco Bay Area on non-
Irby, Class of 1941 Valedictorian, as a the Soviet Union and China as well as conventional and experimental instru-
roommate. After CMA, Frank entered about 25 other countries. They even ments and sound devices and produced
the University of Illinois. Having visited in Mississippi to reminisce about 2 recordings, "ONE" and "Hole in the
joined ROTC and following an engi- CMA with old friends who were very Sky”. Later, Richard worked in or led a
neering curriculum, Frank became inter- kind to a Yankee classmate!! number of musical groups including
ested in acquiring a commission in the ------------------------- "CSIDE", "SEAMS", "Listen" and
military. Thanks to a lot of help from "Totem". He also launched a musical
his family, Frank received an appoint- Richard Waters, Class of ‘54 instrument production business which
ment to West Point in 1943. After grad- Richard was sent to CMA to straighten continues today. He visits northern
uation, Frank’s initial assignment was to out his behavior and bad habits and California yearly to perform and record
a regiment in Germany. On the plus side some of it took and some did not. It a new type of music with musician
was his marriage to a very attractive seemed like he was perpetually on the friends. This music has elements from
young lady from New York who did Bull Ring and became friends with oth- jazz, classical, and new music based on
everything well through 22 moves, rais- er bull ringers. He claims that he ex- improvisation. Richard has exhibits of
ing three children, and teach- celled in nothing and his grades were both his fine art work in painting and
ing school for 15 years. They average or below. As he remembers it, the musical instruments that he markets
recently celebrated 65 years he was a private the entire 2 years that world wide at local galleries and muse-
of matrimony. Military ser- he attended CMA. After graduating ums on the Mississippi Gulf Coast .
vice resulted in many events from CMA in 1954, Richard got in- -------------------------
for Frank. Besides learning volved in waterskiing and
how to jump out of USAF airplanes, he was the 1957 State Water- Billy Akin Class of ‘66
graduated from three military schools, skiing Champion in jumping, Billy Akin was born in Columbia and
and after 16 years was the first member slalom, and tricks. He at- started CMA in the 7th grade in 1960.
of his West Point class to attend the tended Mississippi Southern Being in Junior School, his classes were
Senior War College. Important troop University and majored in held behind the stage in the gymnasium.
assignments included commanding a Fine Arts in painting drawing. He then This was quite a change from his ele-
Rifle Company in the Korean War went to work for Jack Tar Hotels and mentary school, but he was a Local Ca-
where he later received a battlefield ran their Yacht Club in Orange, Texas, det, and went home at night. Billy’s
promotion, and later going to Viet Nam their cafeteria in Galveston, and re- best friend, Johnny Slayden,
to command a brigade in the 1st Infan- signed when he was assistant manger started CMA in the 6th grade
try Division. After being promoted to for a hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi. He at the same time. They never
flag rank he joined the 82d Airborne then drifted west, first to Los Angeles, had PE before going to CMA.
Division as Deputy Commander. He then north to Sausalito and to Inverness They decided to ask for golf
was also the ROTC summer camp com- on the Point Reyes Peninsular and dur- clubs for Christmas, joined
mander for students from 10 colleges in ing these times painted, painted and Major Cannon’s Golf Team and never
the southeast. Following another tour painted. He attended the California had PE again. Billy joined the Drill
of duty in Viet Nam where he served as College of Arts & Crafts and received a Team and later was recruited to change
senior US military advisor in the Delta, Master in painting before returning to the Rifle Team. He graduated from
Frank was sent back to Germany and south where his parents lived in Ft. CMA with the rank of Captain and was
assigned as Inspector General for all US Lauderdale. There he met his future the Battalion Intelligence Officer his
forces. Frank retired from the Army in wife, got married and returned to Ocean
- Continued on Page 6 -
5
Then and Now forward to the reunions to see old Another Flag Officer Found
- Continued From Page 5- friends and make new ones.
------------------------- The Winter 2012 edition of the Bu-
senior year. He was the 1966 Class gle asked for any information on addi-
Valedictorian and thinks that may be Van McMinn, Class of ‘76 tional CMA alumni that became Flag
why he got that job. Billy went to Van- Van McMinn was raised in Arkansas and Officers in any of the United States
derbilt from CMA. Vanderbilt had a PE entered CMA in 1970 as a 7th grader. He Armed Forces. In addition to the five
program, too. The only way to get out was at CMA for six years, graduating in individuals identified in that article, we
of PE was to take ROTC. Army ROTC May 1976. Van was the Cadet Battalion now have information on another.
had a collegiate rifle team, which he Commander his senior year. He says that he Frank Blazey, known as Frank Hovey
promptly joined. After six years at is most proud of being on the Gold Star Drill (his step-father’s name) while at CMA.
