THE ECHO · Bill Simpson together with his Adjutant, ... working in concert with Blackwater officials, ... Grant says he can recognize Layton Humphrey

TENTH ANNIVERSARY EMPHASIZES ECHO COMPANY

STRENGTHS

THE ECHO “Continuously in print since 2002, Serving Kemper Old Boys and the Kemper Family”

CHIMI Official Publication of Echo Company, Kemper Military School COST $1.00

June 2012 www.echocompany.org Vol IX No 2

Donald D & Richard R Bruning KMS ‘63 My brother and I want to invite each and every Kemper Old Boy to attend Blackwater on 8-10 June 2012. It is not too late to come! No one cares how you get there. Some Old Boys fly, others drive, and still others ride with friends. You can be with classmates and friends, renew your signature to the 2012 Standard of Honor, and attend a memorial service to the founders of our school. You could win a prize just for showing up that would make the whole trip worthwhile. All year long the leadership of Echo Company has planned the upcoming reunion. We want your experience to be one which you fondly remember and cherish as much as your days at Kemper. Please don’t put off coming or tell yourself that, “I’ll make the next one!” When we started gathering in Blackwater, there were just a few of us, and we did so in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie. We had no agenda and still don’t except to keep the flame of friendship alive and burning brightly. We have seen tearful reunions, joyous laughter and Old Boys making plans for gathering their families, that is as it should be. You see, we are all brothers and if you loved Kemper, cherished the time you spent at Kemper, and feel a bond of ownership in our old school, you are one of us! Not long ago we heard from an aging Kemper Old Boy who told us, “I cannot come but would love to. Age has taken its toll and I am no longer able to travel.” Think about that, you can and should make every effort to attend Blackwater while you can. See you there! DON & DICK BRUNING

ED RIDGLEY KMS ‘66 RIDGLEY CALLS FOR DEMONSTRATION OF

PRIDE- UNITY We can and should gather to honor and remember that place which formed our character and contributed to whom we are today. I am asking each of you to decide for yourself if Kemper is worth remembering and honoring in a way which is worthy of her sons? There is no better means of expressing our gratitude to those living and dead than to come together and break bread together. Echo Company offers you this opportunity and I hope that each of you takes a few minutes to consider joining with us in Blackwater. We will laugh together, eat together and share our heritage. KEMPER PROUD! ED RIDGLEY

A flurry of last minute activity characterized the operations center within Echo Company as staff readies for what leaders call, “A Signature Event”. Captain Charley Murdock, event organizer, briefed the Board on details of the organization’s efforts to create a capstone like event for the members of Echo Company. Murdock outlined the planned activities as a “demonstration of pride combined with a healthy dose of nostalgia”. Echo President, Ed Ridgley instructed his staff to use every means possible to encourage a record attendance at this year’s event. “I hope our members see this not as an end, but as the celebration of a new beginning,” Ridgley observed. GOLF COMPANY EMERGES AS NEW FORCE

Without official sanction, funding, or approval from the Echo Company Board of Directors, a new organization has emerged within the membership of Echo Company. This organization, Golf Company, is commanded by retired Kemper faculty officer Bill Simpson together with his Adjutant, Mike Dundee KMS’ 69. The two observed a need for a less structured opportunity to assemble and created a golf tournament expressly for Kemper Old Boys. The golf tournament is scheduled for Thursday & Friday, 8-9 June 2012 and you can reserve a tee time by contacting Echo Company or check the Echo website for details. STEIN HOUSE LIVES! Echo Company, working in concert with Blackwater officials, have recreated the Stein House expressly for the reunion weekend. A luncheon is planned for Saturday the 9th of June 2012 and will feature signage reminiscent of the closed establishment. The “new” Stein House is to be located in Blackwater for the reunion weekend. ECHO COMPANY HONORS THE “DEUCES” Echo Company will honor the classes of 2’s when it gathers in Blackwater this June. Graduates of Kemper Military School who matriculated in 1942, 1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1992 and 2002 will all be recognized and honored when the organization assembles in Blackwater June 8-10. If you are a graduate of Kemper and attended with one of these year groups, please make your plans now to attend the Blackwater reunion and help us recognize your year group.

BUTT PACK

Little sister “Michelle” has a special delivery just for you so…come and get it! Remember how good you felt when you saw the shadow of a letter in your mailbox? Well, here are your shadows and your letters! Let us hear from you or we’ll send Michelle to your house and you’ll have plenty of explaining to do!

THE ECHO ATTN: BUTT PACK 1518 Kaby Avenue

Crivitz, Wisconsin 54114 Rod Evans – Washington “I followed your advice and contacted Herff Jones in my effort to replace my lost Kemper ring. They in turn referred me to Brent Gooerlitz at Show me Memories LLC. HJConnection.com/Showmememories. Brent assured me it would be no problem to replace my Kemper Ring and he was going through their records to see if he could find my original order from 1969. Needless to say, I almost fell out of my chair and I cannot thank you enough! I will keep you informed as to how everything progresses. Thank you so very much. ECHO – Rod, we are happy to have helped! Your efforts will assist others to replace their ring as well. Tom Gerber – Bluffton, SC “Here is my ‘tuition’ I have been in contact with a couple of Old Boys from the late 60’s and early 70’s. Jim Devine, who is in Iowa and George Arnold (my roommate during my newboy year) is in Arizona. Jim put me in touch with George after I had searched for him over a number of years. I am looking for Howard Nemetsky if anyone has contact information for him – I’d like to send him a note.” ECHO – Thanks for checking in Tom, and thanks for your generous tuition contribution. If anyone has any information about Howard Nemetsky how about sharing it with us here? Mary Kay Jones – Tulsa, Oklahoma “Thank you!” ECHO – As the daughter of our founder and original visionary, Denver Jones, we are honored and humbled you enjoy the ECHO.

