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Most Recent News

Leadership Scholarship Question and Response

Submitted by Mike Ruth on Mon, 11/04/2024 - 13:17
 

Bill Deck, Class of 1964, on Nov 2nd posted on the GMSAA Facebook Group the following important question. I promised him a response from Perry and myself..

“It is with mixed emotions that I put down my thoughts. As my wife likes to remind me, we are much like the Shakers with no one coming in behind us to carry on. There has always been a push to leave a lasting legacy. Starting with the GMS leadership courses and then moving to the GMS scholarships. At the time, I was not in favor of the change of course, but now I believe we made the right choice to switch to the scholarships.

I am reminded of the Dylan Thomas poem “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.” With the last reunion and dissolution of the association coming up next year, I’m afraid we are going gently into the night. Unless the board makes some hard decisions in the next year, many of us will outlive our legacy. My question for the board is do we want to provide high dollar scholarships that will die out in 10 to 15 years or do we want to base our financial aid to reflect what will allow the fund to continue for generations to come. Might I suggest that 75% of the earnings of the fund be made available each year for scholarships and 25% be retained by the fund to maintain the viability of the fund.
As we “rage against the dying of the light” there is one scant year to get things right.

—Bill Deck”

Bill,
Thank you for your comments regarding the Leadership Scholarship. Rest assured that we are quite aware of the Scholarship’s overall financial position to include anticipated disbursements. We have an integrated model that includes expected portfolio returns which considers interest and dividends as well price appreciation, management fees, and inflationary adjustments to the awards. The Leadership Scholarship Fund will receive the residual from the Museum Fund and a portion of the residual from the Life Membership Fund (probably a total of about $125,000). The current scholarship amounts will be adjusted to an appropriate level by reducing the annual amount or the number of years awarded (or a combination of the two). From the outset, we knew that the awards would have to be flexible. The goal has always been to make the Scholarship fully funded. The Scholarship agreement we have with the GGV Community Foundation includes a Scholarship Committee, the composition of which can carry on in perpetuity, that is charged with ensuring that the considerations and requirements for evaluating student applications are followed. This Committee has the authority to adjust the scholarship disbursements should additional adjustments be needed after we are all gone.

With respect, Mike Ruth and Perry Woodside

PS: The Association will not end next year. It is scheduled to cease operation by Dec. 2026.

Message from the President

Submitted by Mike Ruth on Wed, 10/23/2024 - 19:16
 

To all GMS Cadets, Family and Friends:

On behalf of the GMSAA Board I would like to say THANK YOU!  to all who celebrated with us this weekend. I believe we had 98 people register early for the Friday night get together. While there were 14 no shows, there were about the same number who registered upon arrival to campus. We had 104 people at the dinner. While there wasn’t much dancing as we hoped, there were plenty of conversations and reconnection.

We also raised $6100 for the Leadership Scholarship, with a number of people pledging to contribute once they got home. 

If you want to contribute to the Leadership Scholarship please access the GMSAA website, or send a check made out to GMSAA.  Send to GMSAA, PO Box 922, Lewisburg, WV 24901, Attn: Mary Thompson. In the memo area of the check indicate the Leadership Scholarship.

What follows are not the minutes of the meetings but a summary. The important items of business this weekend were the signing of the agreement transferring the GMSAA Collection to WVSOM, discussions around the dissolution of the Association and the final official reunion. 

On Friday morning, after years of long and sometimes difficult discussions, the Board voted to bring the business of GMSAA to its end by Dec 31, 2026. The motion to hold the final GMSAA Reunion in October 2025 was also voted on. Both motions to close the association and hold the final GMSAA Reunion were passed unanimously. 

Friday afternoon the final documents were signed by the WVSOM Foundation, the WVSOM Board of Directors, the Greenbrier Historical Society and GMSAA to transfer the GMSAA Collection to WVSOM. After our board meeting, Governor Justice was on campus to sign a bill providing $13 million for WVSOM deferred maintenance. During this ceremony he spoke in depth about his time at GMS.

Finally, during the general meeting on Saturday a motion was made to keep the board membership as it is with its current 9 members until the Association closes. The motion passed unanimously.

Plans are already underway for the October 2025 reunion. Please note that after the October 2025 event, WVSOM has agreed to help facilitate informal reunions as long as we want to hold them. There will be a committee set up to assist in the transition to the informal get togethers.

One more thing before closing, I learned that the Greenbrier Jeep Rally will move to the 4th weekend in October thereby freeing up hotel rooms and parking lots!