CMA, Billy was exempted from the Team and serving on the Color Guard but He attended CMA from 1938 to 1941,
first two years of drill and offered the was also involved with Junior Civitan and graduating with the Class of 1941. Lat-
job of opening and closing the rifle volunteered in the Library. He has many er, upon receiving an appointment to the
range. He was supposed to start drilling happy memories of CMA and has built his United States Military Academy at
his junior year but they felt his greater life around the valuable lessons learned West Point, he dropped the name Hovey
duty was to continue to open there—unfortunately, he says, and entered the military with his name
and close the range. He may way too many were learned the as it is today, Frank Blazey. Frank
be the first ROTC student to hard way! After graduating graduated from West Point in 1946
graduate from Vanderbilt, be from CMA, Van attended Van- along with two other CMA alumni—
commissioned as a Second derbilt University and was en- Jack Kopald and Bob Bradley. Upon
Lieutenant, and never wear a rolled in ROTC for the first 2 graduation, he was commissioned a
uniform. Next for Billy was Dental years but health issues clouded opportunities Second Lieutenant in the Infantry.
School at the University of Tennessee. for obtaining a ROTC scholarship. He grad- Frank’s military service included two
He met my wife, Sheila, there and they uated from Vanderbilt in May 1980 with a tours in South Korea, two in South Viet
have been married forty years. After BA in European History. After graduation Nam (one tour as Commander of the
dental school, Billy went on active duty from Vanderbilt, Van began his career 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division), al-
and was stationed at Fort Gordon, Geor- working in retail management and joined most five years in the Pentagon, eight
gia. His time at CMA came in handy Service Merchandise in 1981. He was em- years in Germany, four years on the
once again. At the end of the first year, ployed in jewelry departments in the Nash- West Point faculty, and assignment as
he was told to report for his Annual ville and Louisville markets. He later the Deputy Commanding General of the
Personnel Review. He was informed worked for an independent jewelry chain in 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg,
that perhaps the Army was not paying Nashville and earned the Graduate Gemolo- North Carolina. During his time in the
him enough. It turned out that he was gist diploma from the Gemological Institute Army he was also able to earn a MBA
made an honorary E-1 in the Tennessee of America (GIA) in 1997 while managing from New York University and also
Air National Guard when he entered one of the largest jewelry stores in Nashville. became a graduate of the Harvard Uni-
CMA. Billy had technically joined the Van launched his own jewelry appraisal versity Management Program. He pro-
Army on September 1, 1960. His time business in 1999 and has been self- gressed through the ranks within the
in service went from four years to four- employed since then serving jewelers, attor- Army and was promoted to Brigadier
teen and his monthly pay doubled. His neys and individuals, preparing all types of General in 1971 and retired from active
fellow dental officers gave him the title appraisals. He says that one of his favorite duty in 1975. For more information on
of “Dr. Akin, Captain since the 7th aspects of his vocation is mentoring students Frank, please see the write-up in the
grade”. When the Lieutenant Colonel studying gemology and jewelry. Then and Now section of this Bugle.
in charge of the clinic gave Billy the Van served two terms as Presi-
pep talk about staying in the Army or dent and is currently a board
being in the Reserves to complete his member for the Middle Tennes-
obligation, Billy told him to check his see chapter of the GIA Alumni
records. It turned out that Billy joined Association, currently assigned
the Army eight years before his com- to the committee awarding scholarships for
mander did. After the army, Billy and gemological training. Additionally, Van
Sheila stayed in Augusta and he com- serves as a Class Representative on the
pleted a residency in Periodontics at the CMAAA Board of Directors, a position he
Medical College of Georgia. They has held since 2010. Van married Nashville
moved to Nashville in 1977 and Billy native Terri Keeling in 1981 and they have
has been a practicing Periodontist ever two daughters - Hannah, who lives in Chica-
since. They have two children, Will go and Rebecca, who lives in Nashville and
is the mother of their grandson, Asher, who CMA Basketball Team from
and Elizabeth. Elizabeth, the youngest,
is a junior at Samford University in Bir- was born in October 2011. Van has been the 1938-39 school year.
mingham, Alabama. Will is now a Peri- collecting coins since boyhood and has fur-
Pictures from the years that CMA did
odontist and he and Billy practice to- thered his interest in the hobby by trying to
not have a yearbook are hard to come
gether. Billy says he still has fond obtain a coin from every country in the
by. Frank Blazey provided the above
memories of CMA. He always looks world from the last 300 years.
picture of the team he was on.
