Grad News Archive 2014 Jan-Dec
For US All: The Campaign for West Point Edit Delete 12/26/2013
For Us All: The Campaign for West Point will ensure that the Academy has the resources available to fully prepare the next generation of leaders for the Army and the Nation. The West Point Superintendent and other Academy leaders have determined what areas of support are needed for preparing ethical and agile leaders of character and will best complement the core mission of the Academy. With your help, West Point cadets – those on whom we will all rely to defend democracy everywhere—will have everything they need to succeed and serve with honor in an uncertain and volatile world. Each year approximately 10% of the resources available to the Academy comes from private funding. Federal dollars fund 90% of West Point's budget, to include Margin of Excellence programs when available. However, in an era of reduced funding across the board, it is no longer possible to grow the Margin of Excellence needed to attract, yet alone develop, the caliber of people we expect to lead our Armed Services. Already the Academy has experienced a cut of 1020% in operating dollars, some of which went to support Margin of Excellence programs. Future federal funding deficits will affect the core and, in turn, Margin of Excellence opportunities will be significantly diminished. Show your support with a tax deductible gift and support West Point and it's future leaders. Learn More or I'm ready to Donate Now
Elisa Basnight ’91 Appointed Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Edit Delete 12/18/2013
Elisa Basnight ’91 was appointed Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Women Veterans in October 2013. In this role, she is the primary advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on programs and issues related to women Veterans. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Basnight, Esquire, was an associate with Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in New York, NY, and most recently with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney in Philadelphia, PA. Prior to her legal work, Ms. Basnight served as the Director of Resource Center for Workforce Essentials, Inc. in Clarksville, TN, where she developed and led the conception and implementation of an innovative career development center to assist downsized U.S. Servicemembers with redeployment as Veterans into civilian employment. Ms. Basnight graduated from the U. S. Military Academy 1991, making her the first AfricanAmerican woman graduate from the state of Wisconsin. As a newly commissioned military intelligence officer, she completed Airborne School and other trainings, and received a Joint Chiefs of Staff appointment. Ms. Basnight served both overseas and in the United States, on active duty with the U.S Army and in the U.S. Army Reserves.Ms. Basnight’s lifelong passion for helping others is evident in her public service and private sector activities. She is a member of the U.S. Army Philadelphia Community Advisory Board and a former term member of the Council on Foreign Relations; authored the 2008 Veterans Day op-ed “Remember the Veterans;” and in 2005, was appointed by New Jersey’s governor to serve on its Military and Veterans Affairs Transition Policy Task Force, where she served as co-chair. Ms. Basnight is the founder of Girls Action Network, Inc. a nonprofit with the mission to shatter stereotypes and expand opportunities for girls and young women, especially those from underserved communities. In 2009, she was recognized as a Woman of Distinction by the Philadelphia Business Journal and has received special recognition and awards for her service to girls, women and Veterans. Ms. Basnight is also a graduate of Boston University-Brussels, Rutgers Law School-Newark and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government--earning a master's degree in public administration and selected to be a Zuckerman Fellow 2006-2007.
White House Honors Drew Sloan ’02 and Kevin Johnson ’02 as “Champions of Change” for Advancing Clean Energy and Climate Security Edit Delete 12/18/2013
On November 5th the White House honored 12 local heroes as “Champions of Change.” Among those selected for the program were Drew Sloan ’02 and Kevin Johnson ’02 – American veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who are doing extraordinary work to advance clean energy Drew Sloan, ‘02 serves as a sales executive with the energy efficiency and smart grid software company, Opower. In this role, Drew works with utilities to provide customers better insight into their energy usage, helping families make smarter, more efficient energy choices. Prior to joining Opower, Drew served as an Army officer, completing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He received the Purple Heart medal for wounds suffered during a Taliban ambush in 2004 as well as two Bronze Stars. Drew is coauthor of the book, Let There Be Light: Electrifying the Developing World with Markets and Distributed Energy. Drew is a founding member of Operation Free, a nationwide coalition of veterans and national security experts who advocate for securing America with clean energy.and increase climate resilience and preparedness in their communities. Kevin Johnson, ’02 is the Senior Manager of Mergers & Acquisitions and leads Federal Market Business Development for the Acciona Energy North America Corporation. Kevin manages Acciona’s federal market team, which works closely with the Department of Defense to achieve its goal of 25 percent renewable energy by 2025. Prior to joining Acciona, Kevin served as a Captain in the United States Army and was deployed to Iraq in 2004 with the 1st Battalion, 33rd Field Artillery Regiment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As an advocate for the Truman National Security Project and Operation Free, he continues to lead the charge for a more sustainable and secure energy future. Upon returning home from service, many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have continued to utilize their specialized skills and experiences to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, make communities more resilient to the effects of climate change and improve our nation’s energy security. The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals, businesses, and organizations doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. To learn more about the Champions of Change program, clicke here.
