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Thank you for attending GMS Reunion 2025

Most Recent News

Thanks to All!

Submitted by Mike Ruth on Mon, 10/27/2025 - 20:58
 

October 27, 2025
Eden Prairie, MN

My Fellow Alumni and Friends:

It has been over a week since Matt Winans, Dan Pennington and I piled into my rental car after lunch with Jim Dodway and headed out of Lewisburg. Me being the chauffeur dropping my charges at various airports: Lewisburg and Columbus, Ohio.

In the pouring rain on the way to Columbus, Dan and I relived the weekend while Matt sat in that small Lewisburg airport. I was certainly happy that the rain held off until after we struck the flags on Sunday afternoon. I would have been happier if it held off until we got to Columbus.

On that wet drive we discussed the almost perfect last GMSAA Reunion. The events ran virtually without a hitch. And the one hitch was something only a few of us recognized.

First and foremost, I want to thank the almost 100 cadets who attended the 2025 Reunion weekend. Their guests brought this event to over 200 in attendance throughout the weekend. And once more, thank you to all of the alumni from the 50’s whose presence was an inspiration to us all.

To those who took up roles during these events I want to extend my deepest appreciation: John Arbuckle, Beaman Cummings, Robert Duff, John Horlbeck, Lee Martin, Dan Pennington, Lee Webb and Perry Woodside. The Retreat flag detail: Bill Stinnette, James Ewing II, John Little, and Truman Doran. Frank Frashier and John Horlbeck for being our last Company Commanders. Myron Pierson for being the retreat bugler for all these years. And to Jim Downer for operating the Cadet Store. Thank you to the GEHS JROTC, the Color-guard and the GEHS Marching Band.

To all those who participated in the Quad Photo, it was a classic. To Ellsworth Buck, Herb Pearis, Ed Rock, Rodney Weikle and their spouses, THANK YOU for your continued support.

Musicians Theresa Gaffney and The Sweet Lipzz Jazz Orchestra gave us wonderful music for the two big events of the weekend. Thank you Michael Crews for recommending Theresa and to Bob Boles for finding the SLJO.

Our guest speakers, Jim Nemitz, President of WVSOM, Betsy Ranson, President of the GCWAA, and Alan Mollohan, Former U.S. Representative from West Virginia. We greatly appreciate your words and humor. And yes, Dr. Nemitz, be assured there will always be cadets wanting to visit the ol’ Brier.

To Alan, who’s address at the banquet was a most fitting tribute to GMS and the Alumni Association. How many of us knew that Alan Mollohan was one of the initial board members of the GMSAA? Alan was here at our beginning in 1983 and here at the end. It was only right that he address us at our final gathering. I sincerely thank you, Alan.

From WVSOM, I want to thank Belinda Evans and Donette Mizia for their assistance. Without them the weekend would not have been as successful. And to our Archivist, Mary Essig whose enduring dedicated service to our memory is second to none.

Thanks to our bookkeeper, Mary Thompson for keeping track of all the registrations and having to deal with my email bombardments. Thanks to our keeper of all things check-in, Sherry Phillips.

To Jim Dodway, our go to guy in Lewisburg. When we needed a photograph or a bit of research on something like the canon in the Alumni Park, he would be willing to find it for us. And naturally, he was the Bourbon runner.

I want to personally thank the Board of Directors for all their work and putting up with my emails and discussions to make the 2025 Reunion Weekend a memorable event. The BoD are: Michael Crews (VP), Perry Woodside (Treas), Denton Staley (Sec), at large members: John Arbuckle, Bear Baker, Steve Downer, John Little, and Bill Stinnette. And as noted in the meetings, we still have work to do.

There is one guy, whose assistance was undeniably indispensable. Bob Boles’ institutional knowledge of how to do these reunions and guidance to the Board was critical in making this reunion the success that it was. Thank you, Bob, for all you have done for the Association.

Thanks to all the GCW women who came to join us. I don’t know who all of you were, but I want to recognize Carmen Crisco, Sherrie Tennant, Kitty Allen, Betsy Ranson, Heather Chagaris, and Charlotte Hollinger.

And a shout out to Rev. Julie Olt from Old Stone Presbyterian Church for the service honoring the Greenbrier Military School memory. The brass band was a nice touch.

Please accept my apologies if I missed someone. There were so many of you who assisted in making this fine weekend unforgettable. It should also be noted that there were those alumni who donated time and money for special items for the weekend. These include: the champagne, the bourbon, the brass band at church, the plaques, certificates, shot glasses, and the banquet programs, to name just a few.

