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Vietnam Memorial
Frank did not pass away

Class of 1956 Current News!

August 07, 2011

Col. Frank Tucker Named Veteran of the Year!

Our very own Frank Tucker was named Veteran of the Year for the 73rd Assembly District of California!  Please see the Certificate of Recognition, and the Veteran of the Year appointment written by California Assemblywoman Diane Harkey.  And here is the article in the Pierre Capital Journal!  Congratulations to Frank!

July 27, 2010

World Record Hailstone Weighed In Vivian

Check out the worlds largest hail stone, just hope you never see one up close and personal!!  Keloland article.

June 1, 2010

Photos from Dana Point Memorial Day events. (Frank's VFW Post)

http://www.buildingonline.net/dp5th/2010-memorial-day/

Feb. 26, 2010
Meet me on Euclid

Internet site brings us ‘back in the day’

By Jeff Bunn
Capital Journal staff
Published/Last Modified on Friday, Feb 26, 2010 - 11:38:27 am CST

PIERRE — A former way friends in Pierre got together has made its way to today’s most popular strip — the Internet. 

In less than two weeks, more than 800 people have joined a Facebook group dedicated to the past-time of rendezvousing on Euclid Avenue.

“It was a social network like Facebook and texting now,” said Dave Osterkamp, creator of Euclid Ave. Cruzin. “It was the best way to get a hold of your friends, ‘Meet me on Euclid.’”


The Web site, which had 826 members as of Thursday, has group discussions on what music people listened to while joyriding on the street, pictures of hangouts — most no longer around — and the cars that made the trip.

“It reminds them of all the good times we had back in the day,” Osterkamp said.

One person writes about getting his first and only speeding ticket on Euclid while others have posted pictures of old cars and motorcycles.

Osterkamp, 39, said he did his driving on the city street in the ‘80s and ‘90s and the group has members who go back to the ‘60s. He said the idea came after a friend posted pictures of his old car on the social networking Web site.

“I remembered seeing that car,” he said. “That’s how the whole page started.”

Osterkamp said he’s been surprised by the number of people who have become members of the page.

Joyriding up and down the stretch of road is not what it was years ago, partly because of police activity and generational changes, Osterkamp said.

“They shut Euclid down a few years ago and kind of kicked everyone off,” he said, in reference to policing. “But it was a whole culture — the culture around cars. My business pretty much comes from the car market — stereos for cars — I noticed when cruising stopped. It has taken a dip.”

A weekend gathering drew 20 to 100 cars, Osterkamp said.

“We’d be going five miles an hour up and down Euclid bumper to bumper,” he said.

He said he and others would like to organize another drive this summer during Oahe days.

Dave Erickson, a page member and cruiser from 1968 to 1978, said the Web site allows people to celebrate a part of American life less vibrant today.

“I had a ‘60 Impala sport coup, but I also rode with one of my friends — he had a ‘71 boss 351 Mustang,” Erickson said. “There were a lot of muscle cars cruising — Trans Ams, Barracuda, Chargers. It was just that generation. That was what you did. Euclid was the place.”

Visit the "Euclid Ave. Cruzin" group here.

February 16, 2010

Hey Folks,
Thought you might be interested in seeing some of my wildlife photography and how it is being used.
 
Go to:  My Florida Manatee

(That's http://myfloridamanatee.com)

Click on:  "Gallery"
Click on:  Howard W. Brancel photo
Click on:  "Next" 

 

Hope you enjoy! Howard and Sandy 

October 17, 2009

"The Life and Times" of Howard Brancel

AN INTRODUCTION

As some may recall, I was not active in team sports. I liked ice hockey and swimming for sports and most of my recreational time took place at the municipal pool or the ice skating rink. I was raised, with my brother Bob, by my grandparents from the time I was 4 months old (Bob was 18 months my senior). I worked for my grandfather at his sport shop all of my high school days seining minnows, catching crayfish and frogs and digging worms for him to sell as bait during the warmer months and trapping furs and predators during the winter for pelts and bounty...this is by way of an explanation for my compelling interest in wildlife and the great out-of-doors. Suffice it to say that I spent most of my time hunting, fishing, guiding and trapping. Back then, most of us hunted and fished for table meat more than sport. By the time I had graduated from high school I had already purchased a better-than-average 35mm camera and was photographing more game, etc. than I was shooting for table fare.

 

Almost immediately after graduating from high school I was accepted on a forestry major program at the university of Montana at Missoula. I moved to Great Falls to work for the summer and at time to enroll, I was notified that they had over-accepted for their out-of-state student quota and I had to make an immediate transfer to So.Dak. State at Brookings on a pre-forestry program. When I ran out of my own money and my family could not afford 2 boys in college at the same time, I dropped out after the second quarter and joined the U. S. Navy.

perhaps to be continued...