Thank you to those who attended the board and general meetings, plus all your contributions throughout the last year. I appreciate your input and guidance. More information will be made available as we proceed.

See you October 17-19, 2025.

With respect,

Mike Ruth, President GMSAA
Class of 1969

Change is Inevitable

Submitted by Mike Ruth on Thu, 08/08/2024 - 14:49
 

This letter was composed in June for the upcoming version of the Alumni Record, which should be in your mailbox early next week. I am posting this now because of certain emails that have been floating around as of late. This is my opinion, and mine only as to where the Association should head.

June, 2024
To all GMS Cadets, Family, and Friends,

Change: Make (someone or something) different; alter or modify.- Oxford Dictionary-

Change doesn’t come easy and it’s certainly inescapable. Some of you are aware that after the New Year, I was diagnosed with prostrate cancer. With the help of a number of men including GMS alumni, I am now working through the biggest change in my life. The reason I tell you this is not for sympathy, but to say change happens and sometimes it is harsh with little time to prepare for it.

This letter is about change.

I feel it is time for the Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association to come to an end. Not our reunions, but the business side of our Association. I believe it is our duty to determine an appropriate timeframe for our Association’s termination. I would like to be clear, the Association and the reunions are separate matters.

As the Association goes, there is already a dissolution plan in place. It was written into our charter and amended a number of years ago by the Board of Directors. It was felt then, as I feel now, that we must methodically go through the legal and emotional process of dissolving GMSAA. This isn’t going to happen over night and it wont be simple. For the sake of continuity, I am recommending the people who have been working on these documents remain involved.

Why should the Association close? After discussing our situation with many alumni, it basically comes down to participation and money. The number of dues paying members are declining and our expenses aren’t being covered by our dues revenue. There is a real financial cost in keeping the association running, including paid and unpaid personnel, not related to reunion expenses.

Some of you would like to see the Association continue. Let me ask, continue until when? We don’t need the Association to see our classmates and friends. WVSOM has guaranteed we will be welcome on campus into perpetuity. We can continue holding reunions as long as anyone cares to go. The difference is GMSAA won’t be coordinating them. That responsibility will fall on those who want to get together, and WVSOM has people in place to help.

In my opinion our true legacy are the scholarships we award every year and the GMS Museum. We already have documents in place that will ensure these GMS legacies well into the future. Closing up shop while we are still active will save the Association in a multitude of ways, and quite frankly, it’s the proper thing to do.

As for the last “Official” GMSAA Reunion, let me suggest October 2025. Let’s honor those cadets from earlier years before they can no longer travel to Lewisburg in the fall. Let’s do this right with dignity and integrity and have this Final Reunion a monumental shindig while as many of us are able to attend.

Last year Lee Martin said it best with the following quote: “T’was Longfellow who said… ‘Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.’ ”

The above are my thoughts as President of the Association. It is my belief the board needs to move towards the closure of GMSAA sooner rather than later. I look forward to any and all comments and suggestions you may have.

With all Respect,

Mike Ruth ‘69
President
GMSAA

gms.mike.ruth@gmail.com

2024 GMSAA Reunion: The Thought Process Behind the New Schedule

Submitted by Matt Winans on Tue, 06/25/2024 - 17:06
 

From the Reunion Committee: After the new year the board organized a Reunion Committee to research what were the best options going forward. The Board members making up this committee were: Michael Crews (Association VP), Denton Staley (Association Sec), Steve Downer and Bear Baker.

On April 8, after discussion of their recommendations, it was unanimously agreed that the schedule now on the website be adopted for this upcoming 2024 GMSAA Reunion. If you have done so, please refer to the Reunion Schedule.

The rationale for the new reunion schedule is as follows. Concern was expressed at the elimination of the Saturday evening activities. Financial reports have shown that Saturday events have been our major expense in the past and is where we have the best opportunity to reduce costs. This proposal eliminates the need for the Student Center and another catered dinner. This also saves us the cost of hiring a group of musicians from outside the area, a cost that burdens the association’s members.

Attendance records show that the numbers have been declining at the Saturday Night Dinner Dance activity as expenses climb. It became obvious that this was the best place to cut expenses and still offer dancing at the Sharp center. To continue the Saturday evening activities and not dip into operating funds would require an increase in prices. This increase possibly could further lower the numbers willing to participate.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The GMSAA Board

GMSAA Board Update

Submitted by Mike Ruth on Mon, 05/27/2024 - 16:27
 

Memorial Day, May 27, 2024
Greetings from Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

The board would like to give you a brief update of what has been going on since the October 2023 Reunion. We have met a few times via zoom to discuss various matters GMSAA will need to address in upcoming years.