Gus Stevens – Vincennes, IN “It seems like I always miss the reunions held around the first part of June because that is when I go fishing in Canada. I hope that I can visit and get caught up some day.” ECHO – Gus, thanks for checking in! Good luck fishing in Canada and we will see you next year. Denise Bubeck –Wellsville, KS “Can you give me some information on T.A. Johnston? I think that he is related to me.” ECHO – Here you go Denise. We sent you a one page bio on Colonel Johnston and hope that it helps. Charles LeBus – Texas “I am sorry that I will not be able to make it to Blackwater this year. Family business, including a wedding will keep me away but I will be there next year!” ECHO – Charlie, family comes first! We will see you next year. Craig Anderson – California “I have orders from my employer for travel to Korea during the same time as the Blackwater reunion. I will miss everyone and I hope that I can catch up later!” ECHO – The September issue of the ECHO will contain images of the reunion in Blackwater. You will be able to see all that you missed.

COACH BOB HERRICK 30 August 1941 – 12 February 2012

Bob Herrick loved people and delighted in seeing them meet their fullest potential. This is particularly true when it came to the students at Kemper Military School and most of all his football teams. I asked Bob if he could put together a high school football team from scratch and with no money. That’s a fairly tough undertaking and most folks would have said “no!” but Bob Herrick was not most people. In 1999 Bob accepted the challenge to rebuild the Yellowjacket football team and undertook his task with a fierce determination that his teams would not just play football but would be champions. Bob cultivated friendships and contacts throughout Missouri including the University of Missouri where he became the benefactor of uniforms and equipment from the Mizzou Tiger football team. Bob did construct a football program at Kemper and those boys went on to win the gold football and earn the title of Missouri State Military School Champions. Coach Herrick used to buy his players McDonald’s hamburgers on their way home from games. It was a simple gesture but one which endeared him to his teams. I recall him telling me that Yellowjacket football ended as it had begun. Hard hitting, a determined running game, and a winning attitude. That in itself kind of sums up Coach Herrick. He was hard hitting, always running, and possessed a winning attitude! Bob lost both legs below the knee to diabetes but it didn’t stop him. Instead he used his disability to mentor veterans at the VA Hospital in Columbia. I’ll miss Bob Herrick and the inspiration he was to all of us. Ed Ridgley

“So Say You Ed Ridgley, So Say We All!”

Dear Fellow Kemper Old Boys, I wanted to take just a moment of your time to personally invite you to attend the Echo Company, Kemper Military School, June 8-10 meeting in Blackwater, Missouri. It does not matter when you went to Kemper, all of us share a common history and a proud tradition. It is a spirited occasion which befits our school and honors our common heritage. I hope that you will consider coming to Blackwater and sharing your experiences, visions, and thoughts with us and each other. Please don't pass this opportunity off and tell yourself, "I'll make the next one!" The simple fact is, some day we will be no more. The history which we make, the story which we tell, is the history of Kemper and a part of what our school was and how our school shall be remembered. You are welcome and respected, honored and remembered. Your time as a cadet is not forgotten and Echo Company, Kemper Military School works hard each day to insure the values which we all cherish are preserved as the hallmarks of our days at this great school. I hope that you will come and visit with us, tell us of your time at Kemper and how it has impacted your life. You will find receptive listeners, enthusiastic Old Boys, and a venue for directing the future of our organization. I hope to see each of you in Blackwater and please don't feel alone, you are with brothers. Kemper proud! ED RIDGLEY KMS 60-66 President Echo Company, Kemper Military School

BOYS WILL BE BOYS!

These photographs, provided to Echo Company by Colonel Grant O. Nelson, depict what is thought to be Kemper Cadets partying at Fort Bragg, North Carolina during Spring Break 1960. The statute of limitations has long run out so we can identify Grant as the cadet on the bed in photo at top. Grant says he can recognize Layton Humphrey and Mip Eaves. We found the names, Dean, Miller, Hamilton, Fisher, and Brunner on the back of the photo second from the bottom.

The bottom picture has credits on the reverse reading “Miller, Box, Kreuse”. If you recognize these characters or would like to comment on the photos, we’d like to hear what you’ve got to say. Just write us at:

ECHO COMPANY 1518 Kaby Avenue Crivitz, WI 54114

ECHO COMPANY WILL PAY

TRIBUTE TO SCHOOL FOUNDER

Echo Company, Kemper Military School will honor the founder of the school which bore his name during ceremonies at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Missouri on Saturday, June 9th 2012. The tribute includes a wreath laying and playing of taps at the final resting place of Frederick T Kemper. Members still recount the horrific desecration of the gravesite several years ago when misguided miscreants dug into the grave. A recent investigation by the ECHO discovered no charges were ever filed in that crime. “I hope this tribute will, at last, set the hearts of Kemper’s loyal sons at rest restoring to all of us a sense of dignity and a measure of self respect.” Said Echo Company Adjutant, John Downs.