Finally, we must recognize those whose absences were felt. Besides those who passed in the last year, there are some who for various reasons were unable to make it but were usually at the reunion. Among those whose absence was noted and missed are: Webster Trant, Brock Townsend, John Byrnes, CJ Richardson, Dick Barber, Scott Nelson, Ed Haynes, James Williams, Jr., Joanne Pearis, Sally Parker and Suzi Crozier Piguet. And to all of you who couldn’t make it not named, we missed you. Know that our spirits walk through campus now and forever.

Again thank you all for making the 2025 Reunion weekend extraordinary! Matt Winans is in the process of revising the website to memorialize this special event. Link will be available soon.

With all Respect,

Mike Ruth, President GMSAA
Class of 1969

2025 General Meeting

Submitted by Mike Ruth on Fri, 10/09/2026 - 11:27
 

Minutes
Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association, Inc.
General Membership Meeting
October 18, 2025.

1. Meeting Called to order by Mike Ruth at 10:07 a.m.

Welcomed the audience. John Little announced Dave Shaffer funeral.

2. Approval of 2024 General Membership Meeting Minutes.
Motion to approve by John Arbuckle, 2nd by Bruce Ehas. No discussion. Motion approved unanimously.

3. Secretaries Report.
A. Reunion Numbers. Last count 195 people registered. No golf tournament. Description of reunion planning. Request to have people update their email address.
B. Reunion Schedule/Program update on the weekend program.

4. Treasurers Report.
A. Financials. Assets of about $600,000. Museum found eliminated. $100,000 of that fund went to WVSOM as part of the agreement negotiated last year. Residual of over $100,000 went into the Leadership Scholarships. WVSOM student scholarships of about $28,000 was transferred to WVSOM to manage.

Leadership Scholarship is around $525,000, Life membership funds about $57,000. Residuals after association closes will go into the Leadership Scholarship fund.

Perry discussed investment returns. Noted that we need another $75,000 to secure the endowed scholarship program.

Bear Baker talked about growing scholarship program. Revising of the scholarship application.

Alan Mollohan, Perry and Bear discussed growth of the fund.

Operations: Operating in a deficit. of $6-7000 this year.

5. Status of Store : Jim Downer discussed status of store closing at this reunion and the silent auction.

6. Website Update, Alumni Record/Future of Website
Matt discussed how he got where he is and how he can help the Association’s website. Need obituary updates

7. Timeline for Dissolution : Perry and Bear discussed the process.

8. Following Closure-Informal Reunions: Bob Boles described how to form your own reunion. How to contact WVSOM to assist.

9. Bottle of Scotch discussion. The bottle will remain long after we are all gone. The Spirit of Greenbrier.

10. Status of the Board of Directors to remain intact for a month or two after Association closes to address any issues that may arise.
11. New Business. Plaques given to Bob Duff on behalf of his brother, Wirt. Posthumously Athletic Achievement Award.

Mr. Greenbrier Awards for Bob Boles and Perry Woodside.

A short discussion on the scholarship application process.

12. Adjournment. Bruce Ehas motioned to adjourn. Everyone 2nd. Meeting sadly adjourned at 11:12 am.

Respectfully Submitted,
Mike Ruth

Unanimous Approval, Nov 11, 2025 by the Board. (No further general meetings as the Association is in closure status)

2025 Board Minutes

Submitted by Mike Ruth on Fri, 10/09/2026 - 11:26
 

Minutes
Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association, Inc.
Board of Directors Annual Meeting
October 17, 2025.

Board Members in Attendance: Mike Ruth, Michael Crews, Perry Woodside, Denton Staley, John Arbuckle, Bear Baker, Steve Downer, John Little, Bill Stinnette

Guests: Terry Byrnes, Bob Boles, Jim Dodway, Charlie Duncan, Dan Pennington, John Horlbeck, Herb Pearis, Bob Skinner, Larry Springer, Grey Webb, Matt Winans.

1. Call to order. Mike Ruth called the meeting to order at 9:58 a.m.

2. Introduction of Board Members and Guests.

3. Approval of 2024 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes.
Motion to approve the Minutes of the 2024 GMSAA Board meeting was made by John Arbuckle, 2nd by Bear Baker. Motion approved unanimously.

4. Status of Store Jim Downer: Arbaugh prints to go back to family. WVSOM store will take memorabilia, give away clothing to Goodwill or similar institution.

5. Secretaries Report.
A. Reunion Numbers. Mike ruth reported 193 people signed up. 101 of those being cadets. Explanation of those who are registered and ill who can’t make it.
B. 2025 Reunion Schedule/Program: Mike ruth discussed the program for the weekend, with the addition of Friday night music by Theresa Gaffney. Descriptions of plaques and awards. Shot classes.