6
Anderson Fieldhouse
Do You Remember? Dedication / Grand Opening
70 Years Ago 60 Years Ago
Spring 1943 Spring 1953
The Grand Opening / Dedication of the
new Anderson Fieldhouse on the CA Campus
The 15th Academy Awards cere- occurred on Friday the 25th of January.
mony is held on March 4th with Bob The facility was filled with stu-
Hope hosting. Mrs. Miniver is named dents, faculty and visitors for the cere-
The 25th Academy Awards, the mony that included comments from
the Outstanding Motion Picture. first broadcast on television, is held on
Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklaho- school officials, the 2013 Student Body
March 4th. The Greatest Show on President, and Mr. Tom Anderson, for
ma! opens on Broadway on March 31st, Earth earns Best Picture honors.
going on to be Broadway’s longest run- whom the facility is named.
The first James Bond novel, Casino As part of his remarks, Dr. James
ning musical up to that time. Royale, is published on April 13th.
The Memphis Belle’s crew be- Thomas, CA President, talked about
Mickey Mantle hits a 565 foot how in 1941 CMA opened a state of the
comes the first aircrew in the 8th Air home run on April 17th. It is believed
Force to complete its 25-mission tour of art gymnasium with a swimming pool
to be the longest home run in baseball and bowling lanes that was a premier
duty. history by many historians.
At CMA, the Rifle Team wins the facility in the southeast and that he be-
At CMA, publication of the annual, lieves this new facility is the same type
William Randolph Hearst Trophy - first The Recall, was renewed. The school
place among all ROTC schools in the of state of the art addition for the cam-
annual, which was first published in pus.
nation - during the National ROTC Ri- 1906, had not been printed since 1929.
fle Match.
Help the Association Save $$
50 Years Ago 40 Years Ago on Bugle Mailing Cost
Spring 1963 Spring 1973
You can save the Alumni Association
printing and postage costs by downloading the
Bugle directly from the CMAAA Website at
www.cmaaa.com instead of receiving a hard
copy in the mail. If you can help us reduce
costs by downloading the Bugle, please notify
Becky Moon at: athenae@bellsouth.net.
Becky will keep your name on the mailing list
to receive all mailings except the Bugle.
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Help Improve the Bugle and
Country music superstar Patsy Moon, one of rock’s landmark albums, Submit Items of Interest for
Cline is killed in a plane crash in Cam- is released in the U.S. on March 1st. Fellow Alumni to Enjoy
den Tennessee on March 5th while re- The last United States soldier
turning from a benefit performance in leaves Vietnam on March 29th. Thank you to all of the alumni that have
Kansas City, Kansas. The first handheld cellular phone provided pictures and articles for publication in
The Alcatraz Island federal peni- call is made by Martin Cooper in New the Bugle. As has been said before, everyone
tentiary in San Francisco Bay closes on York City on April 3rd. can help make the Bugle a better publication
March 21st. Led Zeppelin plays before 56,800 for all of us. If you have articles, pictures,
The Coca-Cola Company introduc- fans at Tampa Stadium on May 5th, Whhhhaazzuuppp Dudes input, a CMA story,
es its first diet drink, TaB cola, on May breaking the 1965 record of 55,600 set news, etc. that you would like to see in the next
1st. It is marketed to customers who by the Beatles at Shea Stadium. Bugle please provide input to Woody Petti-
wanted to keep “tabs” on their weight. At CMA, Col. C.C. Wilhoite passes grew at wpettigrew@knology.net or via snail
At CMA, Col. Ragsdale completes away on January 15th after 42 years of mail to:
his assignment as President Emeritus of service to the Academy. Col. Wilhoite’s Woody Pettigrew
CMA. Under his leadership, the CMA pallbearers were representatives from 101 Springton Drive
Corps of Cadets grew from 162 to over his beloved CMA Corps of Cadets.