FLYBOY By Deric Gustufson

Ed Giller was John Gould’s roommate at Kemper Military School; he was also a heck of a pilot during WW II. Giller flew 115 combat missions and logged over 420 hours of air combat. He won the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart among other awards.

Giller was part of the first pilots to fly the P-38 Lightening in combat, and was a

MG ED GILLER ABOUT 1943 double ace. His kills included an ME 262 “Schwalbe” twin engine fighter jet. They say you have arrived when artists render you on canvas as a tribute in history. That’s exactly what artist Robert Taylor did with Giller when he wrote: “On 10 April 1945 thirteen hundred bombers of the Mighty Eighth set out to destroy the last of the Luftwaffe’s jet force. But, unknown to the bomber crews and their fighter escort, the enemy jets were already airborne and waiting to spring their deadly trap. As the war in mainland Europe entered its final, bloody phase, the German Armies defending Berlin fought on with a savage determination, slowly disintegrating before the mighty weapon of war unleashed against them. What remained of the Luftwaffe was mercilessly pounded from the air, their airfields hammered relentlessly. Aircraft, fuel, spare parts, ammunition and pilots all in short supply but still they fought on, with deadly effect. At the forefront of the German offensive and pivotal during the defense of the Reich, were the highly advanced jet fighters of the Luftwaffe, and in particular the legendary Me262.”

Ed named all his planes (he had no less than five) the “Millie G” after his wife. In this famous rendition of one of the first jet kills, Giller gets the drop on his adversary and lines up his sights.

Continued on page 7

TO THE LAST By V. Akins

This is the final installment of a series of articles on military schools which I shall write for the ECHO. I have enjoyed this experience and, learned quite a bit along the way. I am grateful to the staff for having had this opportunity and I hope to revisit Echo Company some day and write again. I am not compelled by circumstance to leave, no great career opportunity presented itself nor threatening personal situation. Instead, I was given my most recent assignment and as I researched the subject, I realized my work was complete. You will understand as I tell you the story. John B. was an older cadet, 19, and had reached the point where he was looked upon as more a part of the faculty than as an actual cadet. He could have left the school having earned enough credits to graduate but loved it so dearly that, to stay was for him an honor. He was not harsh to the younger boys but helped them along in their studies and taught them the fine points of being a gentleman. Johnnie E., on the other hand was at the other end of the age scale. He was twelve when he was admitted and small for his age. His trousers had been tailored but still sagged and he looked more fit for a masquerade than for a military school. Still, he was so happy to be at “the academy” that his pride was infectious. The older boys used him as an example of enthusiasm to the other 47 cadets. Frankie M.’s dad had died while in the service during war and he had an elevated level of respect from his peers. He had borne a tremendous weight and responded with good judgment. He may have only been thirteen, but the death of his father made his brown eyes seem deep with resolve. Austin M. was the practical joker. Everyone loved him, and he could make bird whistles from willow twigs which, when used, attracted colorful song birds. This was found to be quite useful to the older cadets who swarmed to him after this discovery was made. It seems that song birds sitting on the shoulder of a cadet meant it would not be long before a pretty girl was sitting on his lap! Austin was fourteen and had twice been turned down for admission to the school. When finally admitted, it was only “provisional” or on condition of his academic progress. John B helped Austin acquire passing grades and the two became fast friends. Monty, or “O” as he was called by classmates, hated being at the school. He longed for the days of fishing by himself and riding horses on his father’s ranch. He did what was asked of him but almost everyone agreed he just wasn’t cut out for the military or for being a cadet. It was understandable; at age 15 he was growing increasingly aware of girls. He was given the first bird whistle which Austin made. Vinny S was 12, and also an army brat. His father was a lieutenant colonel, and a well placed officer who had graduated from the same school which Vinny now found himself attending. It angered Vinny that some of the other boys gossiped, Vinny had been promoted to cadet lieutenant only because his father was “connected”. In Vinny’s eyes he had to work twice as hard as everyone else just to prove he was worthy. His whole life had been spent on military bases and remote posts where he was subjected to the military since he was an infant. The morning of September 13th began much like the others. The cadets of the ancient walled school raised their cherished flag and saluted the dawn as it approached. One departure from the norm was an