August 25, 2009

Fort Bennett to Fort Pierre Casey Tibbs Memorial Trail Ride

(Article produced for Class of '64, I hope will be of interest to many in Class of '56! /larry.k)

This trail ride is of interest to the Class of ’64 because a couple of our classmates are involved.  Our own Mike Pellerzi was involved in the planning, and rode the trail in the heat of August with about 300 people, horses, mules and around 34 wagons.  This ride covered a route from a site near old Fort Bennett (the fort is now under water in the Oahe reservoir) to Fort Pierre, about 60 miles.  Darby Nutter and Gary Grittner (famous for last year’s Fort Pierre to Deadwood Trail Ride) organized this ride for benefit of the Verendrye Museum. 

The following narrative was provided by the ride historian John Duffy:
_________________________________________________________

The Casey Tibbs Memorial Ride, sponsored by Verendrye Museum, Inc., of Fort Pierre, traveled approximately 60 miles along a route common to Indians, the U.S. military, and settlers into the area.  The remote trailhead at the Donelan Ranch in northeastern Stanley County took participants' breath away before their pickups were parked.


 
Over four days of riding, hundreds of horsemen, muleskinners, and teamsters saw scenery otherwise not accessible to the public.  Highlights included the confluence of the Cheyenne and Missouri Rivers, the 50,000 acre Triple U Buffalo Ranch, a stampede of 300-400 bison, the endless waves of grain on the Haskins Wheat Farm, as well as the many rugged creeks that feed the Missouri River from the west.  This in addition to sunrises, sunsets, dark night skies, meteor showers, abundant wildlife and the general beauty of western South Dakota.
 
Participants were also fed, educated and entertained at evening camps.  Local non-profit organizations fed between 300-400 attendees each evening and Verendrye Museum hosted historical presentations by expert speakers on topics including Fort Bennett, the Cheyenne Agency, St. John's Mission, Oahe Dam, Mission Ridge, prairie ecology, schools, public lands, Fort Pierre, historic trails, etc.  The gatherings also included poetry readings and live music until sunset each evening.  These night camps, complete with water, garbage collection, and toilets were usually bigger than three-fourths of the towns in South Dakota!
 
The ride concluded Friday morning when 34 wagons carrying 104 people and 205 riders on horses or mules descended the Missouri breaks along Verendrye Drive to the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rode Center.  From there, the 304 people and 269 head of livestock paraded down Deadwood Avenue in Fort Pierre before camping for the evening at the Stanley County Fairgrounds.  The ride concluded in downtown Fort Pierre with a supper, auction, and dance in downtown Fort Pierre on Friday night.
___________________________________________________________
 Thanks John for your report! 

Check out the coverage from the Capital Journal:

“Celebrating western life”

“Gearing up to ride”

“Trail ride, activities start next week”

“Trail ride saddles up”

“Trail ride heats up”

(Thanks to Lisa Johansen, Associate editor, Capital Journal for helping me find these articles in the archives!)

Check out the  Dakota Radio Group press coverage at:

http://www.dakotaradiogroup.com/mydailynews/MDNMondayAugust_17.htm  

Don’t miss Greg Latza’s wonderful trail photos: 

http://www.greglatza.com/trailgallery/ 

(Oh, note that Greg is the son-in-law of our classmate Dianne Markwed Olander!)  Mike Pellerzi is featured in sunset silhouette between two wagons, in photo number 12 of this gallery. 

larry.k

Story from Don Sandal:

Thanks for permitting me share a story of a special time in my life.  I joined the Navy in 1956 with classmates Mike Saffel and Ed Bartels and was discharged in 1960.

The memories of my time in the service are many; however, the ones which remain with me most vividly are the ones that occurred after Boot Camp.  I was going to aviation mechanics school in Norman, OK and Memphis, TN when I was assigned to a heavy attack squadron in North Island, CA.  Soon after our squadron received new A3D twin engine jet bombers and we were moved to Whidby Island Naval Air Station.  I worked on the flight line and eventually became a plane captain and was assigned a plane of my own to service. Interestingly, I received flight pay!!  When flying, my duties included emergency procedures if required.  Much of our time was flying in the flight pattern simulating carrier landings on the runway.  We would make many touch and go landings or until the fuel would run low. 