500. Madison, AL 35758
7
Class Ring Replacement “Whhhhaazzuuppp Dudes” that became a Flag Officer. If you
- The Results Are In - Odds and Ends know of any other alumni that attained
Flag Officer rank, please submit that
information to:
Woody Pettigrew
101 Springton Drive
Madison, Al 35758
or
wpettigrew@knology.net
CMA Alumnus Used His Music
Passion to Spur Inventions
As reported in the Summer and Fall
2012 Bugles, the Herff Jones Company has
the dies available to make replacement class
rings for CMA alumni. (The available dies
are for the men’s ring only; no dies are avail-
able for the lady’s ring.). Bill Raiford, CMA Class of '55, was
Four alums took advantage of the op- appointed King Horus LXVIII by the
portunity to have their CMA Class Rings Carnival Memphis Grand Krewe of
replaced this past fall. Results from two of Sphinx for the 2013 season. Bill was
those efforts are shown above. The ring on inducted into the Krewe's Royalty with
the left is a 10 karat yellow gold version his soul mate Linda Yoakum (Queen
with a fire blue spinel stone and the one on Tiaa LXVIII), pictured here, during
the right is the extreme silver version with a ceremonies on Saturday, February 16 at
black onyx stone. (If you are viewing the Chickasaw Country Club in Memphis,
black and white mail-out version of the Bu- Tennessee. CMA alumni last saw the
gle, you can go to the website at lovely couple at the 2012 Grand Reun-
www.cmaaa.com to see the color version of ion in Nashville. Richard Waters, Class of 1954, invented
the Bugle and get a better view of the rings.) ------------------------- and holds the patent on the Waterphone,
The Herff Jones representative, Chris pictured above.
McGimsey, will continue to work with The CMA Alumni Association Golf “B”
Team (Stan Boyd ‘56, Bill Wade ‘68, Richard Waters, Class of ‘54, has
CMA alumni that want to replace their class always had a passion for art and music.
rings. He will continue to offer two options; Randy Howell ‘72, and Woody Pettigrew
‘73) that participates in the annual scramble This passion resulted in his creation of
one with the school seal on both sides, and fine art as well as musical instruments.
one with the school seal on one side and a tourney with the Castle Heights alums de-
cided it was time for a practice round on the One of the instruments he invented and
bulldog on the other side. Additionally, he holds the patent on is the Waterphone
is offering three metal choices (White Ultri- 9th of March...never too soon to get in some
practice to be ready to attack the Heights which is used on TV and Movie sound
um, Extreme Silver, 10k Yellow or White tracks as well as by symphonies and
Gold) and three stone choices (Black Onyx, Links this October. The group gathered at
Kings Creeks Golf Course in Spring Hill. touring bands. It is stainless steel and
Fire Blue Spinel, Red Ruby). The prices for bronze and utilizes water to bend tones
the rings vary based on the metal options Never has there been a finer exhibition of
the skills of golf than was demonstrated by and create acoustic echoes. The Water-
and range from $339 (White Ultrium) to phone has also been used successfully
$695 (10k Yellow or White Gold), plus our Association Secretary (Randy) on this
venture. From the time his opening drive to call whales and other Cetacean. He
9.25% sales tax. produced one CD "Water Dreams"
Anyone interested in having his class flew down the fairway, till his final putt
rattled the cup, the other members of the which features music from several
ring replaced should contact Chris at the bands he played in while living in the
below address. He will work directly with foursome witnessed one amazing shot after
another. Three hundred yard drives, ap- San Francisco Bay Area.
any CMA alumnus to get the order complet- He performed and recorded on his in-
ed and the ring delivered. proach shots more easily measured in inches
from the cup than feet, electrifying putts and struments in several ensembles includ-
an overall spectacular command of the ing "Ghost in the House", "The Full
Herff Jones Company Disclosure Band" and his own "Richard
ATTN: Chris McGimsey course was the order of the day. That is the
type of golf that resulted in a score of Waters & Friends" in Northern Califor-
1108 Battlewood Street, Suite A nia in February 2013. He invented the
Franklin, TN 37069 65...too bad that was just on the front nine
holes. Waterphone and other musical instru-
(615) 794-8777 ments and sound devices shown on his
chris@gradprotn.com -------------------------
web site www.waterphone.com. Addi-
It was great to get the information on tionally, his fine art may be viewed at
BG(R) Frank Blazey as a CMA alumni www.richardAwaters.com.