Geoffrey Tumlin ’94 Addresses Communication Challenges of the Digital Age in New Book Edit Delete 12/17/2013
McGraw-Hill recently published Geoffrey Tumlin’s ‘94 book of counterintuitive insights for business and personal success in the digital age, Stop Talking, Start Communicating. The book draws on Tumlin’s work as an organizational consultant and offers practical solutions for improving communication at work and at home in an age of smart phones, message overload, and constant contact. Tumlin’s book warns that meaningful communication— the lifeblood of civilization and the backbone of successful relationships—is at risk, threatened by the avalanche of quick, cheap, and easy communication made possible by the digital revolution. Our increasing reliance on, and preference for, communication that is expedient and convenient, like email, text messaging, or social media posting, is dangerously eroding more difficult and time-intensive higher-order communication abilities, such as arguing sensibly, resolving conflict, persuading others, bargaining, and providing emotional support. The steady deterioration of our higher-order communication abilities results in more error-prone interactions and chronic misunderstandings that multiply our communication problems, degrade our productivity, and diminish our quality of life. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Stop Talking, Start Communicating balances research, experience, and humor to draw attention to the increasingly problematic disconnect between our higher-order communication needs and our lower-order communication practices, while pointing a straightforward and compelling path to more productive and meaningful conversations. Stop Talking, Start Communicating combines scientific knowledge with proven practices to deliver counterintuitive—but highly effective and immediately usable—communication strategies.
Kevin Terrazas ’99 Joins Austin Law Firm Weisbart Springer Hayes Edit Delete 12/12/2013
Texas litigation boutique Weisbart Springer Hayes LLP has added trial and appellate lawyer Kevin Terrazas ’99 in the firm’s Austin office. Selected this year to the Texas Rising Stars list of the state’s top young lawyers, Mr. Terrazas earned his law degree, with honors, from Harvard Law School in 2007. He completed his undergraduate degree in 1999 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he was named a Distinguished Cadet. Prior to law school, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army's Field Artillery branch, including service with the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal, among other military honors. He also is a graduate of the U.S. Army's Ranger, Airborne and Air Assault schools. Joining the firm from the Austin office of Yetter Coleman LLP, Mr. Terrazas provides experience in a wide range of complex trials and appeals involving antitrust claims, intellectual property, contracts, torts and constitutional law. He is also a former law clerk to Judge Priscilla R. Owen of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Terrazas currently serves as a director of the American Red Cross of Central Texas and an officer for the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin.
Matthew J. Geraci ’94 Creates New Form of Communication for NASA Control Room Edit Delete 12/6/2013 Matthew J. Geraci ’94 recently completed a project for NASA’s Payload Operations Integration Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Geraci’s small business, TheBlastingCabinet, created microelectronic engraved glass signs that change color, giving NASA’s Mission Control Room in Huntsville a unique and innovative new look. Mission controllers will now have a new way to communicate with the International Space Station. After Geraci received a Baccalaureate of Science in physics and nuclear engineering, he was commissioned as an active duty Army officer with deployments to Kuwait and Kosovo. He served as the Commander for the Army's 62d Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Company and is one of the few EOD officers with hands-on experience
dealing with live mustard and nerve gas weapons. In 2006 he earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Utah and later completed a post-graduate residency at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He currently serves as a clinical pharmacist in emergency medicine with Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Florida. Watch the unveiling of Geraci’s NASA project here.
