Andy and Tim,

My name is John Ward and I am Col. Ward's youngest son. I was born in 1964, so I'm not sure if you all would remember me or not. Your names do look familiar to me, but that is not the least bit of importance to me.

I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed viewing this website. My older brother Paul, visited us recently and informed me of the contact he has had with someone from the school. Would that be you two, or someone else?

The stories, pictures and information really hit home and although I was only a child in those days, I can clearly remember several things about the school. Sunday performances, eating in the Dining Hall, Christmas decorations, my Dad paddling cadets with his very thick paddle, one for each year they had been with the school. I don't think I ever understood that one! The stories about find Chaplin Dinkins and visiting the school were great to read.

I don't get down to FL much but when I do and I have time, I make a point to drive through the property where the school once was. It is somewhat depressing to drive through and not see the activity that once inhabited that land. The house that was mentioned on your visit is our old home. They have renovated it into several apartments within the home. I remember going in there not soon after everything was sold and I got lost! That house was huge but even at my young age I could remember every room and detail. What a place!

Our mother passed away in March of 1999. After a stroke in 1969, which you all may recall, she defied all medical theories and lived a vibrant life for 30 more years. A second and massive stroke took her to be with the Lord in 1999. What a lady. She could recall most of your names and years and special times with the school. Most of all even in her condition, she was the best mom anyone could ever have. We really miss her, but we know that she has no more pain and we all be reunited one day. Our Aunt Marcene (Evans) passed away a couple of days after Mom did. She had suffered a stroke about 5-6 years ago, and her health declined from that. Her children live in the Deland area and we try and keep in touch throughout the holiday seasons.

Dad spends most his time in the Northern KY area where he has a home and some farm land about 50 miles south of his house. He still travels to Daytona Beach and conducts business in the Deland area. He is doing well and we try to touch base with him 2-3 times a week. He is still Col. Ward to alot of people and has really kept his health up. Mom's passing was rough, but he has recoverd very well and keeps busy with various projects. As you said about Major Dinkins, I think if my dad were to walk into the room, you would instantly recognize him. I look at old yearbooks and his picture, especially his expressions, are as if he were still in charge of the school.

As for my brothers and myself; Clark (Carl), that's what we call him, is living the Cincinnati area and has been a school teacher for close to 20 years. Paul is living in Indianapolis with his wife and 4 girls. He is a CPA and attorney with his own practice. Scott and his wife live in the Tallahassee area. He works for the Department of Insurance and they have 2 girls. My wife and I live in the Winston-Salem area of NC. I have been with Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation for 7 years and work in their training department. We have a 19 month old little girl. As you might have guessed, I am the popular one when family gatherings occur or when we go and visit everyone.

If my brother Paul has already sent this information to you, I apologize for being so redundant. I do hope to get updates and if you would like to contact me, please feel free to use this e-mail address.

I wish you the best of luck in finding more cadets, administrators and faculty. The class of 1970ish is most familiar to me. Col. Rackley, Steve Mattingly, those guys would ring a bell with me.

Again, thank you so much for creating this site. It is a great memory for our family and puts me on an emotional high.

Sincerely,