Tersina DiPietro, Editor

WINTER 2011

President's Message:

It is only fitting that the very first thing that I say in my first President’s Message is how honored I am to be leading your Alumni Association. I checked back and I find that I am only the fifth president of the Board of Directors of our BMI Alumni Association. In the pantheon of past presidents are Jerry Rossi '44, Howard Sherman '50, Angelo Candelori '56, and J.C. Platt '74. I can only hope to carry on the traditions set by these fellows.

Several times at reunion 2010, I was witness to the atmosphere of camaraderie among our fellow cadets. Rarely do you see this many people come together and achieve such a strong feeling of being part of something. It was Angelo who first applied the term “Band of Brothers” to us BMI cadets. I am hereby reinstating the term.

We truly are a “Band of Brothers.” The bond is created not just because we all attended the same school, or even because BMI was no ordinary school, but also because we are a “last man standing” organization. We are all there is ever going to be; there will never be any more of us. It is our duty to keep the spirit of BMI alive, not just until the last man is no longer standing but well into the future.

The great thing is that we get to have a lot of fun along the way.

Respectfully,

Jack Harkins ‘67

REUNION 2010 REVISITED

It all began on Friday evening, October 22, when many of our returning alumni found their way to the Hilton Garden Inn where they met up with former classmates, some of whom they had not seen since graduation many years ago.

On Saturday, October 23, a group of alumni met for breakfast and many more gathered at Noon at the Farnsworth House Restaurant for a luncheon that was planned by Tom Brownback '65. Alumni assembled at 2:30 for the parade through the streets of Bordentown (not many streets, of course, because legs get tired these days). Our honored guest, Floyd Little '63, rode in a convertible accompanied by Mayor Jim Lynch '73. Bordentown residents were excited to see Floyd. Prior to the reunion, news of his coming to town had spread like wildfire as only news in a small town can do.

Another special guest, LTC George Nelson, former PMS&T at BMI, honored us with his presence. He never misses one of our reunions. We are always glad to see him and hope that he will continue to take part in our biennial reunions for many more years.

After a brief ceremony at the statue site, alumni visited the former Y-Hut at the invitation of the present owners, Bryan and Susan Grigsby, who welcome visitors to their home whenever alumni come to town. Bryan and Susan would like to hear from alumni who have stories to tell about the Y-Hut. You may contact them at bgrigsby@phillynews.com.

During the afternoon, the Bordentown Historical Society displayed BMI memorabilia in their facility on Farnsworth Avenue.

We then went to the Hilton Garden Inn for the cocktail hour and a delicious dinner prepared by Marsilio's Catering.

During the dinner, elections were held with the following results: President – John Harkins '67; Vice President – Joseph Porter '67; Treasurer – Robert Frisbie '61; Secretary – Tersina DiPietro (Faculty); Directors-at-Large – Angelo Candelori '56, David Harkness '58, Mark Josephson '71.

After dinner, alumni participated in the traditional Old Boys Drill and, once again, the "old boys" demonstrated the marching skills they learned as BMI cadets.

Congratulations to the Class of 1961! They had the greatest number of alumni present at this reunion.

The evening ended with many alumni saying, "See you in 2012!" Some stayed over until Sunday morning and met for breakfast at Mastoris' Diner. Reunion 2010 was a great success!! We were glad to see you if you were there and missed you if you were not. However, we hope you will be with us when we meet again in 2012.

RING WANTED: BOB HUESTIS '61 bob_huestis@hotmail.com is interested in buying a 1961 BMI ring. If you have a BMI ring for sale (any year), let us know. There are always alumni wanting to purchase class rings.

GOLF OUTING: JIM ESPIN '68 and WALT SAPP '69 are planning a golf outing in June 2011 in Ligonier, PA. If you were a teammate of either of these football players and would like to attend, please contact Jim via e-mail - jespin13@verizon.net or Walt – wsapp@dsbassoc.com.

PHOTO WANTED: DANA MURPHY '58 would like to receive a print of a photo taken of him (green jacket/ponytail) with FLOYD LITTLE at the Reunion Dinner. If you took that picture, please contact Dana at danakillammurphy@hotmail.com.

CLASS NOTES

'34 DAVID STYER JR., age 94, resides in Riverton, NJ.