Mike Fisher and Marty Abbott, Class of 1990, Explore 'Customer Misuse' in New Book Edit Delete 12/4/2013
Mike Fisher ’90 and Marty Abbott ’90, co-founding managing partners of growth and scalability advisory firm AKF Partners, have co-authored their third book together, The Power of Customer Misbehavior (Palgrave-MacMillan). The Power of Customer Misbehavior explores the importance of customer driven innovation for top line and bottom line growth. It shows how companies should not only learn to identify how their products are being misused, but also how to use this knowledge to innovate new products and services that better meet customer needs and promote viral growth. These techniques also promote long-term customer loyalty and growth even in hypercompetitive environments. This unique new book is the first to explore the idea of 'customer misuse': when customers modify features or expand the usage of products and services in ways that were never intended. Reacting appropriately to customer misuse will allow companies to enter new markets, create more loyal customers, and encourage customers to tell others about the company's products, all of which foster faster growth. These compelling concepts are presented in the form of simple actionable principles and illustrated with rich case studies from successful companies such as Twitter, Intuit, eBay and Coca-Cola, to offer the first practical guide to harnessing this new source of strategic innovation. Their first 2 books, The Art of Scalability and Scalability Rules (Addison-Wesley) addressed how to build products to meet the needs of hyper growth, while The Power of Customer Misbehavior is their first in defining how to achieve viral growth.
Lee R. Anderson Sr. ’61 Selected for Prestigious Horatio Alger Award Edit Delete 11/21/2013
Lee R. Anderson Sr. ’61, owner and chairman of APi Group, Inc., will be inducted as a Member of The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional leaders with a commitment to philanthropy and higher education who have overcome significant personal challenges to achieve success. The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education. Upon receiving a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Mr. Anderson launched a highly promising military career. However, his military career was cut short when his father suffered a serious heart attack. In the four decades since he returned home to Minneapolis to run his family’s construction business, Mr. Anderson has successfully grown the company into what is now APi Group, a multi-billion dollar company with more than 10,000 employees throughout North American and Europe. Mr. Anderson and his wife, Penny, have given more than $60 million to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and are recognized as the largest donors in West Point’s history. In 2010 Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were honored with Minnesota’s Outstanding Individual Philanthropist Award. Together, they also financed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Hire Our Heroes” program aimed at encouraging businesses to hire military veterans. Mr. Anderson is also a recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Graduate of West Point award.
Phil Bardos ’50 Pens Story of Leadership During Cold War Edit Delete 11/18/2013
Phil Bardos ’50 highlights the achievements and leadership of the West Point class of 1950 in his new book Cold War Warriors. In this compelling story, Bardos describes in great detail how many of his classmates became leaders of industry, government and educational institutions throughout the United States, and performed leadership roles in key functions of the U.S. military. This book singles out the West Point class of 1950 because collectively, their leadership roles were instrumental in assisting the nation to win the Cold War. Appealling to Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the men and women who have served in the armed forces since World War II, Cold War Warriors depicts a group of men from a distinctive educational institution whose sole purpose is "Duty, Honor, Country".
Shad A. Madsen ’98 Edit Delete 11/15/2013
Shad A. Madsen ’98 has been named Chief Financial Officer of Mentoring Minds, a leading national publisher of K-12 educational resources. Shad brings diverse, hands-on experience and leadership to his new role as CFO. Leading and developing future generations to serve the country has been a dominant theme throughout Shad's 16year career. Shad was a captain in the U.S. Army, leading teams of soldiers in both peace and wartime operations, including two tours in the Middle East. After serving in the Army, Shad worked at Boeing and Sabre Holdings, progressing from analyst to business unit controller and then finance director. While at Boeing and Sabre, he contributed to a wide variety of financial and operational functions including financial planning and analysis, accounting, financial reporting, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, business unit strategy, and resource management. Football Brings COL William Huff ’91 and Son Together Edit Delete 11/15/2013
COL William Huff ’91 has maintained a strong bond with his son while stationed at International Security Assistance Force headquarters in Afghanistan. Sports have always been a common bond for father and son, and Huff’s four tours in Afghanistan and two-plus years in Iraq haven’t changed that. Read more.
William Solms ’85 Edit Delete 11/15/2013
Wave Systems Corp. has announced that William Solms ‘85 has been appointed by the board of directors as CEO, replacing Steven Sprague. Solms served as the company’s vice president of North American sales, and will now be responsible for ensuring a smooth transition and leading Wave’s executive team. Solms served a distinguished career as an active duty Army officer, capping his 20+ year military career as a member of the Joint Staff. After his military service, Solms joined Microsoft as a sales executive, directed the federal sales team for Oracle-on-Demand at Oracle, and held executive positions in business development and sales at A-T Solutions and Intellidyne, LLC.