address by the Commandant. He seemed particularly nervous and reminded the cadets that “our country is at war, our homeland attacked, our cities shelled”. The boys didn’t care! To them it was all a big adventure and part of being a soldier. It was not until the commandant told them that, if anyone wanted to leave the school for the relative safety of home he could do so after breakfast. At the suggestion of leaving, Austin coughed words sounding like “bullcrap!” All the boys laughed and it was not until Vinny simply commanded “TROOP!” that order was restored. After breakfast, of the forty-seven cadets at the academy, only six remained. All of the others were taken to the local train station for passage home, nearly all in protest. Parents who had been advised of the situation notified the school and demanded their son’s return. This nearly met with rebellion but the commandant, a good soldier himself, saw to it that the boys were all placed on the train. He even caught two boys trying to jump off the train and put them back on. The six young cadets remaining at school were jubilant at the idea of being alone without supervision. John ordered a military drill rehearsal and issue of weapons and, for a moment, there was a power struggle which was quickly resolved. The boy cadets drew their firearms with an issue of ammunition and stood at attention. In the distance they could hear thunder. Each knew it was not rain which approached but the storm of a different kind. Each cadet was sure the old school would be bypassed by the enemy and even if they did come, they held the advantage of defense from a nearly impregnable fortress like position. The boys decided to mount the walls in shifts, taking guard duty. Some would sleep and eat while the others took turns on guard. Monty reported he could see a dust cloud in the distance and a passer by said the enemy was just over the horizon. Not one of the cadets had second thoughts. No one requested he be given permission to leave. Although every teacher and staff member had long since departed, the boys resolve grew by the hour. “Screw those idiots!” shouted Austin, and everyone laughed. “They haven’t messed with anyone like us yet!” echoed Frankie as he put his bayonet on the end of his rifle. Hours stretched and the heat of the sun began to burn down on the small band of brothers. From time to time one of the cadets would report hearing clattering or clinking in the distance but still, they could see nothing. Then, almost like a wave breaking from the sea, a huge swarm of the enemy

appeared on the crest of the hills beyond. John studied them with his telescope as Vinny stood by his side. Austin urinated from the parapet trying to wet one of his classmates below. Again everyone laughed except John and Vinny. “How many are there?”Vinny asked. “A thousand, maybe two….they have horses, buglers, flags and all kinds of stuff!” “We got something they aint got!” replied Vinny firmly. “We got the damned advantage!” “All men to your battle station!” Commanded Vinny.”Lock and load, check your equipment, and ready for action!” It was a firm and sure command which instilled confidence in each of the cadets. They waited as the wave approached, the clinking and clanking becoming more clear. Canteens, cups, and equipment creating an ominous warning like a rattle snake before it strikes. Frankie stood from behind the parapet raising his rifle above his head and yelling, all eyes turned toward him. “Hey! You chicken dogs! Come on, we’ll show you how real men fight!” Almost as suddenly the entire scene drew quiet as the wave stopped. The boy cadets cheered Frankie in the belief his bravado had cancelled the attack. However, a new curiosity developed as three riders came forward with a white flag tied to a guidon. “Look!” shouted Austin, ”They’re giving up!” The enemy soldiers advanced to within 100 yards of the school, stopped and waited. When it became obvious that not one of the cadets would leave his post, the soldier carrying the white flag began…”You are commanded to lay down your arms and leave this place at once or, by use of force, it will be taken and you will all be killed!” The boys could contain themselves no longer and stood on the wall cajoling and heckling the truce bearers. Their answer was unanimous and quite clear. Vinny ordered the flag of the school be brought to him which he showed to the soldiers.”You see this? This is a flag which has never been surrendered and will never surrender. If you desire this school then you must prepare to take it with great loss of life – yours!” In the late afternoon, artillery reduced the ancient walls of the school to rubble. The boys were forced to consolidate their fighting positions within the barracks. Frankie was killed when debris fell upon him but this did not deter the others. Now came the wave again, from three sides. John called to his classmates to be calm and sure as Vinny checked each boy for ammunition and proper wear of his uniform. “We’ll teach those bastards no one messes with our school!” said Vinny. The wave of enemy soldiers surged into the school. A fusillade of bullets rained upon the cadets. Monty, emptied his rifle, picked up another and fired. He stood to face an attacking soldier, holding his weapon at ready arms and was struck in the face by a bullet. His violent death made the others realize this was a fight to the finish. John rallied the tiny group of defenders. “Over here boys! We’ll make our last stand here!” Austin was unable to move, his leg had been shattered and blood flowed freely from the wound. John bound up the injury loaded Austin’s rifle and handed it to him. “You stay here, he ordered and don’t let them get past you!” Into the school came the wave of soldiers. The firing was intense and Austin penned a short note when he could no longer hear any of the other students firing. (continued on page 8)

GREATEST GENERATION WW II demanded our country’s sons step forward and Kemper made her contribution. This is an analysis of the men who served in that war from our school: ARMY General 2 Colonel 12 LtCol 37 Major 84 Captain 182 1st Lieutenant 196 2nd Lieutenant 257 Warrant Officer 21 USMA 15 Enlisted 787 TOTAL 1578 MARINE CORPS General 1 Colonel 0 LtCol 1 Major 1 Captain 6 1st Lieutenant 6 2nd Lieutenant 10 Warrant Officer 0 USNA 0 Enlisted 49 TOTAL 74 NAVY Admiral or Commodore 0 Captain 0 Commander 4 Lieut Commander 9 Lieut (SG) 29 Lieut (JG) 41 Ensign 61 Warrant Officer 0 USNA 8 Enlisted 194 TOTAL 346 ARMY 1578 MARINES 74 NAVY 346 RCAF 3 TOTAL 2001 Former Faculty in Service 47 TOTAL 2048 KIA 100

OH THE HELL WITH IT!