Description of the retreat, Silent Auction, etc.

Banquet Open House, Echo Taps, Presentations, etc.

6. Treasurers Report. Perry Woodside
A. Financials. As of 12/31/2024 total assests of $576,896. Important items being the Leadership Scholarship at $379,000 and museum fund of $109,836. Museum fund residual after the $100,000 transferred to WVSOM per the agreements. Museum fund and WVSOM Scholarship fund completely closed out leaving the Leadership Scholarship at $513,000. Life members fund is at $57,002.

Operations: Last year only collected $6659 and expenses totaling $17,777. Leaving operations deficit of $11,000. This year only $3660 for operations because we no longer collect dues, but asked for a contribution. Many did not contribute. GMSAA has accrued $10,800 in expenses leaving us with a $7,100 deficit.

Perry mentioned some of the items paid for by alumni: Band at church, shot glasses, champagne, etc.

Larry Springer asked what happens to the balance of the funds act the end of the Association. Perry replied it rolls over to the Leadership Scholarships as approved last year..

7: Minutes of 2024 Supplemental Board meeting held prior to the 2024 General meeting. Motion to approve made by John Arbuckle, 2nd by Perry Woodside. Motion approved unanimously.

8. GMSAA Closure Process In Progress Updated Dissolution Plan
(This starts at 00:26:47:12 of the video)
Bear and Perry to fill out paperwork, File 990 form within 5 months of the end of our fiscal year. Needs to stay open for a while to make sure all revenues are collected and paid.

John Arbuckle moved that Bear and Perry be authorized to sign the dissolution articles as soon as they are satisfied that all of our revenues and expenses have been taken care of, received and paid. 2nd Michael Crews. Motion Passed unanimously. (ends at 00:29:30:14)

8. Current Board Member’s Terms. Motion made by John Little to keep the Board intact for a few months after closure. 2nd by Bear Baker. Motion Passed unanimously.
9. Movement of GMSAA Archives to WVSOM: Action Completed Oct 2024
Discussion of progress made in the archives to winnow out duplicates and items in poor repair. Michael Crews and Mike Ruth are digitizing photos.

Computers have been disabled and removed, all permanent records are stored in library and files backed up on various drives.

10. Website Update.
A. Alumni Record Update/Future of Website: Matt Winans talked about future of maintaining website and its retooling as a historical document, to be known as ‘The Alumni Record’.

Costs involved with maintaining website discussion.

Wikipedia page needs to be reviewed and updated. Collaboration between Boles, Crews,Staley and others. The wikipedia page is NOT an official document of the GMSAA.

B. Need obituary updates

11. Status of Bottle of Scotch in Museum A discussion on what should be done with the TonTin bottle of Scotch in the museum. Drink now, drink at the last 10, or keep it forever. (Starts at 00:53:50:13 of the video)

A lively discussion was had by all members of the board and guests. Bob Skinner recommended to keep the bottle to perpetuity as an emblem of The GMS Spirit.

John Arbuckle made the motion the the bottle of scotch remain in the museum forever in recognition of the GMS Spirit, and that Bob Boles be authorized to make a suitable plaque to go with the bottle. 2nd by Michael Crews. Motion passed unanimously.

12. Future Reunions : Bob Boles explained how to plan and organize a reunion.

13. New Business. Short discussion on how to donate after association closed.

13. Adjournment Motion made by John Arbuckle to adjourn, 2nd John Little. Meeting Adjourned at 11:24 a.m., Oct 17, 2025.

Respectfully Submitted,
Mike Ruth

Approved Nov 11, 2025 by unanimous Board Vote

2026 Fall Get Together

Submitted by Mike Ruth on Thu, 07/23/2026 - 21:25
 


GMS GATHERING 2026

Schedule

Saturday, October 17th-The Sharp Center
9am till Noon and 3pm until 5pm.

Pre-Payment of $30.00 per person to be sent in no later than September 8th 2026
Please make checks payable to: G.M.S. Gathering 2026
Please mail to:
G.M.S. Gathering 2026
c/o Emmitt Denton Staley
313 John Street
Marion , Virginia 24354

RETREAT
5PM at Sharp Center Flagpole

Cash Bar 5:30 PM (Beer and Wine only)
Dinner served at 6PM

Menu includes:
Pulled Pork Barbecue with Slider Bun
Cole Slaw
Roasted Potatoes
Pasta Salad
Garden Salad
Dessert
Drinks Include: Sweet or unsweet Iced tea, and Coffee

Entertainment: Music by Theresa Gaffney.