Daniel E. Rice ’88 Appears on Neil Cavuto Show Edit Delete 11/12/2013
On Monday, November 11, Daniel E. Rice ’88 appeared on Fox News Channel's Neil Cavuto Show. Rice discussed the Veteran’s Day commemoration on the floor of New York Stock Exchange and the book he co-authored, West Point Leadership: Profiles of courage. Watch Here.
Superintendent Opens NYSE to Commemorate Veteran's Day Edit Delete 11/12/2013 On Monday, November 11, LTG Robert L. Caslen Jr. ’75, Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, rang the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange to commemorate the 95th anniversary of Veteran's Day. He was joined by Marsh Carter ’62, Chairman of the NYSE, Alex Gorsky, Chairman of Johnson & Johnson, Ellen Houlihan of Raytheon and John Garrison, CEO of Bell Helicopter, all Class of ’82, as well as Lindsey Danilack ’14, First Captain of the Corps of Cadets. See More.
Titans Fullback Collin Mooney ’09 to Represent Armed Forces Edit Delete 11/8/2013
Tennessee Titans fullback Collin Mooney ’09 has accepted the opportunity to stand in representation of all who are standing or have stood for America through military service. The graduate of West Point will be the “12th Titan” during pregame festivities when Tennessee hosts Jacksonville Sunday at LP Field at the annual “Salute to Service” game. “It means a lot, and when they first talked to me about that, I wanted to be sure that it was the Armed Services that are the 12thTitan and I’m representing them, so it’s a huge honor for me to be able to run out and put that sword at the 50-yard line for all of the Armed Services and for all who have served” said Mooney.
Mooney learned this week that he is being promoted from 1st Lt. to Capt. in the U.S. Army Reserves. Read and see more here.
Alan Salisbury ’58 Publishes First Children's Book Edit Delete 11/7/2013 MG (Ret) Alan Salisbury’s '58 first foray into children’s literature, The Legend of Ranger, the Reindeer Who Couldn’t Fly, was recently published by Jabberwocky Books in Minneapolis. It’s being hailed as a “heartwarming and inspirational story with an important message for children about the power of believing in yourself to overcome obstacles and accomplish your dreams.” The 50-page book is beautifully illustrated with “whimsical” art by Roberta Baird. In addition to the book, Salisbury also composed a companion song, “Dream and Believe,” which is packaged on a CD by the same name along with an audio book version of the story. Nashville’s Mary Allen does the vocals with what musicBlog’s Matthew Forss describes as “a rousing melody, perfectly fitting for children of all ages,” awarding it “five North stars out of five!”In a unique move, Salisbury’s Opus One Studios philanthropic venture is donating 100% of the project’s profits to the Antonia J. Giallourakis Endowed Fund for Children with Cancer at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. Antonia, the late wife of classmate Bill Giallourakis, ’58, was an art teacher who developed an innovative art therapy program for children with cancer, prior to losing her own battle with the disease.
IMCOM Welcomes Camille Nichols ’81 as New Deputy Commanding General Edit Delete 11/7/2013
U.S. Army Installation Management Command welcomed Maj. Gen. Camille Nichols ‘81 to the team as the new Deputy Commanding General for Operations and Chief of Staff in a ceremony at Fort Sam Houston Theater. More than 200 Army senior leaders, civilians, friends and guests gathered to recognize Nichols' accomplishments and to welcome her to the Installation Management Community and San Antonio. In her previous assignments, Nichols was U.S. Army Contracting Command's first commanding general and served as program executive officer, Program Executive Office Soldier, at Fort Belvoir, VA. Nichols has more than 25 years of experience in Department of Defense acquisition. She has also served in various engineer jobs earlier in her career as an engineer officer in tactical engineering units, and has also served as manager and assistant coach 1984 U.S. Olympic women's handball team. Nichols enlisted in the Army in 1975 in her home town of Niagara Falls, N.Y. In 1981, she was commissioned as an engineer officer upon graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. "She was handpicked for this position and we are blessed to have her," said Lt. Gen. Mike Ferriter, IMCOM commanding general. "She knows the business of taking care of people. She's knows the business of transforming."