Why should I come to Blackwater 2012 In all probability you can find an excuse not to come to Blackwater this June 8-10. Bets are you can find some way in your mind to justify your absence. “I had a doctors appointment! I don’t see so good anymore! I don’t know any of the folks there!” On and on. The fact is that none of those excuses are worthy of not coming. For each and every explanation as to why you are not there, there is an equally valid means of overcoming the handicap or excuse. We’re not giving up and we are not going to relent and say, “Oh, okay! You feel you are too old, we understand!” That is a bunch of crap! You get up that Kemper determination and willpower, overcome adversity, face the difficulty head on and get your butt to Blackwater! We are going to keep pestering you until you finally say, “Oh to hell with it, I’ll come!” Now pack your bags, call that grandson of yours and get on the stick!

MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY

204 Grand Mexico, Missouri 65265

(888) 564-6662 [email protected]

Missouri Military Academy continues to rise above all other contemporary military schools it is compared with. If Kemper were still open these two schools would be great rivals. Instead, our brothers at MMA have extended their hands and opened their hearts to Kemper Old Boys, offering a $5000 scholarship to the son or grandson of any Kemper cadet who otherwise meets admission requirements. Call, write, or e-mail Missouri Military Academy and find out for yourself what tradition this school has.

Missouri Military Academy – Leading the Way

SPACE CADET THOMAS TEBROC SELECTED FOR MARS MISSION

LtoR: Cadet Thomas Tebroc, Mission Commander James Olsen, and flight officer Edward Tipton

(with apologies to Tom Corbett)

BUILDING ECHO COMPANY Carol D Hyatt, Executive Editor

You did it! Your generosity, kindness and contributions have insured that Echo Company, Kemper Military School will be a strong, viable representative of Kemper and her values. We asked that you pay tuition or, a subscription fee to cover the cost of the ECHO and you responded with an overwhelming and uplifting demonstration of support! Thanks from all of here at the ECHO and on behalf of the Officers and staff, a special thank you for your gracious generosity. We are in great shape and moving ahead! Thanks, Carol

FORWARD KEMPER June, 2043 Kennedy Space Center. NASA announced today final selection of the crew for the third manned expedition to Mars. Included in the crew is young Thomas Tebroc, a student at Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri. Tebroc, from Dayton, Ohio, is a senior at the school and was selected from over 90,000 applicants. A science mandate from the NASA board of governors required “a student be selected from among applicants who demonstrate achievement in the field of research and astro physics.” Tebroc has completed sufficient work at the University of Missouri - Columbia to be awarded his Phd in physics from that school. Tebroc’s experiments involving quantum wave length studies as they relate to the annular solar eclipse, and coarse soil sample evaluations of asteroid Apophasis will be carried out during the ten month expedition. Although the youngest astronaut ever to be awarded crew status, Tebroc will remain as an active cadet on the rolls of the military school he calls home, Kemper. Tebroc will celebrate his 18th birthday aboard the space transporter Constellation but will return in time to graduate from the school as it commemorates its 200th anniversary in 2044. When asked about his selection, Tebroc quipped that he would not miss walking “area” at Kemper but would miss his classmates. Kemper Military School is the oldest military west of the Mississippi River and is known as the Wet Point of the west. Founded in 1844. It is located in Boonville, Missouri.

ECHO PASSES MILESTONE Your determination and willingness to pass the ECHO along to other readers has enabled us to reach a signature event in our history. For the first time, the ECHO newsletter has surpassed a readership of over one-thousand! You did this! Through your kindness, sharing and generosity! Not money, just leaving the ECHO where others can enjoy it as much as you have. Some of you left it in libraries; others have given it to family members, and still others have insured our newsletter is found in a wide variety of places including doctors offices, stores, laundry mats, and even a dry cleaner! Thank you and as we continue to grow and add stories about things you most want to read about, please know that we have you, our readers, to thank for our success. You’re great and you are the reason we keep doing what we do!

THE OPENING HAND By Calvin Bentley

I grew up in Grand Island, Nebraska, which is a relatively small Midwest town. We are a lot like Merle Haggard’s, “Muskogee” in that life in Grand Island is simple and representative of America. Our high school basketball coach used to come to the grade school basketball games, watch, and comment. By the time boys who were destined to play for the high school team arrived as freshmen, they had played together for as long as five years in some cases. I didn’t play basketball except in gym class. Some towns breed football players, but Grand Island cultivated basketball players and grew them tall like Nebraska corn! I went to Kemper instead of “GISH” which was what we all called the Grand Island High School. Gish had so many basketball trophies that our main hallway was dedicated to the accolades of past teams. Even alumni of the school spoke in reference to whom they beat at state when telling someone what year they attended. I came to Kemper as a freshman in 1969. Charles LeBus was my Corps Commander and I lived in “D” Barracks even though I was a freshman. I heard stories about the “peanut platoon” so I’m glad that I missed all that. I did all the cadet things which the other boys did and managed to survive somehow by the grace of God. As I said earlier, I was not athletic so I did not play sports. But I know something about basketball, and I watched one of the most fascinating seasons I have ever seen in 1973. In that year ten boys, coached by Bill Simpson, nearly did the impossible, earning a place in Kemper’s history which will live forever! These boys didn’t play together in grade school; they seldom saw each other away from practice and were separated by hundreds of miles during the summer. It was little wonder that in the history of Kemper no basketball team had ever challenged Missouri schools for honors as the best in state. That is, not until 1973! That was the year Bill Simpson molded five unlikely players into a winning team. That year the Yellowjackets played 17 games winning all but three.

