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CLASS OF 2008
"FIRSTIE" SALUTE
& SPRING FINALE
Here are pics from the May 24, 2008 "Firstie"
Salute.
CHICAGO NITE
AT USAFA
It was a very
successful "Chicago Nite". Here are some pics of our Cadets & Parents.
The room was set-up prior to the Cadets and their
guests arriving. In addition to the tables with pizza from Connie's,
Aurelio's, Home Run Inn, Italian Beef from Papa Charlies, fresh salad, Chicago
style hot dogs with all the trimmings, there were free White sox items, Chicago
hats, caramel corn, popcorn, and other items for the Cadets to take and wear
proudly. There was also lots of Chicago items on the walls, including a
City of Chicago flag, Black Hawks, Cubs, Sox, Bear, Chicago Fire . . .
While the room was being set-up, the food was
being prepared in the kitchen. It was a galley kitchen that didn't afford
alot of room, but that didn't stop the Izzo's, Karen Olsowski & others from completing the job and
getting all the food ready. After that was done it was walked down the
long hallway to the "Chicago Room".
 
Then the Cadets started to arrive. Well,
actually, some Cadets came early to help set-up and stayed after to help
clean-up. Kyle Knight was one who helped quite a bit on both the set-up
and clean-up. We were unsure if there was going to be enough food, but we are
proud to say that NIPC clearly exceeded the food consumption capacity of the
Cadets. Texas may have run out of food for their Cadet get together, but
not Illinois!!!!
 
After the Cadets and their guests got their first
round of food, they sat at the Chicago decorated tables and just enjoyed
relaxing with friends, family and food.
And part of the crew that did the Chicago Nite
for your Cadets !!! We couldn't get them all together because they were
always looking to something else !! Thank you to the Cadets for coming and
the parents who made this possible.
A Note from the President of NIPC:
We would like to express our sincere
thanks and appreciation to the parents who served on this committee and worked
to make this new club event a huge success. They include Austyne and Michael
Bean, Fred & Karen Bell, Robert & Jodie Ells, Marty and Julia Knight, Dave and
Regina Izzo, Bruce and Terri Lanphear, John and Vicky Muka, Ken and Karen
Olsowski, Gerry and Julie Phillips, Scott and Mary Schemenaur (Chairman), Bud
and Ellen Swanson, and George and Sandy Primm. Thank you!
Joe and Pat Budzyn
A note from a Cadet who attended the event:
Icons of the Windy City were
everywhere, a “Sweet Home Chicago” banner hung amidst the city’s flag, images of
the Taste, Superdawg, and of course our numerous sports teams. For the
first time in our fifty plus years of history the
United States Air Force Academy was attacked; by parents determined to
bring a small, okay it really was a huge, piece of home to the Cadets. So
motivated were members of the Northern Illinois Parents Club to make “Chicago
Nite” a success that not even quizzical looks from airline employees could stop
one member from checking nearly one hundred hot dog buns (you understand though
- the kind with the poppy seeds of course).
Perhaps it is needless to say that the first ever
Chicago Nite was an astounding success.
What started as an idea at the Academy over seven months ago while longing for a
good pizza morphed into an event of unfathomable proportions. Surrounded
by good company and several offerings of Chicago-style comfort food, Saturday
April 19th was a date that is sure to be as memorable as Recognition
or Ring Dance. Receiving no financial compensation, several members of the NIPC
were present to share this special event with the Cadets and a sponsor family or
two.
With parents working from three to seven in the afternoon, Arnold
Hall’s banquet room was given a remarkable Chicago-esque makeover. A table
over 12 feet in length was lined with pizza, hot dogs, Italian beef, potato
chips, and dessert. Remarkably, all of the city’s largest food vendors
donated to the event to fulfill the Cadets’ longing for Chicago favorites.
Alright, the Honor Code bounds me to say that not all of Chicago’s
vendors donated – but maybe next year the Hot Dog King of Chicago will step up
to the plate. At least 80 guests attended the event, mingled while
enjoying dinner, and were even treated to gifts to include “Chicago” hats, White
Sox flags, caramel corn and hand dipped chocolate
covered Oreos.
If only for a few hours on a Saturday night, home came to the
Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy.
The hard working parents of the Northern Illinois Parents Club pulled off a
seemingly impossible event and as the AOG’s WebGuy noted, “every detail
was taken care of from nearly 1000 miles away”. I am certain that I can
speak on behalf of fellow NIPC Cadets when I say that we are extremely grateful
for this event. We are also grateful that unlike some other large southern
states’ attempt to pull off a similar event we did not run out of food!
C3C Kyle Schemenaur
United States Air Force Academy
Cadet Squadron 37
NIPC ALUMNI
EVENT 2008
1996,
1997, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Present and Accounted For
Thirty NIPC parents gathered
Sunday afternoon for a ‘potluck’ food fest. The alumni tried something new
this year, and broke away from the traditional ‘Sunday Brunch”. The relaxed
atmosphere and the special food treats were both a pleasant change.
Parents of AF Officers and
USAFA Cadets enjoyed visiting, and meeting new friends. The Alumni Event
is unique, when compared to the “Class” dinners; all Club members are welcome to
attend.
The stories were flying –
flying just as high as the spirits of everyone present. Proud parents were
excited to share the latest news about their Officers/Cadets. Back by popular
demand, was time for sharing & caring. Parents told stories about: life after
the Academy, buying a house, roommates who cook, getting into AFIT for Masters
programs, the excitement of graduation being in 45 days and 19 minutes, the 1997
graduation in the stadium but not on the field, a trophy at the Air and Space
Museum, 60-Days, Germany, Nellis, Ring Dance, UPT, plans for Summer OPS,
Acceptance, oral surgery, weddings & babies, and a large bonus!
As hosts, we’d like to thank
everyone for coming. The party would not have been the same without you! The
food you brought was delicious & plentiful.
You are the best! Let’s do it
again!
Best wishes and good
luck…until we meet again,
Maryellen & Don Wessendorf
(Dan Ouper, ’07)
 
Meeting Recap
March Meeting Pics. The Parents Club met at
Aurelio's Pizza in Frankfort. Here are some pics from that meeting.
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