We were eventually assigned to make our first cruise on the U.S. Ranger stationed in Alameda, CA.  We loaded the 12 bombers on the carrier and carried out pilot qualifications off the coast of CA.  The U.S. Ranger was brand new in 1959 and was on its maiden cruise.

Ultimately I faced my first fly off on the carrier and I was both excited and scared.  It was just the pilot and me sitting next to him in the bombardier seat.  We were situated on the catapult and shot off!  What a tremendous sensation it was.  Staying the flight pattern we came around and I made my first landing!! Yes—I was petrified.  Immediately, we were catapulted again.  I made four landings with him until they changed pilots and I was shot off three more times—a total of 7 catapults and 7 landings—a overwhelming experience and I am not sure that I got through it with dry shorts.  I made two cruises on the U.S. Ranger in 1959 and 1960 and ended up with 52 carrier landings.

Sadly, both of the pilots that I made my first 7 landings died in plane crashes.  One pilot forgot to put his power back on quick enough after missing the cables on landing.  The other pilot apparently misread the altimeter at night and crashed into the ocean.   

Can you ID these guys?  If so, then ID them via the "Comments" page....Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Thanks

Mary (Peters) Krawitt would be glad to help anyone with their bookings-will definitely get them the best rates-also-apparently there is a large convention coming in the same time so bookings best be done soon.

Mary has a website: www.adestinationtravel.com or can reached by email at mary@adestinationtravel.com- or 702 248 1234-office-499-8991-cell- or home at 458 7717.  Please contact Mary and get your plans in place....we want to see you at the reunion!!

Linda Steele at Eagle View Bed and Breakfast says they will give a rate of $80 a night if the class-of-56 classmates will take all five rooms.  This is really a nice place and if classmates are interested in taking all the rooms, we can get the $80/night rate.  Probably should do this right away so that "first come, first served" on these very nice accommodations.  When you call, tell them you are a Class-of-56er.  Again---you can view the accommodations at www.bbonline.com/sd/eaglesview/  
 
Jeannette says:
 
she has received registrations from Jim Kadlec and Judd and Diane Cooney!  Looks like our classmates are coming this way!  I hope so.  By the way, we need to remember Bob Klemann in our thoughts and prayers at the passing of his mother very recently. 
 
Take care and stay well all.  God bless. Jeannette

Accommodations are getting scarce for the dates of our reunion...so, please make your reservations as soon as you can. One B&B recommended by Jeannette is www.bbonline.com/sd/eaglesview/

Some Katrina pictures for you

We asked for comments and stories from our class as well as from classes above and below us.  Here is one from John Mellon. Enjoy this comment as much as I did....the class of 58 had many wonderful friends.

John Mellon says:

I graduated from Pierre HS in 1958. It brings back good memories to go through this web site. My wife, Lana, & I are going to try to make the 50th reunion in 2008. Our two sons, John III & Paul are in the Phoenix, AZ area.

My brother, Jim, is in Mandan/Bismarck, ND in the bowling business. Another brother, Frank, is in San Diego, CA. Our brother, Dan, passed away many years ago in a car accident in Wyoming after coming home from work. Our Mom, Dorthoty & Dad, John Sr. passed away many years ago when they were living in Pueblo, Colorado.

Touched base with Terry Dilley from my 1958 class & part of the Swing Masters dance band we had. He sounds good; look forward to seeing Terry & other 1958ers in 2008.

Best wishes to all. John & Lana

Guess who these guys are? Or--> "...and the pheasant they rode in on!"

OK...I got to get you guys involved somehow....so, how about you guys submitting your favorite vacation photos.  Here are some of mine....to get it started. I took the kids to Florida...tried parasailing while they played on the beach.

Now....send me your favorites....please!!!!!!!!!

Can you name the characters in this photo?

Congratulations to Roger Garrett!! 
 
Roger represented the Class of '56 with great humility as he was inducted into the Riggs Hall of Fame.  Brother Glen Garrett presented the award.  It was also touching to see Dick Miller approach Roger with a hug. 
 
The night was also rewarding in that Pierre (ranked No. 2 in the ESD) beat Watertown (ranked No. 1) to a packed house.  Click on the link below for the full story.

http://www.capjournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=10&ArticleID=14344

The "official registration" for the Reunion will be sent soon. 

Clint runs Tequila with these Hombre's...he is offering beer to anyone who can name at least one of them...see the comments page.  This is for beer, ya'll....from Clint Schimkat...who hasn't bought a round since 1955....c'mon.

OK...here we go. Name all in this picture and win a prize at the 50th Reunion....submit your answers via the "Comments" page.  The photo contains classmates and others.....

ps: Send in photos you have and we'll display them...for everyone to try and name the people in the photo's...any you may have from our childhood till now.