'37 We heard from QUENTIN SANDLER who lives in Miami Beach, FL. He wrote, "Due to circumstances beyond my control, I regret that I cannot attend Reunion 2010. Will try for next time. Really wish I could. Best regards to all."

'42 For calendars and all specialty advertising, please contact GEORGE BISHOP at: www.newtonmfg.com/GEORGEBISHOP.

'43 HAL HOLLAND is interested in purchasing BMI patches. He wrote, "I wear caps upon which I cement various patches from wars, etc. I call it 'talking through my hat' and get to meet many people out in public." If you have BMI patches, please contact Hal at halter1@cox.net.

'44 BOB HOWES found us on the Internet. He graduated in 1951 from the USMA. Bob wrote, "While at BMI, I lived in Old Main and the Adams House, smoked in the Hollow, and was a bugler for a while."

'46 FRANK DUMONT lives in Hudson, Quebec, Canada (35 miles west of Montreal) with his wife, Rita. He wrote, "If you google Frank Dumont Personality psychology, you can view the dust cover of a recent and last publication of mine. I am an alumnus of the USMC, Columbia College, and UMass (Amherst), and now Professor Emeritus of McGill University." A trip to Germany to visit his son made it impossible for Frank to attend Reunion 2010. He added, "I came across the name of TONY FERRIGNO in browsing through the Skirmisher Web site. I remember him as a javelin thrower on the BMI track team. Would like to hear from him."

'47 We received a lengthy letter from CHARLES (CHUCK) COLVILLE II. He enclosed a picture of the 1946-47 Rifle Team receiving its First Place Award from the New York Journal-American, sponsor of the annual William Randolph Hearst Trophy. He wrote, "Although my dad was the first in my life to promote rifle marksmanship, I feel that Sgt. Clifford Marshall's tutelage as Coach of BMI's Championship Rifle Teams went a long way toward my success on the rifle range at Ft. Ord, CA, in 1952, being invited to become a member of the Sixth Infantry Division's M-1 Rifle Team. Yes, JOHN HANAWALT, I, too, liked that Springfield A3 03 bolt-action rifle bored to .22 caliber for competition, as opposed to the regulation Army specification of .30 caliber. My best regards to all who may remember me."

BERNARD FEATHERMAN sent copies of several interesting articles he wrote that appeared in local publications. Unfortunately, space does not permit our including them in this newsletter. Bernard is the Advisor to the National Ombudsman, U. S. Small Business Administration. For copies of these articles, you may contact Bernard at bernard@featherman.com.

EUGENE GUAZZO attended Reunion 2010. He wrote, "I have been to college reunions, medical school reunions, fraternity reunions, etc., but a reunion with sharers of the BMI experience is somehow very different, at least for me. That sentiment was expressed many times by so many alumni. Perhaps it is due to a sharing at such an impressionable time in our lives. Thankfully, Dean Smith was part of it." Gene was looking through his files and found a program of Class Day Exercises held on June 9, 1947. He also found a copy of sayings on the walls of BMI. See page 8.

RUSS LORD had intended to come to the reunion in October but was unable to do so. He said he is starting to make plans for Reunion 2012. He wrote, "If I am still among the living, and there is still a United State of America, I plan to be there."

'49 EDWIN GLICKMAN wrote, "With the guidance and support of Dr. Harold Smith, I entered Dartmouth College in 1949, graduating in 1953. Because of my participation in military training at BMI, my activities at Dartmouth included my role as Battalion Commander of the Army R.O.T.C. unit, with the rank of Cadet Lt. Colonel." Edwin received his commission and served as a First Lt. at Army Headquarters in Orleans, France. He was discharged in 1955, after which he pursued a career in real estate development and finance until 2003 when he retired to Florida. Edwin added, "The benefits of my education at BMI served me very well throughout my life. The inscription at the entrance to the Study Hall, "What You Are to Be, You Are Now Becoming," proved to be both appropriate and warranted, since the positive lessons I learned at BMI were reflected during all the years thereafter."