1973 Most Winning Basketball Team in School

History Front Row: from L. to R.: Scott Wolfe, John Baker. Back Row: from L. to R.: Coach Simpson, Joel Paul Vaught, Louie Angles, Wayne Baki, Tom Mutz, Steve Ponder, Lyle Adams, David Keetle, Bill Lucas. Manager, Harold Lueker

The Yellowjackets advanced to the Regional finals in Centralia, Missouri and on a cold night in February, faced another determined contender, the Fulton Hornets of Fulton, Missouri.

The Yellowjackets had wracked up an eleven game winning streak going into the championship game. Here’s how a reporter for the Columbia Tribune called the game: “Kemper’s successful 1972-73 season came to a sudden stop last night as the unseeded Yellowjackets bowed to sixth seeded Fulton, 60-54. Last night in the Centralia Regional Tournament.

“The Yellowjacket’s end their season with a 14-3 record – the best record for a high school basketball team in school history. “After trailing 10-6 at the end of the first quarter, Kemper rallied in the second period to tie the game at halftime, 20-20. Fulton regained the lead in the third quarter and held a 36-32 advantage going into the final period. In a high scoring fourth quarter, the Hornets outscored the Jackets, 24-22 to win the game by six points. “Leading Kemper as he has led hem all season was Scott Wolfe. Wolfe scored a game high 24 points. Wolfe has scored 570 game points in 16 games this season – a 35.6 average. Steve Ponder added 18 points for the Yellowjackets.”

KEMPER YELLOWJACKETS FG FT F L Adams .2 0-0 3 L Angles .1 0-0 0 T Mutz .2 2-2 2 S Ponder .9 0-2 2 D Keetle .0 0-0 1 S Wolfe .8 8-9 3 TOTALS 22 10-13 11 Bill Simpson had no advantages and no reason to be in post season play. His team was made up of youngsters from all over the United States. As if in a poker game, he had been dealt a hand and he chose to play the hand he was dealt. GISH has more basketball trophies than Kemper ever had, but one thing no GISH team ever had was the dedication and loyalty the Kemper players had for one another. Kemper had a great coach in Bill Simpson and his efforts are noteworthy.

Coach William R “Bill” Simpson

No, the Jackets did not capture a state championship title in 1973. No one made any excuses for what was the best basketball season in Kemper history. The team turned in their jerseys and life returned to normal for the cadets who had made school history. Then, one day I came across Bill Simpson’s name through Echo Company and I contacted him. It was good to catch up with him. He has not changed from how I remember him. He still has that “cat that ate the canary grin” and he is still addicted to science and physics. The conversation turned on several subjects until, at last, we got to the basketball team of 1972-73. I had to ask him and I did, “Bill, do you have any regrets about that game against Fulton?” There was a silence so loud it became deafening and then Coach Simpson said, “We took two cars to the game. The starters always rode with me. However, on that night they all rode with Patty in her car. I really thought nothing of it but later learned that every single player in her car had come down with influenza and these boys were all sick as could be; they just didn’t want me to notice. “Do I have any regrets? No! I have to this day tremendous pride and respect for every member of that team. They played sick, with all their heart and still just about won. Regrets? NO! I have a deep appreciation.”

ECHO COMPANY PREMEIRES VINTAGE

GAME TAPE FROM 1973 Deep within the Echo Company archives are boxes of images and reels of film. At the present rate of review and cataloging, it will be several years before the full extent of the collection is completely understood. However, an 8mm movie reel of colorized film labeled “1973 History Making Team” caught the eye of two archivists who used their own time and money to clean, repair and place the film in a viewable condition. When the project was complete, it was presented to the Adjutant who brought it to the attention of the Board. Almost immediately an allocation of funding was made to digitalize the work and eventually upload it to www.echocompany.org where it is today available for public viewing. Our thanks goes out to the 1973 most winning basketball team in Kemper history and especially to Bill Simpson whose leadership inspired them. Watch “A TEAM OF DESTINY” at www.echocompany.org