The King (of Hearts) is back on stage!  ID the man with the horn via the Comments Page....

This is the words for the song or chant that Bill Picotte's son's did at last reunion.  Jim and Bill
 
Tuwe sece cun cakata u we
(Name) come to the center
 
Oyate kin wacin niyape ca
The people need you to do this
 
Wiyuskinya cokaata u we
Rejoicing or gladly, come to the center
 
YOU WILL BE REQUIRE TO SING ALONG/AND CHANT WITH THEM AT  OUR 50th REUNION....COME PREPARED!

 

Clint gets chummy with the San Diego Char--gerrr Girls!

 

Bill always gets the blondies!  

Can you name all 3hree of these beauties?  Send your answers in via the Comments page....

Frank flys again!!!!  Frank's OU Sooners win the Holiday Bowl.  Frank was at the game and cheered them Sooners on...

Schimkat rides again!  Well...sort of. Pictures of Clint's daughters, Jill and Jana, riding Dolly and Te at the Central States Fair in Rapid City...next year...we'll see them next year at the Nationals in Vegas!!!

Early Snow Storm clobbers Pierre

Click here for the story 

main.asp-SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=13987

Class of '56 Plans 50th Reunion This Summer!

The Pierre High School Class of 1956 will hold its big Five-Ohhh (yes...you got it, that's 50th) class reunion September 22-24, 2006.  The festivities begin Friday evening, September 23, 2006 with a mixer and registration at the Izaak Walton. A student scholarship, fund-raising golf outing is scheduled the next day for those who want to visit the links or just ride around and visit friends...throw firecrackers, or whatever...just make a contribution, but stay legal.  An adventure on the Missouri River on Clint's  'African Queen' is also on tap for Saturday. Please bring your own paddle...the price of gasoline is simply too high. A social hour, dinner and dancing will be held Saturday evening, September 23, 2006 at the Izaak Walton. Other activities on the drawing board may include a visit to the Oahe Dam to renew old memories. We may re-enact a gang fight in front of the old Ft. Pierre dance hall on Saturday night....need some volunteers for that.

We need suggestions for activities and photos of our days in grade school through high school to make this website enjoyable for all. What can you send in? Just let your mind wander back to those days of yore, here's a few ticklers: Many of us worked on the Oahe Dam. How about a page devoted to that? I think Bill Fritz and Frank Tucker held the endurance record for applying hot tar to steel pylons at the dam...worst job at the dam, but the pay was tops. Many of us were "muckers" in the tunnels, surveyors, drove trucks, worked on cement crews, steel workers and...even worked on the dynamite crews. They even gave Frank a key to the dynamite storage shack. How about some pictures of the "Great Flood" that happened during our time in school. Many of us flew in the Schimkat super cub....Clint is donating a film that will be on this website when ready of a flight back then. Most of us worked on a farm sometime....need some pictures of that. And, who could forget the daring nude sprints...down the hallway from one gym door to the other...praying that no one came strolling around the corner. There are so many memories...let's share them with each other.

 So dust off your Gumbos, put on your Green and White, and get ready to rock and roll with all your "old" friends and classmates. If you did not receive a reunion letter and registration form in the mail, that means your address is not current on the class mailing list, please notify Jeannette Pfeifer..

 Now & Then Specials!

Please visit our new photo gallery of "Now & Then Specials".  We have added a very interesting touch, and we think you'll enjoy it.

Help us get a great "Look" for the Website!

The Get Connected Team is pretty pleased with a new look we have created for the website.  However, we seek your input for changes that will improve the website. Do you like the banner? Or, would you like to change it....with a picture of the school or something of that year.  Anyway, check in on our Comments Page and let us know what you think! 

Class of '56 BLOG

The Class of '56 now has a BLOG( that's a weB Log)!  The BLOG master will be our own (TBD). We need a volunteer to be the BLOG Master. Wouldn't you love to have that handle? Like when stopped for speeding and the officer asks "What do you do, Sir...or Madam?" You can reply "Whyyyyyy....I am the BLOG Master." I am sure the officer may reply with a "wooooooooo, right...and from the great planet...Blog...right?" You ought to get out in 2, maybe 3 years.  So....Mr. BLOG Master....we are seeking you.

You can catch a link to the BLOG on our Web Links page, or click right here - BLOG!

Veterans Photo Gallery Added!

A veterans photo gallery is now part of our website!  If you served, please feel free to send a photo of  you in your military regalia.  We will post it.  We are proud of our veterans and we thank all who served our country.  Please send the photos tothe webmaster below.  Thank you!

