Sent to me by Larry Clifton. August 27, 2024. Thank you Larry.

GMS

I arrived at GMS in the fall of 69 as a 7th grader from the big city of Webster Springs, WV – population less than 1,000. I may be biased, but Webster Springs is the most beautiful place in the world and until 1925 had a hotel that rivaled the Greenbrier. I came to GMS because my parents thought it would be good for me, which turned out to be true. Not only did I make lifelong friends who still tolerate me today, I had the absolute best role model faculty members like my very favorite Captain LeRoy Ferris – an incredible man who dedicated his life to be a father figure to us young E company guys. Also, Capt. Adams, Capt. Pearis, Capt. Weikle, and Capt. Buck even if he is from Richwood, an archrival of Webster – think WVU and Pitt.

Like all the others, I departed GMS in 72 (after my 9th grade year) but feel confident I would have graduated GMS if the school had not closed. Thought about going to one of the other military schools who were recruiting us, but I was of the age of figuring out women so I returned to Webster Springs where I met my wife, graduated in 75, and then went to WVU graduating in 79, followed by a career in the Air Force and a Government Contractor.

Really cannot pinpoint one specific favorite thing about GMS because they were all good in my opinion. Loved the cadet comrade and how the upper classmen took care of us youngsters, all the military traditions and training, and most definitely the sports where I used to school our current board member Denton Staley in basketball every weekend.

I feel enormously honored to have been part of this special school and for having the opportunity to be associated with all its great people. This is exactly why I have attended every reunion since the early 2000’s. Also, there is no place like Lewisburg in the fall (except maybe Webster Springs), so looking forward to seeing all of you in the Greenbrier Valley soon.

P.S.
For what it is worth, here is my two cents on the emotional issue of closing down our association. First and foremost, my sincerest thanks to our current president Mike and all the current and past board members (especially you Herb) for all you’ve done for this historic school association that is so near and dear to our hearts. Just like those cadets that have moved on to the GMS in the sky, we’re all getting close to joining them, so we know the game is about over. The good news is we’ve all already won by being part of the greatest military school in world history. Like lots of things in life, there is no one easy perfect answer here, nor whatever the answer is there is no way it is going to make us all happy. That is just life – we win some and lose others. Whatever the outcome, I ask that we all accept it like professionals and march forward just like we did at GMS. This is just one cadet’s opinion, and you know what they say about opinions, just like butts, we all have one. Just for the record, I not only plan to be one of the last cadets to consume the Scotch, but I’m also going to do one better – I plan to father a child at age 90.

Larry Clifton