What’s most likely on your mind is the reunion schedule, without further adieu here it is.

After the new year the board organized a Reunion Committee to research what are the best options going forward. The Board members making up this committee are: Michael Crews (Association VP), Denton Staley (Association Sec), Steve Downer and Bear Baker. On April 8, after discussion of their recommendations, it was unanimously agreed that the following schedule be adopted for this upcoming 2024 GMSAA Reunion.

1) Reunion Schedule

Schedule for Oct 2024 GMSAA Reunion
All Events at the Sharp Alumni Center unless noted otherwise.

Thursday, Oct 17, 
Registration 4-7 pm

Friday, Oct 18
Registration 9 am-7 pm

Golf @ Lewisburg CC: 9am-3pm

Flag Raising Ceremony: 9:30 a.m.

GMSAA Board Meeting 10am-12n

Retreat Formation, Front Court 3:30 
   Retreat Rehearsal: 3:30 pm
   Retreat: 5 pm
   Group Photo inside the Quad immediately after Retreat Formation

Catered Dinner Buffet 6 pm Sharp Center

Dance/Sock Hop 7:30-10 pm

Saturday Oct 19
Pre Meeting Beverages Coffee and Pastries 9:30
General Meeting: 10am-12n

12 noon: Dismiss the Corp, Free time.

The rest of the day open to do what ever you wish. Denton has been in contact with various restaurants around town to inquire about available private gatherings. Restaurant contacts coming soon.

Sunday, Oct 20 
Church at Old Stone Presbyterian: 11 am
 
NOTE: Registration window will be open as soon as final costs are determined.

Also, the DJ Denton has contacted will provide a website where you will be able to request songs of your era. That will be available soon.

From the Reunion Committee: The rationale for the new reunion schedule is as follows. Concern was expressed at the elimination of the Saturday evening activities. The financial reports have shown that Saturday events have been our major expense in the past and this is where we have the best opportunity to reduce costs. It was noted that Bobby Nichols, who we have used extensively over the past years, is spending more time in London with his son and is harder to get in contact with him. This proposal also eliminates the need for the Student Center and another catered dinner.


Attendance records show that the numbers have been declining at the Saturday Night Dinner Dance activity with expenses climbing. It became obvious that this was the best place to cut expenses and still offer dancing at the Sharp center. To continue the Saturday evening activities and not dip into operating funds would require an increase in prices. This increase possibly could further lower the numbers willing to participate.


Bill Stinnette recommended that the buffet be a little nicer with a second meat option and something for a vegan option. The DJ has agreed to furnish an email address where music requests can be sent and he will arrange to play that list plus the best dance tunes from your day.

2) GMSAA Awards. In the past GMSAA has bestowed awards to individuals who have met certain criteria that would merit him to receive special recognition. The Board would like to reinstate some of those awards. More information will be coming soon.

3) Inventory of the GMSAA Archives. Denton, Michael Crews and Steve Downer have been working in Lewisburg going through the items in the archives to meet the legal requirement that all items in our care are inventoried for the eventual dissolution of GMSAA.

4) Members of the Board have represented GMSAA at various functions at WVSOM and at the two Greenbrier County High Schools. They have also met with WVSOM IT personnel to review security and received assurance the website will be maintained by WVSOM in the event of various scenarios that have been brought up by members of the association. Plus, Jim Dodway and Jackson Tully have also proudly represented GMSAA at various activities.

5) Michael Crews, Denton Staley and Steve Downer have been doing extraordinary duty for you, the members.

Respectfully, on behalf of the Board,
Mike Ruth

See All Current News Posts

Most Recent Cadet Obituaries

Kevin Craig McCall

1970
 

Kevin Craig McCall Obituary

Kevin Craig McCall, (GMS 1970) a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, passed away on February 6, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Retired Colonel Craig C. McCall, his mother, Norma Louise McCall, and uncle Richard “Dick” Rhea.

Kevin is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Nancy L. McCall of Ayden, NC; his son Chris McCall and wife Beth, parents to Cooper McCall, Gavin Coughlin and Joseph Coughlin of Winnabow, NC; and his son Casey McCall and wife Lauren, parents to Amelia McCall of Aiken, SC. He is also survived by his brother David McCall of Maryland, aunt Cecilia Rhea of Pennsylvania, cousins David Rhea and wife Liz of New York, cousin Deborah Gruber and husband John of Pennsylvania, and cousin Denise Grenier of Virginia. Additionally, he leaves behind his brother-in-law Ronnie Legg and wife Kathy of Alderson, WV, brother-in-law Terry Legg of Roanoke, VA as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

From an early age, Kevin exhibited great leadership and determination. He attended Greenbrier Military School, where he earned the esteemed title of Cadet of the Year. He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a testament to his commitment to excellence and community service.

