Elite Eight Survivors – 5 Decades of Friendship and Fidelity

I had the pleasure of gathering with a group of my oldest friends last week, a ritual that we have observed annually for over 50 years.

Originally an Order of DeMolay Chevalier Observance that began in Ellensburg, Washington, in 1968, it now includes friends, parents, wives, significant others, and occasionally our children. Some of our members have passed on, but the tradition continues. We held this October 2026 gathering in Bellevue, Washington, and shared memories of where we were in the fall of 1968. From left to right:

Ed Parents: U.S. Army, Vietnam
Jim Ayers: U.S. Army, Vietnam
Greg Irey: College, University of Washington
Tom Moser: U.S. Army, South Korea DMZ
Gerry Hart: U.S. Army, Fort Polk
Todd (Al) Moser: Wapato High School (Go Wolf Pack)
Kurt Layman: College, UCLA*
John Staffan: College, University of Washington

• UCLA is a legacy term for Yakima Valley College, back when YVC was located at the corner of Lenox Avenue and 16th Avenue. Thus, UCLA stood for the University on the Corner of Lenox Avenue. The city renamed the street Nob Hill Boulevard, which ruined the fun of announcing you attended UCLA.