8
SILVER TAPS
Clarence Andrews, Class of ‘48 Kenneth Wilson Balke. He is survived by his life, he became a poet, writing poems
Clarence Kendrick Andrews Jr., 82, died on his dear wife of 55 years, Marian Porter and even publishing a book of poems. Sid
December 2, 2012. He was born in Bir- Balke, and three children, Har- leaves his wife of 40 years, Pat; three chil-
mingham, Alabama on October 5th, 1930. ry A. Balke III (Pam), James dren, Chris (Angie) Woodard of Franklin,
He is survived by Martha Gresham and their Bentley Balke (Pam), and Hol- Tennessee, Becky (Paul) Houston of Mem-
three children: Dr. James Andrews ly Browning, seven grandchil- phis, Tim (Kelly) Woodard of Collierville,
(Grayson), Catherine Failla (Arthur Failla, dren and one great-grandchild. Tennessee; 8 grandchildren; and three great-
Chase, Jordan and Alicia) and He was the business manag- grandchildren. He also leaves two sisters,
Martha Jeshurun (Bruce er of Harry Balke Engineers Harry Balke Lorraine (Henry) Cooper of Lake Cormo-
McClure, Joshua and Wes- in Cincinnati, was a partner in Shilling- rant, Mississippi, and Betty (Lynn) Houston
ton). He was preceded in Smith, Balke and Robinson Architects and of Germantown, Tennessee. He was pre-
death by Norma Andrews and Balke Enterprises. He was a 50 year mem- ceded in death by two sons, Allen and Ste-
is survived by her three sons: ber of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of phen Woodard.
William Smith (Lisa Smith Cincinnati and a member of the Cincinnati -------------------------
and Bailey), Curtis Smith Clarence Shrine. He was a founding member of the
(Angel) and Theodore Smith. Andrews Clermont County Chamber of Commerce. Jack Woodley, Class of ‘59
He graduated from CMA in 1948 and at- ------------------------- Jack Woodley, 71, died on October 24th,
tended classes at Emory and graduated from 2012 in Crystal River, Florida. He was born
Auburn University with a degree in Me- Robert Fortner, Class of ‘57 in Orlando Florida on March 12th, 1941.
chanical Engineering. He was inducted in Robert Carlton “Bob” Fortner, Sr., a resident Jack is survived by three daughters, Tabetha
the US Air Force and he developed his love of Gulf Breeze, Florida, passed away on Harrison (Robbie), Jackie Christiansen
for flying as a crewman on a B-36 during March 4, 2013. He was born on April 16, (Dave), and Stephanie Wei-
the Korean conflict. After the war, he fur- 1938 and grew up in Mem- nard (Tom); four sisters, eight
thered his education and gained valuable phis, Tennessee. Bob attended grandchildren, and former
engineering experience with Chrysler as a CMA for three years (8th wife/caregiver Mary Lee
mechanical engineer. He then worked for through 10th grades) and East Woodley. Jack attended
the US Government in a variety of sites and High School. He joined the Winter Garden schools until
constructed missile silos in the cause for U.S. Marines in Jackson- his senior year when he
national defense. He then worked with ville, Florida. After his ser- Bob Fortner transferred to CMA, gradu- Jack Woodley
Brown Engineering in Huntsville, Alabama vice, Bob spent over 35 years in the furni- ating with the Class of 1959. His year at
where they developed the primary stage for ture industry working for Bassett Furniture CMA really helped him to mature his way
the Saturn rocket platform that was used in and opening his own furniture warehouses of thinking...studies were important and
the first manned flight to the moon. Finally, in Louisiana. He also opened Carlton Arts required; disciplined time schedules were a
he seized an opportunity with the Tennessee in Somerville, Tennessee. He is survived by priority; manners built the character; and
Valley Authority where he worked until his four children: Elizabeth Fortner of Baton military ways set a pace that focused the
retirement. He was an active member of the Rouge, Louisiana; Bob Fortner, Jr. (Karen) mind. These were all topics that Jack held
community and volunteered as a member of of Hampton, Arkansas; Stuart Fortner near and dear for the rest of his life, along
the Special Tactics and Rescue Services (Paula) of Baton Rouge; Lawrie Dunn with his friendships that were made at
Search and Rescue Squad. He was a Scout (Chuck) of Memphis, Tennessee; and five CMA. Jack had a great interest in history,
Master with Troop 116 at Signal Mountain grandchildren. He is also survived by his Indians and country and this interest resulted
United Methodist Church. He was an expert sister, Judy Accardi (Mike), of Somerville, in him traveling and working across the
in K-9 obedience training and loved to Tennessee. Bob was preceded in death by country early in his life. He returned to Flor-
spend time with his dogs. He was an ac- his parents, Jim and Lillian Fortner of Mem- ida in the early 1970s and began working as
complished pilot and aircraft builder. He phis, TN. a real estate broker. He went on to get his
was active in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots ------------------------- Commercial Fishing License. He loved the
Association and was a member of the Ex- Chassahowitzka River, and most knew him
Sidney Allen Woodard, Class of ‘58 as “Captain Jack”. He loved his country, the
perimental Aircraft Association. He espe- Sidney “Sid” Allen Woodard, 72, died
cially enjoyed flying to the air show in Osh- Florida Gators, gardening, and his family.