'52 We received an e-mail from MICHAEL KUDLA stating, "I cannot believe that it is fifty-eight years since I graduated from BMI. It was the beginning of a new life that I never regretted. It taught me how important education is and that you never stop learning. When you do is when they start throwing dirt in your face. I spent six years in a seminary, received my degree in philosophy, went on to receive degrees in accounting, my JD in law, and my Master's in taxation. I am now a professor of political science at two universities. I am still learning."

'53 MARK MILLER would like to make contact with RICHARD LUPOFF. Mark wrote, "We were roommates for part of the 1951-52 school year."

'54 BILL DENT wrote, "Since reconnecting with the Alumni Association three years ago, I thought I surely would be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with you by the last reunion, or at least by this one. I cannot be with you in person this time, but strongly hope and plan to make it in 2012. I guess I should not hold back for 2014—waiting for 60 years out."

'57 We received an e-mail message from J. RONALD MEIER. He retired from the Community Bank of Bergen County, NJ, in 2010 after 50 years of service. He is a tour guide on the Submarine USS Ling SS297 in Hackensack, NJ. Ronald added, "BMI is always in my heart."

'58 J. R. ARTHUR was disappointed that he was unable to attend the reunion in October. He wrote, "Looking at 2012 and hoping that it is not on the same date as our USNA 50^th."

'59 We received an e-mail from ROGER MARKS. He sent us an address for RONALD GASSERT but, unfortunately, it turned out to be incorrect. Roger wrote, "After Ron left BMI, he attended the University of Virginia. Upon graduation, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers (under the legendary Vince Lombardi)." Regarding LTC George Nelson, Roger wrote, "Colonel Nelson was a very important person in my life as he was in the lives of all the cadets he touched. A wonderful man he is."

'60 DICK ROMNEY planned to attend Reunion 2010 but family responsibilities got in the way. Dick said, "I have attended a couple reunions, most recently in 2008. I hope to do so again. In the meantime, please give my warm regards to my fellow former cadets. Good health to all!"

'61 STEVE COHEN wrote, "All is well here in South Florida. I have two wonderful kids (kids? one is 45 and one is 43). I also have two beautiful grandchildren. Best wishes to all BMI alumni."

BOB FRISBIE continues to enjoy his home in Goshen, VA, and welcomes alumni to stop by when in that area.
We heard from NORMAN KIRSCHBAUM. He wrote, "I will miss the 2010 reunion this year and I must say that I really will MISS it. My life has taken a series of wonderful turns and the fact that BMI made such an impression on me only enhanced my motivation and values. I found myself in a number of areas where I was able to excel. Last year, I decided I needed to pay back my country for all the wonderful things I have been afforded. My wife and I moved to Heidelberg, Germany, where I serve as an emergency room charge nurse, taking care of our service people and their families. You would be proud of their spirit and commitment and I cannot help but think they all have a little of the BMI spirit inside them. I truly feel that if Bordentown Military Institute would have continued to teach and inspire young men, we might be in a better place than at present. I know we will all continue to 'live' the BMI creed."

'62 TOM McLARNEY wrote, "Since 2012 will be our 50^th anniversary, we would like all of our classmates to come to the reunion." Contact Tom at tomsr@conveyorsystems.com.

A new health and fitness center, Retro Fitness of Bordentown, is now open for business on Route 206 in Bordentown across from the Town and Country Diner. Owner PETE MERCATANTI said, "We are going to make exercising and staying healthy, both mentally and physically, entertaining, fun, and stress-free."

'63 On August 7, 2010, we received an e-mail as follows: "My name is DON BROWNE, in Canton, OH, watching FLOYD LITTLE enter the Professional Football Hall of Fame. It is inspiring. Floyd is joyful and it is an ultimate destination that had a very important start at BMI. I played with Floyd in the '61 and '62 seasons. I have been a television executive with NBCU for many years and it is hard to believe I have not been to a BMI reunion. I played football and track at the University of South Carolina. My son heard many stories about my time at BMI and that we ran the Princeton single wing. He went to Princeton and was a four-year starter on the Princeton football team. My other son played football at Harvard."

'64 GENE CASTELLANO is Vice President for Marketing & Communications at Cabrini College in Radnor, PA.