Northwestern Mutual Recognizes Robert L. Kilroy ’94 with Forum Membership Edit Delete 11/5/2013
Northwestern Mutual is honoring Wealth Management Advisor Robert L. Kilroy '94 with membership in its 2013 Forum group, which recognizes individuals for an outstanding year of helping clients achieve financial security. Robert is affiliated with the Quinlan Financial Group based in Melville, NY. This is the 4th time that he has received the Forum honor. The honorees will be recognized at a conference held on November 3 to 6, 2013, in Scottsdale, AZ. The Forum conference is an extremely exclusive achievement, with approximately five percent of Northwestern Mutual’s 6,500 financial representatives invited to attend.
Patricia Anslow ’89 Named New Commander of Arkansas Army National Guard Edit Delete 11/4/2013
Brigadier General Patricia Anslow '89 was formally installed as commander of the Arkansas Army National Guard during the Change of Command ceremony on Saturday, November 2 at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock. She replaces Brig. Gen. Roger McClellan. Anslow became the first female general officer in 2012, and she will now become the first female to assume command of the Arkansas Army National Guard. In an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Anslow said she didn't expect to remain in the military after completing her five-year commitment after graduation, but then “kind of fell in love” with the Army. The Arkansas Army National Guard was established in 1804 and has about 7,500 soldiers. The Guard will promote Col. Kirk Van Pelt to fill the vacant general position. ’69 Grads Honor Descendants of WWII Army Rangers Edit Delete 10/30/2013
West Point graduates from the class of 1969 attend the Ranger Class 10-13 closing ceremonies at Victory Pond at Ft. Benning, GA on October 18, 2013, with the Descendants of WWII Rangers. Roy Murray, Jr. ’69 (right) is the son of WWII 4th Ranger Battalion Commander, LTC Roy Murray. Ron Hudnell ’69 (left) is the son of WWII Ranger James H. Hudnell, a PFC in D Company, 2nd Ranger Battalion. The Descendants of WWII Rangers is an organization for those remaining WWII Rangers and their relatives to honor and preserve the memory of the WWII Rangers who led the way for future generations of U. S. Army Rangers. Read more about The Descendants of WWII Rangers here.
MacLean ’74 Uncovers Hidden WWII Mystery in Latest Book Edit Delete 10/28/2013
Following on the heels of Custer's Best: The Story of Company M, 7th Cavalry at the Little Bighorn, Colonel (Ret) French MacLean has published The Fifth Field: The Story of the 96 American Soldiers Sentenced to Death and Executed in World War II. Maclean takes you on a wild judicial ride through unnamed gravestones in a secret cemetery in France, sealed personnel files in a government facility known as "The Vault" and the greatest unsolved mystery remaining from World War II – how 96 American soldiers in Europe and North Africa committed heinous crimes and were subsequently tried by U. S. Army courts-martial, convicted, sentenced to death, executed, and buried in a tiny cemetery in France, known to the groundskeepers as The Fifth Field. MacLean received unlimited access to every previously secret judicial record and personnel file for all 96 men. The work is much more than a compilation of individual cases and illustrates facets of wartime Army discipline, military-civilian relations, the judicial process, thoughts of superior officers, and implications of race and class. MacLean’s approach, as a non-lawyer, was to write the book from the vantage point of a potential juror. With unimpeachable detail and a critical link from the past to today's ongoing high-profile military courts-martial and tribunals from Fort Hood to
Guantanamo, The Fifth Field finally illuminates this hidden mystery of World War II. MacLean has already given a presentation about the subject to the staff and faculty at the US Army Judge Advocate General School in Charlottesville, VA, and has scheduled another university presentation in Georgia in November. He and his publisher sent copies of the book to all Supreme Court Justices and deans of a dozen law schools, as it could have a significant impact on the national discussion of the death penalty.
Dr. James M. Johnson ’69 Appointed First Holder of Academic Chair at Marist College Edit Delete 10/24/2013 Dr. James M. Johnson ’69, an internationally
recognized expert on the War for Independence in the Hudson River Valley, has been appointed the
first holder of the Dr. Frank T. Bumpus Chair. Dr.
Frank T. Bumpus is a long-serving member of the
advisory board of the Hudson River Valley Institute (HRVI) at Marist College, and has established an endowed chair that will promote the greater
understanding of the rich history, culture, and identity of New York’s Hudson River Valley.
Dr. Johnson graduated from the United States
Military Academy at West Point and holds M.A. and
Ph.D. degrees in history from Duke University and a
M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. A retired Colonel in the United
States Army, his 30 years of service include active duty in Germany and Korea and at the Pentagon, as well as 15 years on the West Point faculty, serving as head of the military history program in his second tour. Author and editor of books and numerous scholarly and popular essays and articles on the War for
Independence in the Hudson River Valley, he has been a member of the Marist faculty for the past thirteen years, teaching courses on the region and military history.