March 8, 2013. Born in Carroll County, -------------------------
kosh, Wisconsin in his Cassutt, one of the Mississippi, Sid lived most of
two planes that he built. his life in Memphis, Tennes- Joe F. Fish, Class of ‘60
------------------------- see. He attended CMA for two Joe Fish of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed
Harry Albert Balke, Jr, Class of ‘49 years from 1954 to 1956 prior away on November 14, 2012. He was born
Harry Albert Balke, Jr died December 6, to graduating from Treadwell February 13, 1942 in Portland, Arkansas and
2012 in Fort Myers, Florida. Harry was High School in 1958. He was preceded in death by his parents, John
born on November 23, 1930 and was a 1949 was a Navy veteran. He was Sid Woodard and Edith Fish. Joe attended CMA for four
graduate of CMA. Harry was preceded in a consummate salesman, real estate agent, years, graduating with the Class of 1960.
death by his parents, Harry Albert Balke Sr. and insurance agent owning his own agency Joe was involved in many clubs and organi-
and Della Wilson Balke, and his brother for many years. During the last few years of
- Continued on Page 10 -
9
SILVER TAPS
BUGLE QUARTERLY is published quarterly for a $3.00 portion of
member’s annual dues, by the CMA Alumni Association. First
Class postage paid in Columbia, TN.
POSTMASTER: Please forward address changes to CMA Alumni
- Continued from Previous Page - Memphis, Tennessee on September 8, 1959. Association, 804 Athenaeum Place, Columbia, TN 38401-3156.
zations including Rotary International, Gide- He was the third son of Dr. Mary Ward and
CMA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
on’s International, Razorback Foundation, Dr. Dennis Ward now retired and living in Mike Gilchrist ‘63, President
Phi Delta Theta Alumni and Jackson, Tennessee. He spent Robin Salze ‘66, Vice-President
was a former school board his first two years in Montgom- Randy Howell ‘72, Secretary
Becky Algood Moon ‘75, Treasurer
member. He was a leader in ery, Alabama where the family Nelson Snow ‘55, Assistant Treasurer
the Hot Spring National Park lived at that time. Haynes at-
Rotary Club. Having joined tended kindergarten and five PAST PRESIDENTS
Jim Bledsoe ‘50; Ed Hessel* ‘47; Pitts Hinson ‘67;
the club in 1968, he was the years of elementary school in Robin Layton ‘74; Bill Hart ‘62; William H. Raiford ‘55;
president in 1985-86 and Corinth, Mississippi. He then Don Kimbrell ‘53
District Governor in 1998-99, Joe Fish entered CMA where he grad- Haynes Ward
HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES
and was the only District Administrator. As uated in1977. He graduated as a Cadet Lieu- William Anderson; Maj. John G. Bass; Prentice J. Bennett;
treasurer of the club for 25 years, he had the tenant Colonel and was Battalion Com- COL William P. Binks; COL James H. Bledsoe;
ADM William F. Bringle; James M. Dunnavant;
foresight to suggest the idea of a scholarship mander. He served as Page in the US House Meade I. Frierson; Robert B. Gilbreath; Nathan G. Gordon;
endowment so the club would always have of Representatives Rep. Jamie Whitten and Col. J.B. Gracy; Mariemma Grimes; GEN Hugh P. Harris;
money to help deserving high school seniors attended Page School at the Library of Con- Col. E. Blythe Hatcher; COL Martin D. Howell; Lee James;
Gov. Paul Johnson; Robert T. Martin; Joseph R. Mitchell;
further their education. The club named the gress. Haynes married Allison Miller LTG William E. Odom; Thomas F. Paine; James M. Peebles Sr.;
