Class News for 2007-2008

Another update from Buenos Aire. I've now been here almost three months—time certainly flies when you're having fun, and have established contacts in my ritzy neighborhood starting with a delightful pretty boy hairdresser that gives me funky haircuts, a wine store owner that recommends some awesome Argentine wines, a flower vendor whose roses don't wilt after two days, and taxi drivers that are so friendly, one of whom was a magician who had autographed pictures of David Copperfield and himself plastered all over his windshield and dashboard. My Spanish is improving from all the Argentine soap operas I watch and I'm inhaling the lifestyle with mucho gusto. Argentina is truly a fascinating place, even though I've only ventured out of the city a couple times since my arrival. Next weekend though I'm going to an estancia (escape to the countryside) with a group of expats and tourists.

I've was introduced to a wonderful guy who is an airline steward with an Argentine airline and he is inviting me to explore great cultural events and the local cuisine. He's also a chef and cooked a fabulous dinner for me. Too bad he's gay or I'd be falling in love! The embassy crew are either married or gay themselves so there's not much activity going on with them and me. It's not like it was when I was in the Foreign Service the first time and we bonded as a group and did a lot of traveling and partying together. Now no one drinks or even entertains anymore and as far as traveling, it's hard to get anyone to commit to even a weekend out of town. So I'm going outside the embassy circle to find friends. It was the same way in Paris—most of my friends were Parisians, which was a miracle to be able to get accepted into their circles.

Argentina is a third world country that pretends to be first world by flaunting it's beautiful architecture and boosting about its famous opera house or museums, yet the opera house is closed indefinitely for renovation, and the museums are in disarray. Even the new president is a joke with her daily speeches to the public about the farmer's strike or economy, yet nothing changes and she refuses to discuss the problem with the farmers. Rumor has it the government has organized the truckers to block the roads and the farmers have nothing to do with it. One saying has it, the Argentines build beautiful sand castles, only to step on them.

Customs won't release our vehicles, but also won't give us the reason why many of us have been waiting six months for our cars. I haven't even received my household effects because I shipped a motorcycle with my effects and it's considered a vehicle so I can't get anything until the Argentine government decides what they want to do. Can you imagine the state of our cars after a year of storage? Mine has been in storage since last September. I'm sure it's not good for the tires, engine and paint job especially if it has to sit at the port in Miami with the sea air eating away at it.

But other than the normal problems of living in other countries with strange laws and customs, this is a great place. The Argentines are very friendly, at least the ones I've encountered, and even though they are we are told there's anti-American sentiment here, I don't feel it. People are people and if you treat them with respect, they treat you back the same way.

Until my next update, hasta luego....Terri

Virginia "Ginny" Rae Aden
December 4, 1939 - April 8, 2008

Copyright 2008 Statesman Journal, Salem, Oregon.

Born on October 5, 1931 in Lansing , MI ; passed away on November 1, 2007 in Lansing , MI , at the age of 76. Mrs. Wah received her BA degree from Bob Jones University and her Master’s degree from MSU.  She taught high school home economics for Covert, Pinconning and Charlotte School Systems in Michigan and taught U.S. Army dependents in Orleans , France.  Following her husband’s retirement and surviving her battle with cancer, she and her husband, taught English in Hefei , China .  Mrs. Wah was preceded in death by her husband, William Wah, Ph.D. on September 26, 2007.  Surviving are her loving children, Sally (Kim Metzger) Wah of Lansing and William David (Martha) Wah of Buchanan, MI; grandchildren, Frank and Paul Madero, William Nicholas and Isabella Wah and Sebastian, Calista and Eva Metzger; brother, Don M. (Barbara) Schermerhorn of Marco Island, FL; and nieces, Carol Senters and Diane Peek. 

As the younger brother of 3 OHS siblings, I appreciate that you include the class of 72 in your database.  I have been stationed in Europe several times in the past 30 years and visited Orleans on more that a dozen occasions.  On one trip, I went into the building on Coligny Casern where the snack bar used to be (it was being used as a garage by the city) and chipped some of the Yellow and Black tiles off the walls.  The workers thought that I was nuts but it is a great reminder of greasy cheeseburgers and bugging my brothers and sister (by walking into “their” area)!

He will be sorely missed.  Bill surely did not deserve the suffering he went through for the last several years.  Gail was so good with him.

William Wah, Ph.D.