Kevin served his country honorably in the United States Air Force for ten years, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following his military service, he enjoyed a long and distinguished career in Information Technology systems at Digital Equipment Corporation.

Kevin was a proud Mason and upheld the values of brotherhood and service throughout his life.

Kevin lived a life filled with passion and dedication. A devoted Duke basketball and Penn State football fan, he found great joy in sports. His love for golf was unmatched, and he proudly served as President of the Ayden Golf and Country Club for many years. A testament to his skill and determination, he achieved a hole-in-one on a par-4, 270-yard hole.

A man of integrity and devotion, Kevin was a loving and dedicated husband to Nancy, his high school sweetheart. Their 53-year marriage was a beautiful testament to love and partnership. As a father, he took immense pride in his two sons and their accomplishments.

A funeral service to honor Kevin’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 18, at 1:00 PM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/) in his memory.

Kevin McCall will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his service to his country, and his passion for the things he loved. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and cherished him.

Jerry Carroll Chaney

1965
 

Jerry Chaney Obituary
Jerry Chaney, 76, of Chester, WV, died at home on January 28, 2025.

He was born on January 29, 1948, in Chester where he was a lifelong resident. He was the son of the late Don and Mary Chaney. He was the second of seven children - Donna Jean Bell (Bob), Carol Parkins (Bruce), Nancy Miller (Calvin), the late Mary Beth Cuff (Bill), Jim Chaney (Betsy), and Kathy Dray (Jim).

Jerry was a proud alumnus of Greenbrier Military School. He later attended West Virginia University, where he met the love of his life, Jean. With his trademark charm and humor, Jerry convinced her to marry him, beginning a marriage that spanned 49 years. Together, they built a loving family of five children and were blessed with 14 grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life.

Jerry owned and operated Chaney’s Service Station, a family-owned business, since 1935, in his small hometown. He was a trusted fixture in the community, known for his sharp mind and quick wit. He was a legend in his own time.

Jerry was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren, delighting in their accomplishments and not afraid to brag a time or two. You could find him at his grandchildren’s sporting events giving advice to coaches and refs, whether it was wanted or not, or making his own front row parking space anywhere he went. He was devoted to WVU sports, the Pirates, and the Steelers no matter how bad they played. He also loved playing golf on Sundays and was always working on perfecting and showing off his swing.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Chaney, his children, Rachel Ryman (Zach), Patrick Chaney (Amy), Elizabeth McKenna (Ted), Kelly Chaney (Brett Murawski), Ann Eckleberry (Jared), and his 14 grandchildren, Alexandra, Jackson, Nicholas, Brady, Ruby, Ben, Amelia, Bristol, Teddy, Danica, Connor, Milo, Nola, and Maggie who brought light to his life; and countless friends and extended family members who cherished his presence.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 31st from 5:00PM to 8:00PM and Saturday, February 1st from 9:00AM to 11:00AM with funeral service to directly follow at Arner Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Chester/Newell FISH foundation or Hancock County Humane Society.

Francis C. Olejack

1967
 

Frank Olejack, PG Class of 1967
Francis Olejack, a beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on July 12, 1948, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He lived chapters of his life in California and South Carolina, eventually making his way back to Pennsylvania. He resided in Lebanon, PA for the past 19 years.
Frank will be missed by his wife of 56 years, Lucinda (Sharbaugh) Olejack. He took immense pride in being a father to his son, Brenton, and his daughter, Courtney. Frank’s four grandchildren: Grey, Ruby, Kade, and Piper, were the light of his life. He also held a special bond with his niece and her family, who were close to him and treasured by him throughout his life.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Theresa, and his brother, Louis.

A proud graduate of Central Catholic High School, he played numerous sports receiving the Outstanding Athlete Award. After high school graduation, Frank played football as a Post Graduate at the Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, WV. Francis continued his athletic career playing football for the Richmond Spiders. He proudly participated in the 1968 Tangerine Bowl. Frank earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from the University of Richmond. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California and Southern Wesleyan University.

Frank had a fulfilling career in the manufacturing industry, serving as a former Production Manager and Quality Manager at Mack Trucks before taking on the role of Plant Manager at FL Schmidt Manheim.

