Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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«L . WILLIAiSI FRANKLIN BALLENTINE Bill Portsmouth, Virginia Electrical Engineering, Artillery — Private -1, 3, 2, 1; Lea Scholarship 4, 3, S, 1; AIEE 2, 1; Armed Forces Club 2; Intramural Basketball 3, 1, Handball 2; Tidewater Club 4, 3, 2, 1: Delta Company Food Representative 1 ; Cadet Waiter 2, 1 ; Salute Detail 1 . Barrelling Bill, sometimes known as Sun- shine in the swamps of Tidewater, came to the VJNII with strong intentions of making his future in the Double E curriculum. This he has done admirably, along with displaying many character- istics of an L.A., as exhibited in his famous Episodes written for Colonel Rehg ' s Humanities class. Bill ' s feelings toward the Rat Line could not be sympathized with by members of the upper three classes during his Rat Year. This he discovered quickly as he found himself at the fifth stoop OGA meetings. These skirmishes with the upperclassmen as a Rat were only minor trivialities, and he came through with fljing colors and numerous tours. . lthough never achieving fame in the world of the Spit-shine and Stripes, witnessed by his clean sleeves, he has given strong support to the E-1 Resistors in their daily assaults on the electro- magnetic knowledge barrier that Colonel Jamison has generated around the first class E.E. ' s. Good luck to a true brother rat who will un- doubtedly find success in all that he attempts. Delta Company will be losing its most gung-ho supporter, but Candy Bar will be gaining hap- piness. VERNON MOUNTCASTLE BALTHIS Burley New York, New York Chemistry, Armor — Private 4, 3, 2, 1; Basketball Manager 4, 3, 2, 1; Golf 4, 3; . CS 2, 1; Monogram Club 2, 1. Although Vernon knew about the system at the VMI, he came that bright day in September 1959 to make a name for him.self in the Corps of Cadets. His knowledge of the Rat Line evidently assisted him in evading the OGA and the GC during that dark year. Burley, as he is now known, has become the bar- racks authority on basketball, having been mana- ger of the Keydet teams tor four years. His 5 ' 7 body can be seen with the gigantic centers at any basketball practice or game. Burley is also one of the three Chuck Gorens of room 180, where he is a charter member of the New Barracks Bridge Clique. His strategy and cunning play have meant the downfall of many contracts. Vern has always stood high in the Chemistry Curriculum and spends much of his free time in e Olde Lab. He is very popular with all the men in the Corps because of his characteristic drive and determination. Whatever he lacks in physical stature, he more than balances with a sterling personality, amiable character, and quick wit. To Vern, we of the Class of 1963 wish the best of luck in all his ventures. WILLIAM AUGU.STLS BKLL, .IR. BiUy COCRTLAN ' D, VlRGrVIA Chemistry, . rtiUerj ' — Private 4, i. Corporal 3, Sergeant 1; ACS 4 3, 2, 1; .Salute Detail 2, lit Sergeant 1. In the fall of 19.59, the pride of Courtland came through .Jackson . rch with a hog-calling voice that shook the barracks. Billy sur ived hLs rat j-ear to become ' 63 ' s ow-n turnout. A hard-working Chemistry major, lie almost met his match with Ritchey ' s Organic c-ourse, but passed with flying c-olors in the end. or Billy finally found the one person that be could not out-talk, a little Longwood lady from lack home. brother rat who will always be remembered by his classmates as the fellow with a heart as big as his mouth, with a smile to boot, is Bill. We wish Billy and Edith Lane the best in their future together. FIRST CLASS

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1963 BOMB WAHKKX TIIORSTEX ANDERSON Andy Clarks Str tinT, Pennsylvania Biology, Artillery — Private 4, ' 2, Corporal 3, Ser- geant i: Judo 4: VAS 1; IRC 1; Intramurals (Echo Company Captain 1) 4, 3, i, 1; FIP 1; Salute De- tail i, 1; Firefighter 3, i, 1. From the hallowed halls of Xewton Ransom High School and from the mountainous confines of Clarks Summit to the healthful and pleasant abode came the Big Swede to become one of its fairest specimens of the citizen soldiery. He enrolled in history; but, after a long, drawn out battle under the rules of Queensbury witli his co-pilot from Mafiaville, he saw the light and became one of Doc ' s most re- nowned products. A true bachelor, . ndy has killed them all across the United States. They have ventured from Penn State, Syracuse, Albany, and even Ft. Sill to capture the charms of this young caballero. Xone has fallen aside with the knowledge of a nearly-successful contest. . ndy, his trusty Stude, and his co-pilot will part with the Institute with a sigh of relief, always re- membering those words, Joe, do you think tliey will give us rifles? They gave them rifles, and rifles they had for four years, being privates, body and soul. The Stude will hit the junk pile; the co-pilot — who knows; but make way Kildare, here comes Anderson. GEORGE MILTOX ATKIXS, .m. Milt Amherst, Virginia Chemistry, . rtillery — Private 4, Corporal 3, ' 2, Lieutenant, Band Company Drum Major 1 ; Aca- demically Distinguished Student 2; Distinguished Military Student; ACS 3, ' 2, 1: Commanders 1; Religious Council 4. Every class has a few of those rare individuals who are capable of doing anji:hing well. Such a person is Milt, the long, lean lieutenant from . in- herst. Usually found in a lab in Maury-Brooke (ex- cepting hay time). Milt early showed himself to lie serious in his academic endeavors and has con- stantly been close to the top in the Chemistry Curriculum. In spite of this, lie has never lost his love for fun, as his brother rats can attest. No one enjoyed the