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

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Record returnees vow involved year Reversing the trend of enrollments in mili- tary schools, AMA experienced the impact of a record number of returning old cadets. Push- ing figures to over the 400 mark were 252 old men joined by 166 new cadets, for a total of 418. Late arrivals increased the tally. Determined Larry Thiel, sporting the new rank of Cadet Colonel, another first at AMA, ram-rodded his officers into a demand for complete participation. Early meetings meant that the officers were prepared for the influx of the new cadets during orientation. New furniture in the library, new paint jobs, and new faculty faces helped put impact in the year’s opening. After a dearth of home football games, the opener was welcomed. bi BARKING BULLDOG Larry Thiel calls his troops to atten- tion for the first time. His knees were weak. REBEL YELL is bellowed by Joe Gallehugh at the water-logged GMS opening home football game. Cadet Life — 11

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JUMBLED THOUGHTS stab Bruce Quigley apprehensive moments pending the first formation. MISFITTED, but correct, Ira Koonan steps into a perfect fit. Tradition was broken with new low cut shoes. TIGHT SQUEEZE. Jorge Rovirosa suggests to Al Zayas that he'll have a perfect fit when the hair goes. — Cadet Life

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12 — Cadet Life Changes occur; traditions still prevail Loathed by some, loved by others was a change of shoe gear. Sanctioned for the first time was the use of low cut shoes for town leave and parades, with the use of high tops geared for wear during the week day activities. Never had Augusta had rank above a captain for the officers of the corps, but cadets began sprouting the rank of major and colonel. A minor change was Lee Hall’s switch to officer in charge of Band Company. His rank swelled from captain to the brass of a cadet major. Col. John C. McCue’s illness gave Col. Charles Savedge yet another chore. His face was found in the Headmaster’s Office as the year began, hassling with class changes. Hanover Shoe company helped along the shoe purchases with a representative sent at the school’s opening to help fit shoes right on the grounds. Stepping off with the new shoes were the guidon bearers, streaming brand new banners for a stand-out effect. Reveille formation put the year into clear focus. It was a tradition which had not disap- | peared from the scene. Short hair, lectures from the Superintendent, and the opening | buffet supper proved that underneath, it was still AMA all the way. However, the greatest difference seemed to be in the spirit of the corps. Larry Thiel’s bell-ringing let the corps see sunrises!