endowment the “Joe F. Fish Scholarship (CMA Class of ‘78) on June 17, 1978. He Col. C.A. Ragsdale; Col. Clyde C. Wilhoite; Aubrey B.T. Wright
Endowment” in his honor. Joe was commit- attended Mississippi State University for
ted to the Imagination Library Project to over two years and then attended the Uni- CMAAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
help children receive a book a month to help versity of Mississippi, graduating with hon- R.C. Smith ‘44; Bill Shaw ‘51; Buz Dooley ‘52; John Bass ‘53;
the literacy in Garland County. His commit- ors. He spent two years doing research there Dale Stites ‘53; Courtney Wilhoite ‘53; Marshall Cranford ‘54;
Jim Poe ‘55; Tom Hayward ‘56; Hal Roe ‘57; Lynn Bowles ‘58;
ment and dedication to this project was just and teaching freshman labs. He then pur- Tom Walbert ‘58; John Hubbard ‘59; Henry Hulan ‘59;
one of the many factors in his being named sued various lines of work including several Ray Myatt ‘60; Ron Nall ‘61; Wally Couch ‘62;
the 2012 Rotarian of the Year. Joe was a years with Holcomb-Dunbar Law firm. He James Madison ‘62; Warren Miller ‘63; Don Noffsinger ‘63;
Harold Smith ‘63; Tom Colvert ‘65; James Borum ‘66;
founding member of the Jeff Farris Leader- began working for 1st National Bank in Doug Townes ‘67; Ed Tuggle ‘67; Bill Wade ‘68; H.C. Keltner ‘69;
ship Academy and a staunch supporter of Oxford as a vice president in charge of their Bobby Bain ‘72; Jim Pennington ‘72; Greg Thompson ‘72;
the Zimbabwe Water Project. He is sur- electronic banking which he helped establish Dudley Dolinger ‘73; Woody Pettigrew ‘73; Winston Elston ‘74;
Sandra Hasler ‘74; Marshall Briggs ‘75; Van McMinn ‘76;
vived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Fish; there. Haynes was Governor of the Missis- Jay Robins ‘76; Shayne Harris ‘78; Allison Ward ‘78
children, Tim and Laura Winston of Hot sippi colony of the Mayflower Society for
Springs, Jody and Lynda Fish of Plano, six years and once was Mississippi delegate
BUGLE QUARTERLY is an official service of, for and by the CMA
Texas and Kati Fish of Hot Springs; his to the Triennial Convention of the General Alumni Association in support of our unity and our heritage.
brother Jack (CMA ’58) and sister-in-law Society of Mayflower Descendants in Plym- Comments concerning its content and function are welcome
Liz Fish of Chattanooga, Tennessee; sister- outh, Massachusetts. He was also a member from all active associates. Inactive associates are encouraged to
become active. Active associates are encouraged to share in this
in-law Sally Reed of Stuttgart, Arkansas; of the William Gray chapter of Sons of the publication’s success by providing current or past information of
cousin, Ann Machen of Hot Springs; eight American Revolution. Haynes is survived interest to the association. Photos, cartoons or other illustrations
grandchildren and one great-grandchild. by his wife Allison and three children; are always welcome and appreciated. Please address all corre-
spondence, articles, photos, etc., for publication to:
------------------------- daughter Clara Taylor (Malcolm) and their BUGLE QUARTERLY
two children, Alyssa and Austin, daughter Woody Pettigrew
Edmund Haynes Ward, Class of ‘77 Mary Ward, and son William Ward. He is 101 Springton Drive
Madison, AL 35758
Haynes Ward died on March 15, 2013 fol- preceded in death by his son, Gregory Ward. or
lowing a long illness. Haynes was born in wpettigrew@knology.net
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