I just read over a statement from your President regarding what happened to some of the non graduates that attended Greenbrier in it's last year of existence. So, I thought I'd pass on my experience and several others that followed a similar path.

First, my hope was to return for the next two years and graduate in 1974 but that was not to be. I truly liked Greenbrier and have fond memories during my short time there. I could see even at 15 years old that the school was struggling and of course the impact of a very unpopular war at the time did not help. I thought a great deal of Rod Weikle, Ellsworth Buck, COL Turley and COL McGuire. (I hated math but Rod Weikle's inspiration helped me get through Algebra 2!) COL McGuire was a strong mentor and significant presence and I truly appreciated the example he set.

Greenbrier shared a lot with many military schools that would shut down within just a few years. Today there are approximately 40 that are left not counting day schools with a military format. It was a shame to see the end of Greenbrier and I think that last day many felt a sadness throughout the graduation of the Class of 1972. I am sure there are many reasons for the school's inability to continue and certainly all of you know more of the story. I can only speculate. Greenbrier had been a rock solid school for so many years and I hope the graduates that are still living maintain a sense of pride.

So, my plan was to initially return to high school. COL McGuire asked me several times about considering Linsley Military Institute in Wheeling where he was heading as the new Commandant. There were at least 6-12 non graduates including two of my closest friends that ended up at Riverside Military Academy. I decided after an admission visit to attend Culver Military Academy in Northern Indiana. It was tough academically, had a challenging plebe system and is today one of the best college preparatory schools in the country. It has some of the finest educators, an impressive facility that continues expansion and an endowment that exceeds over a half billion dollars. All that said, although I am very connected to Culver, I always felt comfortable at "The Brier."

I went on to college, was commissioned in the Army in 1979 serving a full career retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel and worked in the Defense Industry for a number of years. Although I attended Greenbrier for one very short year it did have a positive impact on my life and I'll always be grateful. I wish the best for whatever the future holds for the Association and it's graduates.

Dan Johnson