South Dakota Vietnam War Memorial!

In September 2006, the State of South Dakota will welcome home and honor our South Dakota Vietnam Veterans with the dedication of a large bronze statue memorial and many other special activities in Pierre.  We want to make sure that every South Dakota Vietnam veteran receives an invitation to the Dedication.  Please see the news release, and visit their website at:  www.sdvietnamwarmemorial.com.

Past Reunions Photo Gallery!

A Past Reunions Photo Gallery captures the photos of the past reunions. Check it out!  If you have any photos from past reunions, please send us a .jpg copy and we will post it in that gallery!  Thank you!

Website Update!

Our website has been in a long period of development with much hard work contributed by the Get Connected Team, and others.  Our special thanks to Larry Kleinschmidt of the class of 65. Larry let us download their site for a start and then provided a lot of help....we'll tip one to Larry at the reunion! We are now at a point where we have a very wonderful experience awaiting the new visitor!  We currently have some photos related to the Class of '56.  We began hoping to achieve a "stroll down memory lane", and now we have the possibility of much more. 

This site will be more like a "day trip" down memory lane. 

Please browse around and enjoy what could be available to all of us once we fill in the content. Our "content" effort is just starting. We need everyone's input to make the vision a reality.  Read through the Blog, and the Comments Page, you will find many old friends here sharing their memories.  The site will become a reality as more and more contributors submit photos and memories.  If you have photos or mementos, please submit them to the Webmaster and they will be posted here.

So please enjoy this "day trip down memory lane".  Stay a while and put your comments and impressions in the Comments Page, or the Blog.  Come back often as this site is changing daily!

Oh, and don't forget to make your reservations for the Reunion.  See you in Pierre this summer!

Sincerely, The Get Connected Team.

Frank Tucker did not pass away...so quit celebrating, ya'll

He just hasn't moved in several days...bad batch of wine.

Seriously...in this section, we will post names and obituary of our class mates that have passed away. An example is given below.

Lionell Williams Passes:

Lionell was a member of the Class of '63.  He died on Feb. 26, in Dade City, Florida.  View his obituary.  Our deepest sympathy goes out to Howard and his family.

 

Sept 30, 2009

Dick Koch's Wife is ill!

‘Jerry’ Koch, Dick’s wonderful wife, and our friend, Richard Koch, needs your prayers and moral support.  I am sure she would enjoy your cards. Contact Clint Schimkat for more detail.  Please send any cards, etc. to:

Germaine Koch
% Bethany at Pacific
Room 309B (3rd) floor
916 Pacific Avenue
Everett, WA 98206

 

August 25, 2009

Fort Bennett to Fort Pierre Casey Tibbs Memorial Trail Ride

(Article produced for Class of '64, I hope will be of interest to many in Class of '56! /larry.k)

This trail ride is of interest to the Class of ’64 because a couple of our classmates are involved.  Our own Mike Pellerzi was involved in the planning, and rode the trail in the heat of August with about 300 people, horses, mules and around 34 wagons.  This ride covered a route from a site near old Fort Bennett (the fort is now under water in the Oahe reservoir) to Fort Pierre, about 60 miles.  Darby Nutter and Gary Grittner (famous for last year’s Fort Pierre to Deadwood Trail Ride) organized this ride for benefit of the Verendrye Museum. 

The following narrative was provided by the ride historian John Duffy:
_________________________________________________________

The Casey Tibbs Memorial Ride, sponsored by Verendrye Museum, Inc., of Fort Pierre, traveled approximately 60 miles along a route common to Indians, the U.S. military, and settlers into the area.  The remote trailhead at the Donelan Ranch in northeastern Stanley County took participants' breath away before their pickups were parked.


 
Over four days of riding, hundreds of horsemen, muleskinners, and teamsters saw scenery otherwise not accessible to the public.  Highlights included the confluence of the Cheyenne and Missouri Rivers, the 50,000 acre Triple U Buffalo Ranch, a stampede of 300-400 bison, the endless waves of grain on the Haskins Wheat Farm, as well as the many rugged creeks that feed the Missouri River from the west.  This in addition to sunrises, sunsets, dark night skies, meteor showers, abundant wildlife and the general beauty of western South Dakota.
 
Participants were also fed, educated and entertained at evening camps.  Local non-profit organizations fed between 300-400 attendees each evening and Verendrye Museum hosted historical presentations by expert speakers on topics including Fort Bennett, the Cheyenne Agency, St. John's Mission, Oahe Dam, Mission Ridge, prairie ecology, schools, public lands, Fort Pierre, historic trails, etc.  The gatherings also included poetry readings and live music until sunset each evening.  These night camps, complete with water, garbage collection, and toilets were usually bigger than three-fourths of the towns in South Dakota!
 
