Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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w V ) DONALD BECKNER Don, Hatchet Face Bellaire, Texas Physics, Artillery — Distinguished Mililary Student; Fencing 3, i, I; American Institute of Physics; Armed Forces Club 4, 3, 2, 1; Private 4, Corporal 3, Sergeant 2, Lieutenant 1. When ol ' Brother Rat Hatchet Face pulls out of limits gates this coming June in his Corvair Monza Spider, the Institute will be losing one of its finest Citizen-Soldiers. This Texan came to Virginia under the impression that his stay at V.M.I, was nothing more than a four-year Slumming spree. It didn ' t take too long, however, before one of our fine Virginia girls put Don on tlie slielf for good, much to the consternation of some of the locals. Don quickl - de eli)i ed a winning philosophy during his Rat Year that has carried him through his tenure at the V.M.I. This is easily recognizable in his ready smile for everyone, as well as in his ability to keep his nose clean. If Don is ever at a loss as to what sort of nite- nite stories to tell his kids, he can always relate to them his adventures in Nassau, or the tea breaks at a faculty member ' s house, or about the time he went over to Buck Weaver ' s house in fatigues. Perhaps Mrs. Beckner will show more than a casual interest in some of these stories also. EDWARD BLILEY BEIRNE, JR. Burnie S.ANDSTON, Virginia Biology, . rtillery — Private -i, 3, ' 2, 1; Trainer for Athletics 3, -2: Intramurals 4, 3; Cadet Staff 4; Arcliaeological Club 4, 3; Salute Detail 1 ; Richmond Club 4, 3, , 1 . From the bogie dingles of Sandston, ' irginia, came the smokestack, Eddie Beirne. And came he did, into the military system to which he both abhorred and bucked. He chose to distinguish himself academicallj ' instead of militarily, and that ' s just what he did, being a private for four years and staying in Doc Carroll ' s Top Ten in the bargain. Eddie stamped himself as the barrack ' s top philosopher before very long, en- gaging in lengthy discussions with such notables as Pops and Kelly . Perhaps his greatest philo- sophic gcni cnnic at a moment of great exasperation with the iiillilaiy stem when he exclaimed, Man, it sure ili i ' ni.ikc ;i lot of sense, doesn ' t it. Burnie has set hi,-, .-.iglits on a medical career and has jet- propelled himself into the favorite ' s role for success. HaviTig added an awful lot to barracks lite, we can ' t help but feel that he ' ll succeed in almost anything. At any rate, he surely carries with him the highest regards of not only his Brother Rats, but all of us who knew him. HOLL.VND TRO TR BELL Clapper Machipongo, Virgixia Electrical Engineering, Artillery — Private 4, 3, i, 1 : Intramurals 4; Amateur Radio Qub 4, 3, i, 1: Tidewater Club 4, 3, i, 1 ; Americ-an Institute of PUectrical Engineers i, 1; Barracks Sound Techni- cian 1. With a cry of I shall return, 01 Cbp left the Eastern Shore, crossed the bay, and headed for the college community of Lexington. UMien Holland traded his beaches for the mountains, his runabout for one of Pete ' s buses, and his fishing pole for an M-1, he assumed a rank that he would hold for four years, earning for him honorary membership in that vanisliing clan of the first class privates. In Electrical Engineering by choice, and in Electrical Section 1 by nature, his willingness to work and to help others was readily recognized by his classmates. With a quick smile and a ready laugh, Holland has fitted into the life at the Insti- tute very well. This is established by the fact that he is the only Keydet to ever return from Summer Furlough twice in the same week. Holland has shown that he is c-apable of putting out the effort when the situation demands it: V.M.I, and especially ' (5-2 has been lucky to be associated with such a genuine person. fffii THE BOMB

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1 I THE ■f HR CLASS JAMES NICHOLAS BARKER, .JR. Jim Wakefield, Virginia Biology, Air Force — Private 4, 3, i: Rat Baseball; Baseball 3, ■2: Glee Club 4, 3, -2; Tidewater Club 4, 3, 5; Intramurals 4, 3, i. In the fall of 1958, Jim began the long, hard struggle toward medical school. Along the way he has met many obstacles, among those being: the opposite sex, academics and military, and an auto- mobile accident that caused him to drop out of school for a year. During that year, he stayed at home and tried to endure the hardships of civilian life before returning to his first love, V.M.I. During the last three years, Jim has not only gained the respect of his brother rats, but of all his fellow cadets. His broad smile and witty re- marks have been an inspiration to everyone. Jim ' s warm personality and his positive attitude will enable him to go far in the world and we wish him the best of luck. GEORGE BEARING BARNES Barnesie ' Alexandria, Virginia Civil Engineering, Artillery — Honor Court 1; Private 4, 3, 2, 1; Football 4; Swimming 2; Ameri- can Society of Civil Engineers 4, 3, i, 1; Intra- murals 4, 3 , 2, 1; Key Club 1. Barnesie, hailing from Alexandria, Virginia, came to the Institute to be a civil engineer, and in short time he reached the top, both academically and in the esteem of his Brother Rats. George also has the distinction of being a member, in good standing, of the elite corps of First Class Privates. Bucky Barnes, hot off of the high school gridiron, joined our ranks as a football rat, and also spent a season on the swimming team. He retired from these activities to dedicate his abilities to E Company ' s intramural team and to less strenuous activities, such as eating. This latter pastime has had much to do with his being re- ferred to as the Double Bubble . A familiar face at all the parties, George some- times presented quite a problem to his roommates, since moderation is definitely not one of his attri- butes where parties are concerned. Always cheerful in mood, but serious in demeanor, Barnesie ' s future, which is sure to include a certain little brunette, will surely be one of success. RICHARD BARRETT BARTLETT Rich PoRT-SMOUTH, Virginia Historv, Artillerv — Cadet Representative to Athletic Council; Private 4, 3, i, 1; Wrestling 4, 3, 2, Co-Captain 1 ; Football 4; Monogram Club 3, 2, 1 ; Tidewater Club 4, 3, 2, 1. It can be said of Richard don ' t call me Dick Bartlett that there is no one at V.M.I, better liked than he. Included in the reasons for his popularity among members of all classes are his love of bull- sessions, his quick smile, and obvious enthusiasm for life. To Richard the words a true friend apply perfectly. Richard has lacked military distinction, not because of a lack of ability or attitude; but simply because he ' s just too nice a guy. He has done well in academics despite his unending pursuit of pocket novels. He has been among the forefront of those carrying V.M.I. ' s name to athletic contests for four years. It is a certainty that Richard ' s diligence, amiability, and Peg will elevate him quickly in the law profession.