JOHN LONGANECKER also enjoyed Reunion 2010. In his letter he said, "Our reunion was so successful. I will be exhausting my efforts to contact and motivate some of my former football and basketball teammates to attend the next one. Already have talked with TOM MYSLINSKI who lives in Rome, NY. Tom played football at U. Maryland."

Following Reunion 2010, we heard from NORM MAZER. He wrote, "It was a great reunion and I am looking forward to the next one."

PHILIP THIELHELM resides just north of Boston, MA. He went to Georgetown (Class of 1968), BS Chemistry. Graduated BU School of Medicine in 1972. Trained in Int. Med. Pulmonary and Critical Care. Phil is interested in contacting GENE REID, TOM BRADY, BILL HORTON, and TOM SAFAR.

'65 CONRAD KOCHEVAR moved from New Jersey to Rhode Island last year. He retired from ITT in June of 2008 and is now "enjoying life."

LOU MANCUSO writes that he and his wife, Jo Ann, have settled into their southwest retirement nicely and stay quite busy. Since they live in an over-55 community, there are many activities available. He wrote, "We swim, ride bikes, walk, play bocce, miniature golf, and racket sports. It's fun!"

'66 GENE COMELLA wrote, "After watching FLOYD LITTLE's induction into the pro football HOF, I couldn't help but think back with fond memories of the year I spent at BMI: the valuable academic lessons, the great JAY LUISI football team of '66, and the friends made along the way."

LAWRENCE McCARTER wrote, "I recently met up with Sarkis Semerjian, Lt. Colonel, USA (Ret.) at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA, where I work a federal Contract at present. If you were a cadet in the 1961-1962 time range, you may remember then 'Captain' Semerjian who was Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics at BMI. I spent two hours talking with Col. Semerjian and his wife who were staying at the Hanscom Inn on the Base."

BILL MORRIS looks forward to receiving the Skirmisher. Bill lives in Liberia, West Africa.

HENRY VON ELM attended BMI from 1963 to 1966. He wrote, "I have not been in touch with anyone in many, many years." You can reach Henry at henryvonelm@yahoo.com.

'67 We received an e-mail from JEFFREY (MIKE) BARTEL. He wrote, "I came to the University of Oklahoma for school and, except for my military service, I have been here ever since. I was lost but now I'm found!"

ARTHUR MADRAZO was watching TV and saw the movie, "Taps." He said, "It brought back so many memories of my life at BMI: the setting, the format, the cadet's life while in school. I remembered so many things. It seemed as though it was yesterday. I saw Borst, Jet, the Dean, Bradman, Mrs. Grentz, Hartpence, the Landon Hall field, the infirmary. I even called my cousin to tell him about it. He laughed at me for getting softy! There are a lot of things I cannot remember about those years but the times at BMI, those are there for the staying."

DOM RUGGERIO wrote to say that he has never been able to return to Bordentown because of schedules but hopes to make the trip someday. He is trying to locate TED BENZ. Dom wrote, "I did make contact with JOHN FINNERAN. He is a cardiac surgeon in Bloomfield, Iowa. I speak with MURRAY SCHULMAN on occasion."

'69 JAMES RUSSO is Chief Executive Officer of VISIONS OF HOPE in Phoenix, AZ.

RICK SEWELL attended Reunion 2010. He recently wrote, "My wife and I are still savoring our fond recollections of the recent BMI Alumni Reunion dinner."

'72 Received an e-mail from FRANCIS KIMLEY III in which he stated, "Just sitting around the other day and looked up BMI on the web. Had a lot of good times in Bordentown. I would like to be kept up to date on everything going on."

JERRY PALERMO said he enjoyed reading the last two Skirmishers and reading about JAY LIPMAN, KEN MacLEAN, KIM KOWALCZYK, and HORACE ORR. He added, "I continue to work as Energy Manager for the Grand Prairie Independent School District, Grand Prairie, TX. Recently, I was given the job of Scheduling Coordinator for all of the after-school activities for the district of over 25,000 students. I taught for twenty-five years before going into administration. During twenty of those years, I taught Physical Education and was a head coach or assistant basketball coach at the college and high school level." Jerry lives in DeSoto, TX, with his wife. His daughter has performed in several off-Broadway shows, movies, commercials and can be seen on three of the 'Law & Order' shows. Jerry stays in touch with DAVE CHATFIELD.