The ride concluded Friday morning when 34 wagons carrying 104 people and 205 riders on horses or mules descended the Missouri breaks along Verendrye Drive to the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rode Center.  From there, the 304 people and 269 head of livestock paraded down Deadwood Avenue in Fort Pierre before camping for the evening at the Stanley County Fairgrounds.  The ride concluded in downtown Fort Pierre with a supper, auction, and dance in downtown Fort Pierre on Friday night.
___________________________________________________________
 Thanks John for your report! 

Check out the coverage from the Capital Journal:

“Celebrating western life”

“Gearing up to ride”

“Trail ride, activities start next week”

“Trail ride saddles up”

“Trail ride heats up”

(Thanks to Lisa Johansen, Associate editor, Capital Journal for helping me find these articles in the archives!)

Check out the  Dakota Radio Group press coverage at:

http://www.dakotaradiogroup.com/mydailynews/MDNMondayAugust_17.htm  

Don’t miss Greg Latza’s wonderful trail photos: 

http://www.greglatza.com/trailgallery/ 

(Oh, note that Greg is the son-in-law of our classmate Dianne Markwed Olander!)  Mike Pellerzi is featured in sunset silhouette between two wagons, in photo number 12 of this gallery. 

larry.k

Story from Don Sandal:

Thanks for permitting me share a story of a special time in my life.  I joined the Navy in 1956 with classmates Mike Saffel and Ed Bartels and was discharged in 1960.

The memories of my time in the service are many; however, the ones which remain with me most vividly are the ones that occurred after Boot Camp.  I was going to aviation mechanics school in Norman, OK and Memphis, TN when I was assigned to a heavy attack squadron in North Island, CA.  Soon after our squadron received new A3D twin engine jet bombers and we were moved to Whidby Island Naval Air Station.  I worked on the flight line and eventually became a plane captain and was assigned a plane of my own to service. Interestingly, I received flight pay!!  When flying, my duties included emergency procedures if required.  Much of our time was flying in the flight pattern simulating carrier landings on the runway.  We would make many touch and go landings or until the fuel would run low. 

We were eventually assigned to make our first cruise on the U.S. Ranger stationed in Alameda, CA.  We loaded the 12 bombers on the carrier and carried out pilot qualifications off the coast of CA.  The U.S. Ranger was brand new in 1959 and was on its maiden cruise.

Ultimately I faced my first fly off on the carrier and I was both excited and scared.  It was just the pilot and me sitting next to him in the bombardier seat.  We were situated on the catapult and shot off!  What a tremendous sensation it was.  Staying the flight pattern we came around and I made my first landing!! Yes—I was petrified.  Immediately, we were catapulted again.  I made four landings with him until they changed pilots and I was shot off three more times—a total of 7 catapults and 7 landings—a overwhelming experience and I am not sure that I got through it with dry shorts.  I made two cruises on the U.S. Ranger in 1959 and 1960 and ended up with 52 carrier landings.

Sadly, both of the pilots that I made my first 7 landings died in plane crashes.  One pilot forgot to put his power back on quick enough after missing the cables on landing.  The other pilot apparently misread the altimeter at night and crashed into the ocean.   

Can you ID these guys?  If so, then ID them via the "Comments" page....Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Thanks

Mary (Peters) Krawitt would be glad to help anyone with their bookings-will definitely get them the best rates-also-apparently there is a large convention coming in the same time so bookings best be done soon.

Mary has a website: www.adestinationtravel.com or can reached by email at mary@adestinationtravel.com- or 702 248 1234-office-499-8991-cell- or home at 458 7717.  Please contact Mary and get your plans in place....we want to see you at the reunion!!

Linda Steele at Eagle View Bed and Breakfast says they will give a rate of $80 a night if the class-of-56 classmates will take all five rooms.  This is really a nice place and if classmates are interested in taking all the rooms, we can get the $80/night rate.  Probably should do this right away so that "first come, first served" on these very nice accommodations.  When you call, tell them you are a Class-of-56er.  Again---you can view the accommodations at www.bbonline.com/sd/eaglesview/  
 
Jeannette says:
 
she has received registrations from Jim Kadlec and Judd and Diane Cooney!  Looks like our classmates are coming this way!  I hope so.  By the way, we need to remember Bob Klemann in our thoughts and prayers at the passing of his mother very recently. 
 
