1975

Greetings from 800 feet over the water as we fly down the "super highway" of helicopters which in New York City is known as the Hudson River just south of the George Washington Bridge. To be clear, this is uncontrolled airspace, above the Hudson River, from south of the GW Bridge to the Statute of Liberty. While there is no stripe down the middle of the river, all helicopter pilots follow a specific routine, traffic going south follows the Jersey side, and traffic flowing north follows the New York side. And there is no passing lane. As we make our way down this route, the Unicom frequency is a constant chatter of brief but important updates as each helicopter denotes where it is on the route with references to landmarks such as "the Park," "the Museum," "the Lady," "the Battery" and "Colgate"—all visual landmarks along the way.

As we land at the Midtown helipad on 30th Street, it's hard not to pinch yourself and feel a sense of wonder at howwell men and women can function in an unregulated space when their lives depend on it. If only mankind could function this well across the globe, we might actually stand a chance of working together on the bigissues that confront our planet.

But for now, we're just happy to be in one piece and on our way to a Red Sox-Yankee game, where we can get relief from the madness in the news by once again watching the Yankees get beat by the Red Sox (remember I live in Boston).

From the mailbag, comes news that Christpher M. Loftus has been appointed professor and chair of neurosurgery at Temple University School of Medicine and Temple University Hospital. From the picture in the news story, its clear that Chris is aging well. Congratulations.

Robin Felix sent me an update on his life. As you may recall, Robin was mobilized with the Naval Reserve in 2001. Since his return in 2003 to San Diego and subsequent retirement from the Reserves, he's been working as a civilian on a Navy sponsored project to improve maritime homeland security. On a personal note, Robin and his wife, Bobbie, are adjusting to their civilian life (Robin now sports a beard) and the last of their three children are off to college. Robin expects to be back on the Hanover campus for the Dartmouth Aires triennial reunion in the spring of 2006.

And for those of you who are looking forward to the class of 1975 mini-reunion in Nepal, I have great news. James Moriarty has been nominated to be U.S. ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Nepal.As many of you know, jim has been a special assistant to the president and a senior director at the National Security Council. He is an expert on Asia, China and Taiwan affairs. Jim: We're looking forward to the open house when you get settled in.

We're proud of you and your service to our country.

And last but not least, Dan Kenslea, ambassador and plenipotentiary of the 1975 reunion committee, reminds us all to block out June 16 through June 19,2005, the dates of our 30th reunion.

And on that note, a simple reminder, carpe diem. Nancy and I send our best.

5 Boardman Ave., Manchester, AM01944; (617) 737-1100 x302; jbildner@tier. com