In 2002, Dr. Johnson co-founded HRVI and has served as its executive director ever since. As the
longstanding Military Historian of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, he oversees the
American Revolutionary interpretive theme. His leadership in preserving and promoting American history
in the Valley extends to the Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor at New Windsor Cantonment, and the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail,
among many other projects.
"We are incredibly proud to have the Dr. Frank T. Bumpus Chair in Hudson River Valley History at Marist," said Dr. Thomas Wermuth, academic vice president and dean of faculty. “We thank Dr. Bumpus for his leadership in making this eminent position possible. Dr. Jim Johnson is a first-rate historian and
incomparable advocate for the Hudson River Valley and his appointment sets the standard for future holders of the Bumpus Chair."
(Photo: Dr. Frank T. Bumpus, left, joined by Dr. James M. Johnson '69, the first holder of The Dr. Frank T. Bumpus Chair in Hudson River Valley History).
BG Robert Tripp ’33 becomes Oldest Living WP Grad Edit Delete 10/21/2013 This past weekend, members from the West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area went to visit BG Robert Tripp ’33 – the oldest living West Point graduate. Bob turned 102 on Saturday, and was presented with a gift from the society, a gift from The West Point Association of Graduates, and a Certificate of Congratulations for being the “Oldest Living West Point Graduate.” He and his wife Liliane were truly delighted with the gifts.
David S. Chang ’02 Edit Delete 10/18/2013
David S. Chang ’02, CEO and Chairman of Chang Holding Company, was recently re-elected to a second term as Chair of the Hawaii Republican Party. Chang, a Major in the Hawaii Army National Guard and chief editor of The Art of Thinking Smart article and blog, was selected Business Leader of the Year for the 40 under 40 by Pacific Business News in 2010 and 2011 Young Professional of the Year by Pacific Edge Magazine. His wife Beth Fukumoto Chang is the House Minority Floor Leader for the Hawaii State Legislature and was recently selected as Top Nine Women Remaking the Right in America.
Lee R. Anderson ’61 Edit Delete 10/16/2013
Lee R. Anderson ’61 and his wife Penny are the major donors for the Defenders Lodge – a state of the art hotel for service men and women receiving care at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, CA. The Lodge officially opened on October 8, 2013 on the VA Palo Alto campus. This 52 room, 104 bed, 34,000 square foot gift from the PenFed (Pentagon Federal Credit Union) Foundation ensures that veterans who couldn’t otherwise afford first-class care can now share a free room with their caregivers. Anderson’s company employs about 10,000 men and women, and he recently told his management team that going forward he wanted to hire only veterans. At first his request was met with resistance, however, he responded “yes I can and we will.” Six of Anderson’s classmates were in attendance during the ribbon cutting ceremony, including former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jim Nicholson.
Chad D. Jenkins ’02 is The Co-Subject of New Army-Navy Book Edit Delete 10/16/2013 Chad D. Jenkins ’02 is the co-subject of the book, ‘All American: Two Young Men, the 2001 Army-Navy Game and the War They Fought in Iraq’ by New York Times Bestselling Author Steve Eubanks. The book releases October 29, 2013. “I am certainly not worthy of this honor, but thank you Steve Eubanks for allowing me to be a part of it,” said Jenkins. “Also, thank you to fellow co-subject Brian Stann for being a great man of character and someone to emulate.”
Daniel L. Muchow '72 Edit Delete 10/8/2013
The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Daniel L. Muchow '72 (Environmental Law) has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2014.
Bob Wilt '90 Edit Delete 10/8/2013 Robert (Bob) G. Wilt '90 has been named President of Alcoa's Global Primary Products (GPP) business and an Executive Vice President of the company. GPP operates 22 smelters and 9 alumina refineries worldwide and has bauxite assets in Australia, Brazil, Jamaica, Suriname, Guinea and soon Saudi Arabia. Alcoa's global aluminum smelting capacity totals nearly 4.8 million metric tons, and its global alumina capacity totals more than 18 million metric tons. Bob is also a member of the Alcoa Executive Council, the senior leadership team that sets strategic direction for the company. In his new role, Wilt has overall responsibility for the Primary business that includes global aluminum smelters, refineries and mines throughout the U.S., Latin America, Australia, Iceland, Guinea, Europe and Canada. Wilt is a member of the Alcoa Executive Council, the senior leadership team that sets strategic direction for the company. “Bob’s deep industry experience and outstanding track record at Alcoa make him uniquely qualified to lead our global Primary business,” said Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “He has risen through the ranks of our Primary business with noteworthy leadership and business success.” After receiving his commission in the U.S. Army, Wilt served as a combat engineer officer in the 101st Airborne Division, and is a veteran of the first Iraq war. He also earned a MBA from Harvard Business School.