Take care and stay well all.  God bless. Jeannette

Accommodations are getting scarce for the dates of our reunion...so, please make your reservations as soon as you can. One B&B recommended by Jeannette is www.bbonline.com/sd/eaglesview/

Some Katrina pictures for you

We asked for comments and stories from our class as well as from classes above and below us.  Here is one from John Mellon. Enjoy this comment as much as I did....the class of 58 had many wonderful friends.

John Mellon says:

I graduated from Pierre HS in 1958. It brings back good memories to go through this web site. My wife, Lana, & I are going to try to make the 50th reunion in 2008. Our two sons, John III & Paul are in the Phoenix, AZ area.

My brother, Jim, is in Mandan/Bismarck, ND in the bowling business. Another brother, Frank, is in San Diego, CA. Our brother, Dan, passed away many years ago in a car accident in Wyoming after coming home from work. Our Mom, Dorthoty & Dad, John Sr. passed away many years ago when they were living in Pueblo, Colorado.

Touched base with Terry Dilley from my 1958 class & part of the Swing Masters dance band we had. He sounds good; look forward to seeing Terry & other 1958ers in 2008.

Best wishes to all. John & Lana

Guess who these guys are? Or--> "...and the pheasant they rode in on!"

OK...I got to get you guys involved somehow....so, how about you guys submitting your favorite vacation photos.  Here are some of mine....to get it started. I took the kids to Florida...tried parasailing while they played on the beach.

Now....send me your favorites....please!!!!!!!!!

Can you name the characters in this photo?

Congratulations to Roger Garrett!! 
 
Roger represented the Class of '56 with great humility as he was inducted into the Riggs Hall of Fame.  Brother Glen Garrett presented the award.  It was also touching to see Dick Miller approach Roger with a hug. 
 
The night was also rewarding in that Pierre (ranked No. 2 in the ESD) beat Watertown (ranked No. 1) to a packed house.  Click on the link below for the full story.

http://www.capjournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=10&ArticleID=14344

The "official registration" for the Reunion will be sent soon. 

Clint runs Tequila with these Hombre's...he is offering beer to anyone who can name at least one of them...see the comments page.  This is for beer, ya'll....from Clint Schimkat...who hasn't bought a round since 1955....c'mon.

OK...here we go. Name all in this picture and win a prize at the 50th Reunion....submit your answers via the "Comments" page.  The photo contains classmates and others.....

ps: Send in photos you have and we'll display them...for everyone to try and name the people in the photo's...any you may have from our childhood till now.

The King (of Hearts) is back on stage!  ID the man with the horn via the Comments Page....

This is the words for the song or chant that Bill Picotte's son's did at last reunion.  Jim and Bill
 
Tuwe sece cun cakata u we
(Name) come to the center
 
Oyate kin wacin niyape ca
The people need you to do this
 
Wiyuskinya cokaata u we
Rejoicing or gladly, come to the center
 
YOU WILL BE REQUIRE TO SING ALONG/AND CHANT WITH THEM AT  OUR 50th REUNION....COME PREPARED!

 

Clint gets chummy with the San Diego Char--gerrr Girls!

 

Bill always gets the blondies!  

Can you name all 3hree of these beauties?  Send your answers in via the Comments page....

Frank flys again!!!!  Frank's OU Sooners win the Holiday Bowl.  Frank was at the game and cheered them Sooners on...

Schimkat rides again!  Well...sort of. Pictures of Clint's daughters, Jill and Jana, riding Dolly and Te at the Central States Fair in Rapid City...next year...we'll see them next year at the Nationals in Vegas!!!

Early Snow Storm clobbers Pierre

Click here for the story 

main.asp-SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=13987

Class of '56 Plans 50th Reunion This Summer!

The Pierre High School Class of 1956 will hold its big Five-Ohhh (yes...you got it, that's 50th) class reunion September 22-24, 2006.  The festivities begin Friday evening, September 23, 2006 with a mixer and registration at the Izaak Walton. A student scholarship, fund-raising golf outing is scheduled the next day for those who want to visit the links or just ride around and visit friends...throw firecrackers, or whatever...just make a contribution, but stay legal.  An adventure on the Missouri River on Clint's  'African Queen' is also on tap for Saturday. Please bring your own paddle...the price of gasoline is simply too high. A social hour, dinner and dancing will be held Saturday evening, September 23, 2006 at the Izaak Walton. Other activities on the drawing board may include a visit to the Oahe Dam to renew old memories. We may re-enact a gang fight in front of the old Ft. Pierre dance hall on Saturday night....need some volunteers for that.