HOROSCOPE By Karl Schwendler

Especially prepared by noted astrologist and astrologer, Karl Schwendler, for readers of the ECHO for the period between 1 June 2012 to 31 August 2012. ARIES (March 21-April 19) An interesting development finds you with a windfall of cash. Your good fortune is just the beginning of a whole new era in your life. Enjoy! Luckiest day July 14th . Lucky number 08. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Travel portends a changing dynamic which moves you. Relocation is not easy for the Taurus but take this one in stride. Luckiest day June 27th . Lucky numbers 5,19, 38. GEMINI (May 21-June 21) It is a good thing you are so fair minded, you are about to discover you have been victimized. Use your incredible scales of justice to even things. Luckiest day August 5th . Lucky number 14. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Life seems to rise and fall like the tide for you. This time is no different, just accept that it will get better. Luckiest day June 27th . Lucky number 55. LEO (July 23-August 22) A great joy fills your heart when you discover something which you thought to be lost. A bird signals the beginning of a new era in your life. Luckiest day July 21st . Lucky number 28. VIRGO (August 23-September 22) This is an ill advised time for travel during August. Keep your life balanced and practical but begin the renewed pursuit of your hobby. Luckiest day August 19th . Lucky number 21. LIBRA (September 23-October 23) For too long you have held this grudge and sought revenge. Let it go and feel the happiness it brings. Luckiest day May 9th . Lucky number 8. SCORPIO (October 24-November 21) Your affection for animals is at its zenith. Such a curiosity you are to others that you are rewarded with rising popularity use it well. Luckiest day August 16th . Lucky numbers 5, 9, 20. SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) All those people helping you finally pays huge rewards! It took a while but the lightening bolt has struck!. Luckiest days June 8th , July 21st, August 15th . Lucky number 14. CAPRICORN (December 22-January30) Long ago you put a message in a bottle, in July it will come back to you. Put a little money aside, you are going to need it! Luckiest day June 2nd . Lucky number 31. AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) A stranger tests your patience but this is exactly that, a test! Show calm and humor then reap the benefit. Luckiest day June 2nd . Lucky number 12. PISCES (February 19-March 20) A great celebration accompanies the arrival of this person into your life. Join in this celebration to the fullest and rejoice! Luckiest day July 21st . Lucky number 19.

Aunt Suzy’s Advice Dear Readers, A while back I asked our readers to help out in finding an answer to the question “Should the coffee pot be made ready the night before?” I never expected the volume of response which I received. Here are some of the replies. Dear Aunt Suzy, For the first twenty years we were married, I dutifully readied he coffee every night before bed so it would be set first thing in the morning. One day my husband criticized this practice saying the grounds would grow stale sitting out overnight. He can make his own damned coffee from now on! Jazzed on Oregon

Dear Aunt Suzy, Every day I make coffee for my hubby, grinding the beans, and waiting for it to perk. When it is finished, I take a cup to him as he shaves. More than once I have had to clean shaving cream off before going back to the kitchen. Wichita, Kansas Dear Aunt Suzy, I don’t care when the coffee is made! But, when I sit down I expect to have a cup sitting at my place on the table. Well, that was before my wife divorced me about two years ago so, now I make my own when I want it. Denton, Texas Dear Aunt Suzy, My husband passed away three years ago and I made him coffee every day. I still put on the coffee pot even though I don’t drink coffee. The smell of fresh brewed coffee reminds me of him and how much I miss him. Denver, Colorado Dude! I don’t make coffee! Just stop at Starbucks and get a café Verona! Pacifica, California Dear Aunt Suzy, A while back I brought my wife breakfast in bed. The coffee spilled soaking the covers and we still laugh about that! Rockford, Illinois Dear Aunt Suzie, My girl friend poured me a cup of coffee the last time I saw her as we parted. I drink coffee from that cup every day and each is the best coffee I have ever had! Okie from Muskogee Dear Readers, There you have it! The controversy continues but how interesting it stirred so many to write! If you have a question for Aunt Suzy you can write to her C/O: AUNT SUZY, 1518 Kaby Avenue, Crivitz, WI 54114

ANOTHER WINNER!

BILLY BOB CRIM KMS ‘46

A hard core, determined businessman who earns the respect of others immediately, Billy Bob Crim is our quarterly winner for a prize from the grab bag! Keep reading for your chance to win.

Continued from Page 3 “FLYBOY”

“The P-51, or Mustang, was ideal for combat over Europe.” Giller says,” partly because its design allowed it to counter German tactics of the time.” The P-51 was credited with helping the Allies to gain air superiority over the Germans, and the model was later used by air forces for decades. “In Germany, if you got on a fighter’s tail he would do what you call a split S, which is he turns upside down, and then he goes straight down, 400 or 500 miles an hour. You can’t do that in a P-38,” he says, referring to a heavier, two-engine American fighter of the time. “But the P-51 has a nice thin wing, so when the Germans did that, we just turned upside down and went with him. So that leveled that part of the playing field.” General Giller was born in Jacksonville, Ill., in 1918. He graduated from Kemper Military School, and from the University of Illinois with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering in 1940. After graduation he worked in Houston, Texas, for the Sinclair Oil Refining Company as a chemical engineer. In September, 1941, he entered active military duty and entered flying school. He earned his pilot wings and commission as second lieutenant in April, 1942, at Lubbock, Texas. During World War II, he served in the European Theater of Operations with the 55th Fighter Group in the Eighth Air Force, and became commander of the 343d Fighter Squadron and later was Deputy Commander of the 55th Group. He participated in the campaigns of Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; and Central Europe. As a fighter pilot, he completed 115 aerial combat missions, accumulated 465 combat hours in P-38 and P-51 aircraft, and is credited with multiple enemy aircraft destroyed.

