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Letters to the Editor
Honorable mentions I am very proud of my Apollo 15 lunar landmark and for my role in planning the landing trajectories for all the Apollo manned lunar landing missions. I am also very proud of our university. Virginia Tech played a major role in shaping my life and preparing me for the challenges of the emergence of space exploration. Floyd V. Bennett '54
Thank you for your latest edition of Virginia Tech Magazine with the article on the "Alumni of the Millennium." I was pleased to see my father's name, John B. "Jack" McKay, listed under the alumni honored for their achievements in space exploration. I noted under his name "aerospace engineering '46*"and found the "*" stood for "attended Virginia Tech." My father graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering June 10, 195l. I'm not sure if he started at Virginia Tech in '46 or not, or if, after he started, his schooling was interrupted by WWII. I just wanted to make you aware of this error. It was wonderful reading about all of the outstanding alumni that have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields. It must be with great pride that you realize your universitywas partof the foundationthathelped build their careers to the heights that excelled them above others. My daughter, Allison "Allie" Goodman is a sophomore at Tech, and I'm sure her grandfather would have been very happy with her choice. Thank you for the effort that is put forth from your great universityto equip the next generation to accomplish what we now only dream about. Joanne McKay Goodman
Editor's note: Alumni records were used for degree, class-year (which we use rather than actual graduation year), and graduation information. The error about Mr. McKay's graduation has been corrected in the records. I saw the magazine at my daughter and son-in-law's house in Duluth, Ga., and can't believe you chose my picture and small accomplishment to print. You did a super job presenting all of those graduates' pictures and captions. It was very interesting. The task of accumulating all that information on so many people is mind-boggling. I feel really honored to be considered a "celebrity." Thank you so much for the recognition. (Marian) Jane Spearman Bengel '49
Another noted alumnus Harry Daughtry '57
Proper identity In my mechanical engineering coursework, some of the material could at times be rather dry. One quarter of thermodynamics taught me how quickly the technologies change, even if the concepts do not. My professor, Charlie Yates, was quite surprised that none of us had encountered a sling psychrometer in our lab work to determine relative humidity. Professor Yates brought an enthusiasm and empathy for our slow learning curves that helped make a course of thermo a time to remember, not simply to survive and forget as quickly as possible. Imagine my surprise to read that Prof. Yates had graduated in '57 with a degree in animal husbandry! He was even more the Renaissance man than we had ever imagined! I trust he then mastered thermo in his later flight training. Whatever the true degree that Prof. Yates earned, I'd like to salute a brave and impressive man who brought an unmatched elegance to teaching and to sharing his memories of his first years at a very different Blacksburg! Cliff Shoemaker '82
Editor's note: Charles B. Yates graduated in '57 with a degree in animal husbandry. Charlie L. Yates, who is included in the "Alumni of the Millennium" article, graduated in '58 with a degree in mechanical engineering. We apologize to both alumni and to our readers for switching the biographical information. Alumni pride Hal G. Worley '45
Thank you for the article in the winter 2001 issue on Virginia Tech's "Alumni of the Millennium." I found it fascinating to read about what other Hokies have done with their lives and their education since leaving Virginia Tech. The alumni featured have accomplished great things and have contributed positively to our society. They are wonderful role models for others, myself included, to aspire to. I am very proud to have graduated from a great university and to be affiliated with people who are so passionate about their life's work. Kristy Covais-Crombie '96
Misnamed medal In view of the above, however, as an amateur military historian and a stickler for accuracy, I must take issue with and express my displeasure at some information presented in the above-referenced edition of VTM. In the article "Alumni of the Millennium," apparently which you wrote, and, I assume, you researched, on pages 12 and 13, recognition is made of several Virginia Tech alumni who were awarded "the Congressional Medal of Honor" for their bravery in service to their country during wartime. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a "Congressional" Medal of Honor--it exists, unfortunately, only in the minds of folks who do sloppy research while writing their articles. The "Medal of Honor" is the nation's highest military decoration and has been since President Abraham Lincoln approved the Navy Medal of Honor in late December 1861. The following year, July 1862, authority to grant the Army Medal of Honor was signed into law as well. To further clarify this issue, a recognized authority has written: "The Medal of Honor is the highest-ranked and best-known U.S. decoration. It compares in prestige and precedence to the British Victoria Cross. Often mistitled the 'Congressional Medal of Honor,' it is in fact awarded in the name of the Congress of the United States and, whenever possible, the president of the United States personally makes its presentation." (Philip K. Robles, United States Military Medals and Ribbons) Even the most elementary research on the Internet would have revealed that there is no such thing as a "Congressional" Medal of Honor, although since the Medal of Honor is awarded by the president in the name of Congress "on behalf of a grateful nation," it is often--incorrectly--referred to as the "Congressional Medal of Honor." In fact, although it is unfortunate, there does exist a "Congressional Medal of Honor Society," but even within their website, the medal is referred tocorrectlyas simply the "Medal of Honor." Leonard J. Varnette
Editor's note: The two books used for reference on these men listed the medal, apparently incorrectly, as the "Congressional Medal of Honor." |
Editor's note: We received more letters about the "Alumni of the Millennium" article than we have space to print in this issue and, consequently, will print the remainder in the summer issue.