'73 JOB VENTURA recently joined our Alumni Association. He looks forward to attending upcoming reunions. Job lives in Hamilton, NJ.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

'54 ROBERT GLICK is trying to locate BOB CLIFFORD who came to BMI from Yardley, PA. (Unfortunately, Bob Clifford is not among our "found" alumni.) Robert Glick resides in Plano, TX.

IN MEMORIAM

The officers and members of the Executive Board join with the entire membership of the BMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION in extending sincere sympathy to the families of:

MYLES BASS '56

JOHN J. LABASH '53

JOSEPH J. MICCERI '36

DONALD A. SPAETH '59

DAN WOEHRLE '60

***************************************************

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Dues notices for 2011 will be going out within the next couple of months. Please note: Dues and other contributions, although much appreciated, are not tax deductible.

WEB SITE AND FACEBOOK

Be sure to visit our Web site - bmicadets.org. BOB FRISBIE '61 continues to update that site with pictures, etc., so you might want to go in there frequently. Also, do not forget that BMI is on Facebook. BOB SOOWAL '67 maintains that site and welcomes your participation.

COMPANY STORE

Maroon Sweatshirt w/embroidered BMI logo (Size XX-Large only) - $15

Maroon Polo Shirts w/BMI logo (sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL) - $30

Medallion w/stand - $5 (reduced from $10)

Prices include postage. To order, send check or money order (payable to BMI Alumni Association) to P. O. Box 91, Bordentown, NJ 08505.

WORDS INSCRIBED ON THE WALLS OF

BORDENTOWN MILITARY INSTITUTE

In a previous issue of The Skimisher, we reported that CHARLES "CHUCK" COLVILLE '47 was interested in learning if anyone could remember the words that appeared on the various walls at BMI. Chuck remembered "RATHER BE THAN SEEM" as well as "A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED." Thanks to CHARLES "WOODY" WOODSIDE '63, we can add another quote: "GOOD, BETTER, BEST – NEVER, NEVER REST – UNTIL YOUR GOOD IS BETTER – AND YOUR BETTER BEST."

SID DARRAH '40 remembers this inscription on a BMI wall:

"ON THE PLAINS OF HESITATION, BLEACH THE BONES OF COUNTLESS MILLIONS, WHO—ON THE DAWN OF VICTORY, SAT DOWN TO REST—AND RESTING DIED"

EUGENE GUAZZO '47 found all of the following among his BMI archives:

Memorial Tablet to Mrs. T. H. Landon, in Dining Room:

"THE LONGER ON THIS EARTH WE LIVE,

AND WEIGH THE VARIOUS QUALITIES OF MEN,

THE MORE WE FEEL THE HIGH, STERN-FEATURED BEAUTY

OF PLAIN DEVOTEDNESS TO DUTY;

STEADFAST AND STILL, NOR PAID WITH MORTAL PRAISE,

BUT FINDING SIMPLEST RECOMPENSE.

FOR LIFE'S UNGARLANDED EXPENSE

IN WORK DONE SQUARELY AND UNWASTED DAYS."

Over Gymnasium Door:

"WHO MISSES, OR WHO WINS A PRIZE,

GO LOSE, OR CONQUER IF YOU CAN,

BUT IF YOU FAIL, OR IF YOU RISE,

BE EACH, PRAY GOD, A GENTLEMAN."

"BEGIN NOW"

"OTHERS"

"ENTER TO LEARN – GO FORTH TO SERVE"

"WHAT YOU ARE TO BE, YOU ARE NOW BECOMING"

"HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH AND KEEP YOUR MIND OPEN – YOU CAN ALWAYS LEARN"

"THIS IS TRUE OF MEN AND STUFF, ONLY THE BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH"

"TRIFLES MAKE PERFECTION, AND PERFECTION IS NO TRIFLE"

"SOW A THOUGHT, REAP AN ACT, SOW AN ACT, REAP A HABIT, SOW A HABIT, REAP A CHARACTER, SOW A CHARACTER, REAP A DESTINY"

"THIS ABOVE ALL, TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE, AND IT MUST FOLLOW AS THE NIGHT THE DAY, THOU CANST NOT THEN BE FALSE TO ANY MAN"

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