Major General Ed Giller,USAF,Ret. I think what inspires me about MG Giller is the notion that he is insistent upon giving credit for his successful career to Kemper. In all biographies written about him, each is prefaced with the claim of his education beginning at Kemper. MG Giller is a humble soldier who is the consummate pilot and a great example of a Kemper Old Boy.

Supply Room Naughty Girl

She said she’d wait for you, remember? She said she “loved a man in uniform”, remember? She said that going to the big dance was the highlight of her life, remember? That was before you found out she was talking about that darned West Point cadet! Well, you may have lost the girl but you found Echo Company and that has to count for something. We’ve got the goods to make your memories complete. How about a regulation Echo T-shirt? Or a nostalgic print of Kemper from the 1800’s? We can stitch almost anything and make it a custom order for just a few dollars. Wives! You can send us your hubby’s shirt and we’ll stitch it with the Kemper crest and his name for just $15!! Sweet dreams on a set of sheets and pillowcases with the Kemper crest embroidered on them at each corner. Just tell us what size and thread count, we’ll let you know the cost. Write us:

Echo Company Supply Room

1518 Kaby Avenue Crivitz, Wisconsin 5414

In the days which followed, the story of the six cadets and their bravery grew. Soon the whole world knew of their valor and today these young boys are memorialized in a shrine of national importance. On March 5th, 1947, nearly one-hundred years after they were killed, the commander of the one time enemy forces placed a wreath of flowers upon the shrine saying, “Brave men do not belong to any country!”

Juan de la Barrera (John) 19 Juan Escutia (Johnnie) 12

Francisco Márquez (Frankie) 13 Agustín Melgar (Austin) 14

Fernando Montes de Oca (Monty)15 Vicente Suárez (Vinny) 12

In the siege of Chapultepec during the War With Mexico, a tiny garrison of 800 men and a few boys withstood the full force attack of the US Army and mounted a sustained defense for two days and nights. Today the remains of the “Boy Heroes” are commemorated by six giant pillars in the city they died protecting. President Harry S Truman paid tribute to them honoring their sacrifice and the inspired bravery they demonstrated.

Jaun de la Barrera In all the schools I have researched, none has so deeply or profoundly affected me as this one. The love these boys had for their school and their country is unmatched. Their devotion to one another is worthy of praise. I wept as I realized the passion which bound them together. They are deserving of high honor and I hope I have modestly approached that here. When next you hear of dedication to your school, think of these young men and the courage they gathered to stand as one. In the face of impossible odds they continued on.

(Continued from page 4) To his sister he wrote he loved her and described the battle, “I am all alone, I have to defend two sides of the same building and it is impossible. I am dead but will think of you at the last.” Austin was not alone however, as two more cadets had survived the initial assault. Johnnie E took the school colors from the dead hands of Vinny and ascended the stairs to the top of the barracks. There he unfurled the colors, waived them and shouted, “Hey! You dogs! To hell with you!” Austin fell dead from a gun shot and dropped from the barracks roof as the flag wrapped around him. John yelled his school’s motto “Por el Honor” and waged into a group of attacking soldiers, he was subdued and beaten to death with rifle butts. The battle was over and the victors had taken the old castle like school. The eyes of the victorious soldiers could not believe what they saw next! There, in the distance was a column of advancing unarmed infantry. The students of the school had deserted their train and returned en masse but too late. They were taken prisoner and ordered to bury their dead classmates. All the cadets wept when it became obvious how desperately their brothers had fought and valiantly they had died. As they worked, prayed and buried their dead, General Winfield Scott wrote the following from his forward headquarters: “Early in the morning of the 13th, I repeated the orders of the night before to Major-General Worth, to be, with his division, at hand, to support the movement of Major-General Pillow from our left. The latter seems soon to have called for that entire division, standing momentarily in reserve, and Worth sent him Colonel Clarke's brigade. The call, if not unnecessary, was at least, from the circumstances, unknown to me at the time; for, soon observing that the very large body of the enemy, in the road in front of Major-General Quitman's right, was receiving reinforcements from the city - less than a mile and a half to the east - I sent instructions to Worth, on our opposite flank, to turn Chapultepec with his division, and to proceed cautiously, by the road at its northern base, in order, if not met by very superior numbers, to threaten or to attack, in rear, that body of the enemy. The movement, it was also believed, could not fail to distract and to intimidate the enemy generally.” All six boy cadets died as men, bravely defending their school, their honor, their country.

The Chapultepec Academy as it appeared in 1847 (above) and as it appears today (left). Chapultepec is the only royal castle in North America having been the home of the Spanish Viceroy and is today the home of the Mexican National Museum.

ECHO 2012 REUNION SCHEDULE

Friday 8 June 2012 1400-1700 Reception - old train depot 1700-1900 BBQ dinner at the old train depot 2200 Taps Saturday 9 June 2012 1000-1030 Memorial honors ceremony 1200-1300 Lunch Stein House of Blackwater 1300-1400 Open meeting of Echo Company Old Train Depot 1700-1800 Reception /Old Train Deport 1800-1900 Dinner / old Train Depot 1900-1930 Awards and recognition 1930-2030 Standard of Honor ceremony