Donations to the GMS Leadership Scholarship

Submitted by Mike Ruth on Sat, 07/18/2026 - 12:25
 

The GMS Leadership Scholarship relies on generous donations, like yours, to continue our storied history and to provide a legacy for future generations.

Donations to the GMS Leadership Scholarships are tax-deductible. To make a contribution to the Leadership Scholarship by mail send your check made payable to: Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation - GMS Leadership Scholarship.

Mail donation to:
GMSAA, PO Box 922, Lewisburg, WV 24901
(The PayPal account has been deactivated and closed.)

Alternatively Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) for your Scholarship Donation.
A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from an IRA to a qualified charity. There are three distinct benefits from using this method:
The distribution counts toward meeting the annual required minimum distribution (RMD).
The amount is excluded from your taxable income.
May reduce other deductions and credits e.g. taxable Social Security benefits or Medicare surtax.

QCD Ground Rules:
Must be 70.5 years old in year of distribution.
Funds must come directly from IRA custodian.
Transfer must be made payable to the charity, in this case, the "Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation – GMS Leadership Scholarship Fund.”

Please consider adding to your obituary an option of making a gift in your name to the GMS Leadership Scholarship.

See All Current News Posts

Most Recent Cadet Obituaries

Richard Lloyd Huff

1947
 

https://www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/richard-huff

Mr. Richard Lloyd Huff, 95, of Waynesboro, VA, passed Friday October 13, 2023.

Richard (Dick) Huff was born on March 21, 1928, in Lewisburg, WV, and was the son of Lester L. Huff and E. Mazzey Beard Huff. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Betty Lee Brown Huff; his parents; his sisters Ruth Janka of Cincinnati, OH, Sue Ballard and Joanne Knicely of White Sulphur Springs, WV.

Survivors include his two children, Charmaine German of Raleigh, NC, and Brian Huff and partner, Marlys Armstrong, of Dallas, TX; and grandson, Jackson Huff, also of Dallas; his brother Bill Huff of White Sulphur Springs, WV, sisters Lee Armstrong of Staunton, VA, and Phyllis Taylor of White Sulphur Springs, WV, and sister-in-law Dee Brown of Fairlea, WV.

Dick was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. He spent his last day tending to his ornamental garden at his home in Waynesboro. In his most senior years, one of his joys was the garden and getting out for exercise and fresh air.

Dick’s youth was spent in Greenbrier County, WV with his grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and six siblings. As a teenager, he supervised German POWs in and around White Sulphur Springs, WV; served as an assistant to the Project Manager overseeing the restoration of the Greenbrier Hotel after it was used to house German POWs and interned Japanese citizens during WWII; and he was the student body President of his class at White Sulphur High School in 1946.

Dick Huff obtained his B.S. Chemistry degree from the West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1950, and then served in the U.S. Army as a pharmacist in a MASH Unit during the Korean War. After completing his service, he obtained his Masters of Science degree from West Virginia University in 1956. Upon graduation from WVU, he began his four decade career with DuPONT Corporation.

While employed with DuPont, Dick served in various technical and supervisory positions in New York, Waynesboro VA, South Carolina, Northern Ireland, The Netherlands, Australia, and China. Of all Dick’s great accomplishments, marrying Betty Lee Brown of Renick, WV had the biggest impact on his life. They met as children through family connections in Renick. As Dick’s wife, Betty created loving and supportive households on three different continents and ably held down the fort in Waynesboro while he served DuPont in China.

When stationed in Waynesboro, VA, Dick and Betty were active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro.

Artemus Bernard Jewell

1944
 

Artemus Bernard Jewell Jr., 97, passed peacefully at home on August 26, 2026. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Bernard was born in Russell County, VA on December 19, 1928. He was the son of the late Artemus B. and Mary (Wingo) Jewell. He graduated from Richlands VA High School and then attended Greenbrier Military School and Lees-McRae College. He enlisted in the Army, serving in the Asia-Pacific Theater and in the occupation of Japan. After his enlistment ended, he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and graduated in 1950 with a BS in Business Administration. Following graduation, he moved to Ohio to work for Firestone Tire Company in its accounting department.

While working in Ohio, he met Frances Ann Dulowe, the love of his life, and they were married in Warren, Ohio in 1952. Moving to Pontiac, Michigan, Frances worked as an obstetrics nurse, and Bernard worked full-time during the day as an accountant at an automobile parts manufacturer while attending Wayne State law school at night. They built a house in Oxford, Michigan and welcomed their three daughters into the world. After Bernard received a Juris Doctor degree and passed the Michigan Bar Exam, he was appointed as a federal attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio, moved to Northern Kentucky, and added a son to his growing family.

