Charles A. Kuhar ’71
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I joined the Air Force in 1971 and spent 21 years as an aviator (pilot) in fixed-wing fighter aircrafts like the F-111, F-15E Strike Eagle. I spent my first tour in Southeast Asia during 1972 flying combat missions in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. What a hoot!
As a 23 year old I saw some pretty amazing things. Who would have guessed that the art history course I took my senior year would prove so useful – the golden Buddha, the reclining Buddha, the royal palace – all at my fingertips.
When I came back to the states, I served as a platform, simulator and flight instructor. I was a Top Gun Instructor, a UN peacekeeper in Lebanon, Syria and Egypt, as well as a Space Shuttle Project Officer for the STS-3 landing and recover at White Sands, New Mexico. I lived all over the world and saw sights that I still have trouble believing.
When I was going through initial flight training, I met my wife, Patti. She followed me on every assignment, and together we compiled some fantastic sagas. We have no children we're willing to claim, but if I feel the need for child-rearing, I can visit my three sisters who would be more than willing to loan me their kids for the day.
After retiring from the Air Force, I worked as a high school math teacher for three years under Project Teach, a California initiative to generate more math and science professionals. I also worked for the Post Office as a supervisor and District manager. I ended up in a medical retirement situation because of liver failure, and endured eight years of pain and suffering, followed by two, back to back liver transplants. I survived and eventually flourished, going from a robust 225 pounds to a skeletal 136 pounds. A great Halloween look, maybe even appropriate for the ‘Grave Digger's Ball,” but not so much for everyday life.
Lawrence E. Marynak '72
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Kathy and I met in the Blue Band and married in 1973. We are still married after 41 years and living in Raleigh. We have two daughters. Amy is a stay at home mom here in Raleigh with our only grandchild, Paul.
Kristy works with the CDC in Atlanta on the policy side and just returned from a tour in West Africa working on Ebola infection information issues. We plan to move to Atlanta soon as she and her husband are ready to start a family.
After our undergrad years, Kathy and I married, served two years active as members of the USAF Academy Band, then moved to Kathy's home town, Troy, Pa., where I served as HS Band Director and in the 553rd AFNG Band in Harrisburg. We starved as teachers in the late 70’s and went back to PSU in the early 80’s. I earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering and Kath earned a Masters in Music Ed, both on the WW2 GI Bill.
I took a power plant engineering job in North Carolina in 1982 and Kath became a music teacher and an assistant principal and spent her last 15 years as an elementary school principal. After 15 years with the power company and a painful downsizing layoff, I worked my last 15 years as a project manager with the same Wake County school system in technology and construction. We both retired from these jobs on Jan. 1, 2014.
After a 15 year break in service, I reenlisted in an Army Guard Band in Raleigh and retired after 20 years total. The sergeant's retirement pay is low, but the Tricare benefits are substantial.
I have kept up with my music over the years and still perform locally as a jazz semi-pro on sax, clarinet and vocals. This is my main interest after family and travel with Kath.
George J. Washko '77
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I have just moved to San Diego after living in Switzerland for the last three years. It’s great to be back in the United States.
Stephen A. Chilcote ’80
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I just became a grandfather in January, and am trying to re-invent my consulting business to keep it alive. I am looking forward to new challenges