band trips more, or Hop weekends either, so long as Betty could make the journey from W M. Most of Milt ' s cadetship has been tied up with the Band. First as a trombone and bass player then as drum major exec, he has done much to build up the organization. It will be a long time before the Band, or the Corps, forgets his half-time shows. Somehow, they always seemed to work out right. .Although his activities have kept him busy, he has ne er been so busy that he could not help a brother rat in need. AVith his ability and person- ality, we can be assured that he will be extremely successful in his chosen field. ROBERT REXTOX BALDWIN Bob Wkst Orange, New Jersey Mathematics, Artillery — Private 4, Corporal 3, ' 2, Sergeant 1 ; Academically Distinguished Student 4, 3, 2; Distinguished Military Student; n ' ho ' s T ' ho Among Students in American Unirersiiies and Col- leges; RDC 1; Cadet Staff 4, 3, -2, 1, Contributing Editor 3, 1, . ssociate Editor i; Rand Records Com- mittee and Treasurer 2, 1; Westminster Fellowship 4,3; Yankee Club 3, 2, 1. Out of the only cow- pasture in the New York City area (West Orange) bopped Big Bob Baldwin on that black Wednesday in September 1959. The first to realize that he was here and on his way up were the Mathematics majors and the Alpha Com- pany corporals. He set academic records as he emerged first in our class and as 18th ranking cor- poral in the Corps at the end of that first year. In this, our last year, he is still on top of the heap as the first ranking sergeant in the Corps and the Avin- ner of the First Jackson-Hope Medal for academic achievement. Bob ' s greatest honor was to be allowed to room with Mike, Mell, and the Beaver his second class year. He received this award for his ability to be a regular-type guy, even to the extent of having a bad attitude like the rest of us at times. We feel it only reasonably modest to say that Bob ' s high sense of responsibility and integrity will distinguish him both as an officer and in later life.

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-i- RICHARD HARE BELSHA Bugs Norfolk, Virginia Electrical Kngiiieeriiig, Artillery — Private 4, 3, Corporal -2, Sergeant 1; Hop and Floor Committee ' 2, 1 ; AIEE -2, 1 ; Armed Forces Club 4, 3, -2, 1 ; Intra- mural Football. Swimming 4. 3; Tidewater Club 4, 3, ' 2, 1: Artillery Salute Detail ' 2, 1. The taxi canie to a halt in front of Jackson Arch, and Rick Belsha stepped out to begin his cadetship. He kissed otf the last mundane pleasure, wiped ott the mud, and was quickly grabbed by the anxious cadre. Several months later, after several OGA and GC sessions. Rick decided this was not the place for him. He started doing the studying necessary to enable him to have some weekends back in the swamp s. Countless weekends and a succession of girls and parties have tried to keep his mind from the values the VMI offers, but the Belch is not one to shun rank and academic demands. He has managed to be a high-ranking sergeant and a talented electrical engineer. . t last, graduation is here, and Rick hopes to return to the swamps and surf again. We always remember him as one who did more than enough for our class, not jii.it enough. CHARLES DODSOX BENNETT, .IR. Buddy D. NVILLE, VlRGINU History. .Vir Force— Private 4, 3, -2, 1; IRC 3; Political Science 2, 1; Cdee Club 1: Iritraniurals 4, ■2, 1. Yhen Old Bud arrived at the IiLstitutt- !) Sej)- tember 1959, he had mixed ideas about the military system. It wasn ' t long, however, before his dyke had convinced him that military life was definitely OTL. Thus, over a period of four years. Buddy has made the military life at the Institute adapt it.self to him Bennett-wise; not vice versa. But don ' t be misled. Those of us who know him best know that the military is the only facet of col- lege life that Buddy has ignored. He has risen to great heights in academics, and his achievements in this field never cease to amaze his contemporaries. Let ' s not forget the social part of the story. Al- though studying came first, trips to Staunton, Lynchburg and occasional treks back home to Dan- ville (Stratford and Averett) always seemed to keep the lover away from barracks on weekends. What else is there to say except that an indivi- dual as well-rounded and well-liked as Buddy Bennett can expect nothing but good luck in the future. JERRY CLINTON BENNEIT .lerry RoANOKK Rapids, North Carolina Civil Engineering, Armor — Private 4, Corporal 3. ' 2, Sergeant 1; Di.stingui.sked Military Stuile?it; Floor Committee 1; ASCE 3, ' 2, 1; Glee Club 4. On 9 September 1959, the doors of .Jackson Arch opened to this Roanoke Rapids lad, changing his life from that of an easy-going fiigh schooler to that chaotic state — ratdom. Jerry soon mastered the essentials of this way of life, proving himself capable in Shining 101, Rifle Cleaning 111, and Bed-making 1 ' 21. It must be remembered that academics during this year did not count. Later, .Jerry settled down for the regular school session and for the summer. As a result of his mastery of the essential Rat subjects, .Jerry got his corporal stripes, which were conveniently equipped with zippers. His thoughts turned to wine, women, and song, if indeed they had ever strayed. .Jerry made trips to the many girls ' schools in the Valley, even reaching North Carolina. Can one ever forget the wild car rides and spilled beverages during the summers. Now, as a first classman, .Jerry has his eyes set on that coveted piece of sheepskin which will return him once more to that wonderful civilian life. Few know what the future holds for him, but one thing is assured — whate%cr goal .Jerry .sets for himself, he will attain it. FIRST CLASS -J