Frank loved camping and traveling, playing cards, spoiling his pets, and enjoying sports. Above all, Francis loved his family. His unwavering support for his loved ones was evident in everything he did, and he cherished the time spent together, creating lasting memories that will be treasured by his family forever.
Francis will be dearly missed and forever loved.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com

Philip "Flip" Dunn Von Blond

1965
 

Born January 13, 1947 in South Charleston, WV.

Died at home in Columbus, OH on January 4, 2025 after a 27-year battle with cancer. Flip took his final life journey surrounded by family, friends and neighbors nearby and with the love, prayers and support of family and friends afar.

Flip leaves his loving wife, Ann Farrell Hughes, daughters Elizabeth Von Blond and Sarah Farrell Hughes, son George Hughes, grandsons Hayden Von Blond and Fisher McClain, sister Candice Von Blond Jones and her family. He was pre-deceased by his father Captain Philip Arthur Von Blond, mother Nancy Von Blond, brother Rick Von Blond, son Philip Dunn Von Blond, Jr. and former wife Betsy Von Blond. He also leaves his family of cousins who are full of stories and laughter about growing up with Flip in Lewisburg, WV.

As a child, Flip lived in Japan and other places where his Father was stationed on active duty with the Army Air Corps. He often returned with his beloved Mother and family to the home of his grandparents, Dr. Raymond Hanger and Janet Dunn, in Lewisburg, WV. Flip lived in Lewisburg with his Grandparents for most of his teenage years where he graduated from Greenbrier Military School. He served in the Army Reserves and graduated from the University of Charleston in WV. He settled in Charleston, WV as an adult where he worked in insurance and held leadership positions as the President of the Charleston Rotary Club and President of the West Virginia Independent Agents. He enjoyed great friendships playing golf and competitive squash in Charleston, Columbus and around the country. He moved to Columbus, OH and worked with what would become AssuredPartners until his retirement in 2015. He loved to travel both nationally and internationally and traveled for 24 years to his home away from home at Sunset Beach, NC.

Flip will always be remembered for his steadfast love for family and friends, his infectious laughter, the joy with which he lived his life and his great (and ornery!) sense of humor. Flip will be sorely missed.

We are grateful to Dr. Tom Sweeney for his knowledgeable and respectful partnership with Flip in managing his care over the years. We are also grateful to Luminary Hospice for their advice and care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pelotonia.org, a non-profit that raises money to fund innovative cancer research, and to Luminary Hospice of Ohio, 2400 Corporate Exchange Dr., Suite 110, Columbus, OH 43231.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Flip on Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 2:00-5:00 at Heritage Golf Club, 3525 Heritage Club Dr., Hilliard Ohio 43026. There will also be a burial and Celebration of Life in Lewisburg, WV in April 2025. Details will be announced at a later date.

Dr. William L. Pralley

1951
 

Dr. William L. Pralley DDS, 91, of Parkersburg, passed away Dec. 4, 2024, at his residence.

He was born May 14, 1933, in Fairmont, WV, the son of the late Nicholas Pralley and Juanita Snow Pralley Cavalier.

He was a graduate of the Greenbrier Military Academy and upon graduating received appointments from Senator Jennings Randolph to the U. S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. After consideration Bill decided not to follow a Military Career. He enrolled at West Virginia University where during his time there met his wife of 65 years, Jane. He continued his education and graduated from the Maryland School of Dentistry. He then served two years in the U.S. Army being stationed at Ft. Sill in Laughton, OK. After his discharge he opened his Dental Practice on Market Street in Parkersburg and served the community for many years before his retirement. He was an avid West Virginia University Mountaineer and New York Yankee fan. He was a longtime member of the Camden Avenue Church of Christ.

He is survived by his sons, Steve Pralley (Vickie) of Oak Hill, WV. and Tom Pralley of Parkersburg. His grandchildren, Tyler Pralley (Adrianna) of Hurricane, WV. and Alese Photiades Pralley of Orlando, FL.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Jane R. Pralley; His son, Scott Daniel Pralley and his step father, Anthony Cavalier.

Funeral services will be Monday at 1 p.m. at the Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg with Evangelist Andy Robison officiating. Entombment will follow in the Sunset Memory Gardens Chapel of Peace.

Visitation will be Sunday from 6-8 p.m. and Monday from 12 p.m. until service time at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family request that friends plant a Knock Out rose bush or make a donation to a local Humane Society in Bill’s name.

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