William Wah, Ph.D.
Lansing, MI

Born on June 30, 1926 in Trenton, NJ; passed away on September 26, 2007 in Lansing, MI, at the age of 81. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps. Dr. Wah graduated from the University of Connecticut and Michigan State University, where he received his Master's and Doctorate degrees. He taught in Trenton, NJ, Army dependents in Stuttgart, Germany and Orleans, France and taught in Lansing, mostly at Grand River Elementary. After retirement he taught English in Hefei, China. He also spent time during retirement in Jensen Beach, FL enjoying tennis until being slowed down by Parkinson's Disease in his later years. Dr. Wah is survived by his loving wife, Gail; daughter, Sally (Kim Metzger) Wah of Lansing; son, William David (Martha) Wah of Buchanan; grandchildren, Frank, Paul Madero, William Nicholas and Isabella Wah, and Sebastian, Calista and Eva Metzger; brothers, James, Fred and George Wah; and sisters, May Zung, Margaret Ma and Mary Hing. A Celebration of Dr. Wah's life will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Dr., Lansing with the Rev. Don Denyes, Senior Pastor officiating. The family will receive friends at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to English Language Institute/China, 448 E. Foothill Blvd., P.O. Box 265 San Dimas, CA 91774 in honor of Dr. William Wah.
Published in the Lansing State Journal - September 30, 2007

I'm long overdue to check in with you and what would have been the class of '68 if Charlie DeGaulle hadn't given us the boot. I attended OHS from 1964-1967 and like everyone else on the OAHS site, I remember those days fondly. I got such a kick out of seeing the photos of so many of my old friends, I wanted to send you a couple recent photos.

I'm living large in Medway, Mass., a small town 25 miles SW of Boston. My wife, Lorri, my two kids, Jessie and Leigh, and I have been living here for about 18 years.

I came to the Boston area way back in 1972 to finish college at Boston University. Before that, I was at The American College (now University) of Paris and Schiller College (where I went to delay having to leave Paris). I figured I would grab my degree in poli sci and blow back to Europe. Instead, I got an M.S. degree in mass comm, got a job, got married and more than 30 years later, I'm still planning on going back. For nearly all that time, I've been a journalist, mainly writing for magazines covering IT. I wrote a couple of books on computer security and crime in the late '90s. I also wrote a weekly column on consumer electronics for The Boston Globe for many years. Today, I'm a publisher for a small company that puts out a couple of magazines and a Web site covering telecommunications.

The best way to reach me, like everyone else, I suppose, is by email at malexder@gmail.com.

There is a little thing I sometimes do, 
and I'd like to do it just for all of you.

There is a little poem that I often quote,
and it so happens it's one I wrote.

The next time you see an old vet or a soldier, 
just ask to shake his hand or pat his shoulder.

He may be an Army GI, Navy or Coast Guard seaman, or she may be the cutest little airman you've ever seen.
But then, too, he may be just an old straight-backed, leather-necked, dog-faced marine.

Just remember though that each and every soldier is someone's daughter or someone's son.
Then when you shake that hand or pat their shoulder, take time to thank them for what they all have done.

Then when the day is done, and comes the setting sun, 
Lift a little prayer to heaven, asking God to bless and protect them, each and every one.

Gene also wanted me to tell you that he has big gaps in his memory from years of undiagnosed diabetes.  Now that he has it "under control", conversations with fellow OHSers is helping him to reconstruct his days in Orleans.  So, if you've got some dirt on him, or just some nice remembrances, touch base with him, and help fill in the gaps.

Just thought I would let you know that I appear to be recovering pretty well from my latest horse accident.  I sustained a head injury which took 6 weeks to show up in my starting to walk to the left. Thought I only broke two ribs. I was taken from Darnell Army hospital to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin on 4 Dec 06.  I was there 4 days.  Diagnosis was "sub-dural hemorrhage" due to a leaking blood vessel.  Fortunately, it was exterior to the brain and surgery and recovering better than anticipated. I can now say I do have two holes in my head but actually not visible.  They sure give terrible haircuts prior to surgery.  I went for a follow up and not as cleared up as hoped, so may have to have more surgery.  Another 3 to 4 weeks will tell after another CAT Scan etc. I guess my training of horses is over, but can still do ground work in the round pen if I choose to, but no horsing around as Aubrey says. I was back at work 2 weeks after surgery and doing great. I was able to enjoy my daughter and 2 grand daughters from Fairfax, Va. along with my other two grown up kids over the holidays. I am truly blessed with great family, friends, and coworkers. I am especially blessed with Christine at my side. She is the one that actually said, NO Choice Your Going TO ER.  She's a registered nurse and excellent horse rider and competitor.  Anyway, thought I would update.  My goals for 2007 are, Keep Christine close to me, no accidents, diet/exercise, and continue to thank God for my blessings and being here. Appreciate being put on prayer lists.    Thanks, Abel

