The colonel and Ms Rippy were "close friends" : how close would be a matter of speculation. He did continue to visit her for quite some time after his retirement.
By the way: Keep in mind this was 1992 - not 2000, not 2001.
Whether Mrs. Zack was suspicious is none of my business.
By the way, here is the Voice of Atzlan:
http://www.aztlan.net/
They believe in the reconquest of former Mexican lands,are violently anti-semitic,and extremely leftwing in outlook.
Raimondo is not overly choosey about his friends.