We need suggestions for activities and photos of our days in grade school through high school to make this website enjoyable for all. What can you send in? Just let your mind wander back to those days of yore, here's a few ticklers: Many of us worked on the Oahe Dam. How about a page devoted to that? I think Bill Fritz and Frank Tucker held the endurance record for applying hot tar to steel pylons at the dam...worst job at the dam, but the pay was tops. Many of us were "muckers" in the tunnels, surveyors, drove trucks, worked on cement crews, steel workers and...even worked on the dynamite crews. They even gave Frank a key to the dynamite storage shack. How about some pictures of the "Great Flood" that happened during our time in school. Many of us flew in the Schimkat super cub....Clint is donating a film that will be on this website when ready of a flight back then. Most of us worked on a farm sometime....need some pictures of that. And, who could forget the daring nude sprints...down the hallway from one gym door to the other...praying that no one came strolling around the corner. There are so many memories...let's share them with each other.

 So dust off your Gumbos, put on your Green and White, and get ready to rock and roll with all your "old" friends and classmates. If you did not receive a reunion letter and registration form in the mail, that means your address is not current on the class mailing list, please notify Jeannette Pfeifer..

 Now & Then Specials!

Please visit our new photo gallery of "Now & Then Specials".  We have added a very interesting touch, and we think you'll enjoy it.

Help us get a great "Look" for the Website!

The Get Connected Team is pretty pleased with a new look we have created for the website.  However, we seek your input for changes that will improve the website. Do you like the banner? Or, would you like to change it....with a picture of the school or something of that year.  Anyway, check in on our Comments Page and let us know what you think! 

Class of '56 BLOG

The Class of '56 now has a BLOG( that's a weB Log)!  The BLOG master will be our own (TBD). We need a volunteer to be the BLOG Master. Wouldn't you love to have that handle? Like when stopped for speeding and the officer asks "What do you do, Sir...or Madam?" You can reply "Whyyyyyy....I am the BLOG Master." I am sure the officer may reply with a "wooooooooo, right...and from the great planet...Blog...right?" You ought to get out in 2, maybe 3 years.  So....Mr. BLOG Master....we are seeking you.

You can catch a link to the BLOG on our Web Links page, or click right here - BLOG!

Veterans Photo Gallery Added!

A veterans photo gallery is now part of our website!  If you served, please feel free to send a photo of  you in your military regalia.  We will post it.  We are proud of our veterans and we thank all who served our country.  Please send the photos tothe webmaster below.  Thank you!

South Dakota Vietnam War Memorial!

In September 2006, the State of South Dakota will welcome home and honor our South Dakota Vietnam Veterans with the dedication of a large bronze statue memorial and many other special activities in Pierre.  We want to make sure that every South Dakota Vietnam veteran receives an invitation to the Dedication.  Please see the news release, and visit their website at:  www.sdvietnamwarmemorial.com.

Past Reunions Photo Gallery!

A Past Reunions Photo Gallery captures the photos of the past reunions. Check it out!  If you have any photos from past reunions, please send us a .jpg copy and we will post it in that gallery!  Thank you!

Website Update!

Our website has been in a long period of development with much hard work contributed by the Get Connected Team, and others.  Our special thanks to Larry Kleinschmidt of the class of 65. Larry let us download their site for a start and then provided a lot of help....we'll tip one to Larry at the reunion! We are now at a point where we have a very wonderful experience awaiting the new visitor!  We currently have some photos related to the Class of '56.  We began hoping to achieve a "stroll down memory lane", and now we have the possibility of much more. 

This site will be more like a "day trip" down memory lane. 

Please browse around and enjoy what could be available to all of us once we fill in the content. Our "content" effort is just starting. We need everyone's input to make the vision a reality.  Read through the Blog, and the Comments Page, you will find many old friends here sharing their memories.  The site will become a reality as more and more contributors submit photos and memories.  If you have photos or mementos, please submit them to the Webmaster and they will be posted here.

So please enjoy this "day trip down memory lane".  Stay a while and put your comments and impressions in the Comments Page, or the Blog.  Come back often as this site is changing daily!

Oh, and don't forget to make your reservations for the Reunion.  See you in Pierre this summer!

Sincerely, The Get Connected Team.

Frank Tucker did not pass away...so quit celebrating, ya'll

He just hasn't moved in several days...bad batch of wine.

Seriously...in this section, we will post names and obituary of our class mates that have passed away. An example is given below.

Lionell Williams Passes:

Lionell was a member of the Class of '63.  He died on Feb. 26, in Dade City, Florida.  View his obituary.  Our deepest sympathy goes out to Howard and his family.
 
Contact WebMaster  with Questions or Comments!      Last modified: 10/06/11