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FIRST CLASS X JAMES WILSON BIERMAN Jay Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Electrical Engineering, Platoon Leaders Corps — Private 4, Corporal 3, Sergeant 2, 1 ; Hop Commit- tee 3, ' •2, President 1 ; Floor Committee 4, President 1; American Listitute of Electrical Engineers 2, 1, Board Member 2; Salute Battery 1; Yankee Club 4, 3, 2, 1; Brookside Manor 1. Some people go to college to acquire an education. Others go to have a good time. Then there are those who come to V.M.L As a member of this select group. Jay has overcome this serious handicap to accomplish much during his four years of college life. Most of his Rat year was spent in the rafters of the gym as a member of the Floor Committee. After a summer ' s seasoning at Quantico, Jay came down from the rafters to descend upon the new rats. For his outstanding job as a corporal-private. Jay advanced to the rank of sergeant the following year. After the famous Ring Figure fiasco he found better hunting during the NewOrleans expedition. Spurred on by this success, he quicklj ' became a Brooksider. As a reward for his enthusiastic performance, Jay was elected president of the Hop Committee. Lender his guidance the Hop Committee has set a precedent for succeeding Committees to follow. Jay will always be remembered by his Brother Rats for his quick wit and friendly smile. If these are the keys to success, then he will find little trouble. MARION ELDRIDGE BLANTON, III El Tamworth, Virginia Civil Engineering, Artillery — Private 4, 3, 2, 1 ; Outdoor Track; Distinguished Student, Virginia Section American Society of Civil Engineers Stu- dent Paper Prize 2; International Relations Club 2, 1 ; Salute Detail 2, 1 ; American Society of Civil En- gineers 3, 2, 1; Intramurals 2, 1; Tidewater Club 1. From the thriving metropolis of Tamworth came the young man with the receding hairline and the unwrinkled brow. In his first year at V.M.I., El attained two distinctions; these being the successful evasion of the General Committee and recognition as an academically distinguished student. El set two goals upon entering V.M.L, and his four years here have seen their full realization. His desire to make a good academic record has taken most of his work-week time and his desire to have a good time has taken most of the weekend hours. His loyalty seemed torn between Nichols Engineering Building and a certain girl ' s school in Staunton. Never a great lieliever in the V.M.L system or in her many regulations. El has nonetheless managed to avoid the many pitfalls of a cadet ' s life. The philo.sopliy of the unwrinkled brow has pre- ' ailcd over all and has become a way of life. When ] ' ' ,1 rclurns to Tamworth, he will go with the well wishes of all 1h) knew him. His future success is assured and will l)e well deserved. KEITH STACKHOUSE BLOCK, JR. Stackhouse Ch.ath-am, New Jersey Civil Engineering, Artillery — Private 4, 1 ; Corporal 3; Sergeant 2; Cross-Country 4; Indoor Track 4; Outdoor Track 4; Intramurals 1; Salute Detail 1; American Society of Civil Engineers 4, 3, 2, 1; Ratline 4, 3, 2, 1. lien Keith walked through Jackson Arch to begin his cadetship, he had no idea of the system which confronted him. Being from New Jersey, he had to hear the phrase What! Another Damn Yankee! In those nine months of the Rat Line Keith managed to control that red-headed temper and earned the name Brother Rat. Keith mastered the hazards of the slide rule and learned to solve the enormous problems handed out by the Civil Engineering Department. Although he has been interested in track and lifting weights, he kept the C.E. Department his number one goal. For the past four years, Keith has maintained a high set of standards and goals. We have found that Keith has the drive to get ahead which will stand him in good stead after graduation. To be sure, no one in the Class of 1902 will ever forget Stack- house and his red hair. He will be remembered by us as a real Brother Rat in every true sense of the word.