Fellow USAFA Graduates,
I endorse Frank Schmuck, not simply because I've known him as a hard working man of integrity for 23 years, but because he's a candidate who will ensure the AOG is a body of action and substance. Frank gives his time and energy to his fellow grads and Service members selflessly, as evidenced by his ongoing work on behalf of veterans suffering from ALS. We need more like Frank, and that's why I also endorse his recommended ISE slate of candidates.
Frank and I became reacquainted in 2000 due to his efforts helping Persian Gulf War veterans, particularly those suffering from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. One of those veterans, Major Michael Donnelly, USAF Retired, was diagnosed with the ALS at age 36. He was an F-16 pilot during the Persian Gulf War with Lt. Col. (ret) KC Schow (USAFA 1978). Frank, KC, and other graduates, such as Chad Hennings (USAFA 1988), worked arduously to highlight Michael’s case. Their work captured the interest of Mr. Ross Perot (USNA 1953). Over time Frank's efforts, along with that of his fellow USAFA graduates, led to briefings to the Air Force Chief of Staff, General Mike Ryan (USAFA 1965).
Frank's advocacy, and that of others, ultimately led to recognition by the Department of Veterans Affairs of Lou Gehrig’s Disease as officially connected to service in the First Persian Gulf War. The subsequent unprecedented decisions with regard to ALS resulted in compensation and health care benefits to all veterans of the war diagnosed with the ALS.
As well, Frank used his experiences and contacts to help other fellow graduates highlight the problems related to Gulf War anthrax vaccinations. Public awareness of the anthrax vaccine's problems paved the way for Lou Michels (USAFA 1977) to take actions which led to a permanent injunction against the program due to the vaccine's improper licensure. The anthrax vaccine program continues to be a challenge for our country and the dilemma its posed remains unresolved. That's why I feel strongly about Frank and his colleagues as men of integrity -- they will inform the Academy and Air Force leaders about ongoing problems such as these, while offering solutions. I look forward to monitoring the honesty, selflessness and excellence of their work in the years ahead.
As you consider the candidates for the election of candidates for the USAFA AOG BOD please consider casting your votes for Mike CHRISTY, Fred GREGORY, Bill STEALEY, Mike OTT, Frank SCHMUCK, and Jereme ESTES. Their ability to come together at a critical time in our Association's history demonstrates their leadership, and they deserve our votes.
Lt. Col. Tom "Buzz" Rempfer, USAFA 1987
