Augusta Military Academy - Recall Yearbook (Fort Defiance, VA)

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Cadet Life — 25

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Christmas joy permeates atmosphere “Bah, Humbug! Where’s the Christmas spirit?” Charlie Pascale failed to see “E” Company's Christmas tree, the colored , lights encircling Band barracks, or the packages which began to appear. Marching to meals and even drills to Christmas carols, few cadets could fail to react to the joy which began to show everywhere on grounds. Candy canes, pronto pups, more carols, and a stocking of candies for each Lower School cadet were mere trimmings for the bubbling spirit which they exhibited. VFW’s Freedom’s Challenge contest, judged by Lt. Kupcinski, Lt. Lobb, Mrs. Simmons, Capt. and Mrs. McDonald, and Major Edwin Hart was won by Bill McLaughlin. It was the first step to a possible $400 award. DAZZLING LIGHTS brighten Band barracks and keep the members in the proper spirit. Christmas trees, lights, and ribbons made this the spot for fun. GIFTS GALORE! Larry Reed ponders over the number and the size of many, apparently intended for Chuck Chekemain. Eggnog and surprises made him happy. 24 — Cadet Life Christmas Vespers featured the choir in its annual appearance. Scripture readings and a playlet set the scene for Col. Livick’s appeal to the corps for support of the Lynchburg Orphanage. Traditional is the gift from Augusta cadets of a Christmas dinner to the Orphanage. Topping last year was the gift of slightly more than $750. Snow returned to the scene and the hills were alive with the sledding and skiing of the outdoor enthusiasts. Overtime excitement in the opening basketball game soared but the final Columbian Prep score was 72. AMA was two points under. Roger Jensen, Bill Tate, Jay Fulk, Chuck Hearn and Lee Burson formed the nucleus for Coach Gorgrant’s roundball men. Early leave gave cadets 23 days at home. Joy! IT’S NOT DANDRUFF, but the electronic flash makes snowflakes look huge. Glenn Campbell, Leigh Temple, Van Rametta, and John McGraw slip and slide to class. SUNDAY LUNCH sets the stage for John Miller, Mike Picardat, and Richard Hart. It’s the last Sunday before Christmas leave. Anticipation is the rule.

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Winter stimulates Study, sports, hops North winds sent wintery blasts into Ft. Defiance as cadets rushed back after a long Christmas vacation. Like the sword of Damocles, the specter of examinations hovered menacingly over the corps. The natural result was a retreat to the books. Top students of the seniors were Jeffrey Leonard, Larry Reed, and Charlie Pascale in a hairbreadth race towards the honor of being valedictorian. Highest ranking new cadets were Don Malnati, Mike Sisak, and Bill Allen. Disliked by the old cadets was the new examination schedule which condensed the program from a five day spread into three frantic days of study, little sleep. Basketball surged into popularity with the exams but a memory. In late February AMA became the scene of the Military Schools’ League Basketball Tourney. Popular as always were the company dances which swung during the winter months. The bi-weekly hops shortened the snail-paced bleak cold days, and the new strobe-lighted, poster-decorated, record hops were just as popular with the Stuart Hall dates. Practices in the snow were the trademarks of the Band and Roller Rifles as they prepared for the George Washington Birthday Celebration in Alexandria. First place trophies by both units and the sharp color guard proved that the effort was worthwhile. Silver trophies for the units joined the first place wins of '68. Happiness came to new cadets with the acquisition of rank. For Honor Roll men, it was a mid-February weekend at home. ABLUTIONS are welcome in the winter months after a hard practice. Dave Kerns, one of the Parkersburg crew, showers down after a JV basketball session, BARREN SNOWSCAPE provides a perfect backdrop for a group of cadets, impervious to frostbite and freezing temperatures. Jordan’s hill receives use often. 26 — Cadet Life