Following a successful stint in Cincinnati, Bernard was given a promotion which took the family to Atlanta, GA. There he continued in federal service holding several positions including Branch Chief for the COL council, Senior EP/EO Reviewer with the USDT, and administrative law judge. Bernard retired in 1988, and shortly thereafter moved with Frances to Columbia Falls, Maine, where they thoroughly enjoyed the change of pace and scenery-- more gardening, hiking, reading, abundant wildlife and a bit more snow.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Frances Ann Jewell; daughter, Margaret Ann Jewell; brother, Victor Jewell; sisters, Luanne Pugh, Polly Ann Jewell, and Jan Kear. He is survived by his children, Elspeth Blount and her husband Tom of Oneida,TN, Matthew Jewell and his wife Kimberly of Atlanta, GA, and Catherine Jewell of Columbia Falls, ME; by four grandchildren, Brianna Blount of New York, NY, Laurel Blount of Oneida, TN, Jack Jewell of Atlanta, GA, and Gillian Jewell and her husband Jason Seeb of Washington DC; by sister, Nancy Lowe and her husband Wade Lowe Jr. of Cedar Bluff, VA, sister Bucky McConnell of Tazewell, VA (and sons Adam and Luke); and his nephew Dr. Cyrus
Nasseri and his wife Deborah Nasseri of Falls Church, VA (and son Tobias).

Bernard requested his remains be cremated and there be no formal service.

To honor Bernard's lifelong love of all animals, wild and domestic, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to MoCo Mutts Animal Rescue Center at www.mocomutts.org

Joel A. Honse

1961
 

Mr. Joel Atlee Honse, Sr. age 84 of Woolwine, Virginia passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the VA Salem Medical Center. He was born in Ford City, Pennsylvania on December 26, 1941, to the late John H. Honse and Julia Stitt Honse. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Campbell Honse; and two brothers, James A. Honse and John H. Honse, Jr.

Joel was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He shared his love of outdoors as a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts. He was proud of his services as a United States Marine.

Left to cherish the memories of Joel Atlee Honse are his daughter, Kira C. Honse; son, Joel Atlee Honse, Jr.; his nephews, James A. Honse Jr., Christopher G. Honse, John H. Honse and Joseph Honse and grandnieces and nephews and great-grandnieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Luna.

All services for Mr. Honse will be private. Moody Funeral Home in Stuart has been entrusted with the arrangements and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Joseph Raine Preston

1966
 

Joseph Raine Preston departed this life on Aug. 12, 2026, the 37th anniversary of his marriage to Susan H. Preston (Harrington).

Joseph was born Oct. 18, 1950 in Charlottesville, VA and grew up in Lewisburg, WV. He attended Greenbrier Military School, Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, Stanford University, and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University in New York, NY. He did postgraduate studies in history at West Virginia University at Morgantown.

Joseph was known for his kindness, his brilliance, and his love of West Virginia. He was a lifelong member of the Greenbrier Historical Society. He is survived by his wife, his brother S. Mason Preston, his sister Margaret Preston Kulkarni, and their children, respectively Andrew, Devin, and Alana and Srinivas, Shanti Margaret, and Krishna.

The memorial will take place at the Old Stone Church in Lewisburg on Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. He will be interred in Roseville Cemetery.

Sam John Sardis

1970
 

Sam J. Sardis, 74, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories shared with family, friends, and all who knew him.

Sam was a man who truly embraced life. He found his greatest joy on the water, spending countless days boating on the Ohio River and Lake Lanier. Whether behind the helm or simply enjoying the company of family and friends, the water was where he felt most at home.

A devoted son, Sam lovingly cared for his mother for many years, demonstrating his compassion and commitment to family. In recent years, he made his home in a Florida resort community, where he enjoyed an active social life and formed many friendships that brought him great happiness. Sam never met a stranger.

Sam was a proud alumnus of Greenbrier Military Academy and the friendships he formed there remained among the most meaningful of his life. He attended many class reunions and looked forward each time to reconnecting with classmates who had become lifelong friends.

He is lovingly remembered by his son, Sam; his daughter, Nikki; his son-in-law, Matt; his beloved grandchildren, CJ, Mac, Mason, Emma, and Ethan; his sister, Dorinda; his significant other, Cathy; his nieces, Brenda, Megan, and Greta; his nephew, Joey; and many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched.

Sam will be remembered for his love of boating, his devotion to family, his loyalty to lifelong friends, and his ability to enjoy every chapter of life. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he treasured, and the countless memories shared by those fortunate enough to know him.

His family finds comfort in knowing that the memories he created and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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