HELLO PALS,  WISH YOU COULD HAVE BEEN HERE WITH ME LAST NIGHT. THE ARMY'S 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION CHORUS PAID A SURPRISE VISIT TO OUR BASE HERE IN TALLIL AND WHEN THEY FOUND OUT I WAS ONCE A MEMBER OF THE CHORUS AND BAND BACK IN 1965 THEY MADE ME A GUEST AT THEIR NIGHT STAGE PERFORMANCE AND I GOT TO GO ON STAGE FOR ONE NUMBER AND FOR A PHOTO SHOOT HA!  THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS OLD MAN WAS STILL IN COMBAT BOOTS AND BLOUSED PANTS HA! AND STILL IN THE ACTION 40 YEARS LATER. I WAS ORIGINALLY WITH THE BAND AND CHORUS AFTER WE DEPLOYED TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC IN 1965.  IT WAS A FUN TIME AND A TEARFUL ONE AS WELL. YOU KNOW WHAT AN EMOTIONAL SORT I AM. THEY SANG "UNDER THE BOARDWALK", "I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN", "THE 82ND AIRBORNE SONG", "BLOOD UPON THE RISERS", "FOR THE LONGEST TIME" AND MANY MORE. OF COURSE THEY DO THE AIRBORNE SHUFFLE AND STAND IN THE DOOR CHANTS.    IT WAS A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR ME. I AM HERE THINKING OF ALL OF YOU AND WANTING TO SHARE THE
MOMENT. I'LL BE IN TOUCH........................ HUGS FROM TALLIL, IRAQ  Chuck Wise

Dave,
Below is a tribute to one of our OHS "family". Dave Alperovitz (OHS'68) called me a week before the holidays and told me Mrs Tudder had passed away on the 19th of November. He said he was coming down for her service.  Dave and I last spent time together at the DC reunion. He traveled all the way from New Hampshire to Newport News on the day after Christmas and we attended Mrs. Tudder's service On 27 Dec 06. She and her family meant so much to both of us growing up in Orleans.

Thanks
 Mark
       
        In November 2006 the OHS family lost one of its truly iconic members. Mrs. "Bunny" Tudder, wife of the late LTC Bailey Tudder and the mother of Dale, John and David. Those who were in Olivet in 64-66 will remember "Mother Tudder's Boarding House" as her home was often referred to, because of her openness, hospitality and if need be a place for a kid to remain over night if you missed that last shuttle bus back to the main casern (remember we had no phones!) She was a most gracious hostess and understanding lady who was a shoulder for many a teenager going through those life-ending events such as; what to wear for homecoming, or who to ask to the Sadie Hawkins dance or going steady, (even when dad did not want you  to) and of course the breaking up. She was there at any time day or night with a grand smile, a bright word, and always music.  Besides being a gracious lady, she was a friend to all, forever. At her funeral in Newport News, VA two days after Christmas, it was noted that she had kept in contact with a kindergarten classmate for more than 84 years. It was also noted that had that gathering occurred in Orleans forty years earlier the church would have been packed with teenagers grateful to her for her friendship and for allowing them a place to "hang out". Ms Tudder was one of the most cultured people I had the pleasure to know and she passed those traits to all of her children. Her husband Bailey was the Scoutmaster of the troop in Orleans from 63-66 and had his own positive influence on many young boys. I  am blessed to have been touched by both of these great human beings. In the
1990s I was reacquainted with Bunny in Newport News as she worked one of her great causes, harmony and understand and equal rights for all.  Ms Tudder is predeceased by her husband Bailey (1996) and her younger son David (2005).   And  is survived by her daughter Dale  Scott (OHS'68)  her husband and wonderful  family of Newport News, Virginia. Her multi talented and blessed son John (OHS'69) his wife and great family of Charleston, South Carolina, and a bunch of grand kids and great grand kids. Bunny Tudder was truly one who loved life and those she lived it with.