Robert Boyd '73 Edit Delete 10/7/2013 Boyd Collar Nolen & Tuggle is pleased to announce the inclusion of Robert D. Boyd '73 among Best Lawyers in America for 2014. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers in America has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Because its research is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 36,000 leading attorneys cast almost 4.4 million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in the guide is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers in America “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”
USAA Offers No-interest Loan to Military Members if Government Delays Pay Edit Delete 10/3/2013 USAA is prepared to offer the payroll advance loan to affected military members with existing direct deposit at USAA Bank if a government shutdown interrupts military pay. Likewise, members who have existing direct deposit arrangements at USAA Bank for their VA and Social Security checks would be eligible for the loan if their payments were interrupted due to a debt ceiling impasse. If a loan offer becomes necessary, USAA will email those members and provide information in the "My Offers" section of usaa.com. We will also offer other solutions, including special payment arrangements to help USAA members who receive government payments and find themselves in financial distress because of a shutdown. "We all hope that policymakers will reach a deal before military pay is threatened," says David Bohne, president of USAA Bank. "But we stand ready to help our members who would be impacted if that happens." For more information, click here.
BG(R) Robert C. Tripp '33 Now Oldest Living Graduate Edit Delete 9/30/2013 We announce with great sorrow the death of COL(R) Benjamin W. Heckemeyer '35, our oldest graduate. He passed away on September 17, 2013 at the age of 102. The oldest living West Point graduate is now BG(R) Robert C. Tripp '33. He is 101 years old.
Jeff Martin '84 Edit Delete 9/26/2013
Jeff Martin '84, president and CEO of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, will become CEO of SDG&E and a member of the SDG&E board of directors. At Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, Martin has led the company's expansion in the renewable energy and natural gas markets. Prior to joining Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, Martin served as president and CEO of Sempra Generation and vice president of investor relations for Sempra Energy. Prior to joining Sempra Energy in 2004, Martin was senior vice president and chief financial officer of NewEnergy, Inc. He also served as corporate counsel at Tucson Electric Power Co. and was an attorney at the law firm of Snell & Wilmer, LLP, in Phoenix. 1LT Ashley Sorensen '10 Edit Delete 9/26/2013 First Lieutenant Ashley Sorensen '10 of the 303rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion broke the world record for the one-mile bomb disposal suit run by more than two minutes at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Monday Lt. Sorensen wore a fully functional bomb disposal suit, which weighs more than 75 pounds at the UH Manoa track. The Guinness Book of World Records will be reviewing the record time. If the record holds up, it will be the fastest female one-mile run in an EOD bomb disposal suit. "Whenever EOD goes out in the bomb suits for a manual approach, it's really important that we're able to work and sweat in the suit and still be able to perform, so making it a competition when we train helps with that," said Sorensen. "Running a mile like this is definitely a challenge." Read more
25th Reunion Brings Together Four High School Classmates Edit Delete 9/19/2013
Terry Harshfield '88 felt like no time had passed when he came to his 25-year reunion at the United States Military Academy at West Point where he connected with three other Stevenson High School graduates. “It's interesting that some of the people I hadn't seen in five years, and some I haven't seen since I graduated,” said Harshfield, Vice President of Technology at Compuware in Detroit. “It didn't matter; everyone just picked up like it was yesterday.” Harshfield reunited with fellow Stevenson alumni Timothy Engling, Col. Greg Ebner, and Jeff Fuchs over Labor Day weekend for their class reunion. The four all graduated from the Academy in 1988, a rare feat for a public school in Michigan. Read more Also read about the Class's 25th Reunion Gift
Lennox '77 Promotes Former XO to Brigadier General Edit Delete 9/18/2013 Brigadier General John A. George '88 (right) receives a one-star flag from Lieutenant General Robert P. Lennox '77 at his promotion ceremony Sept. 17, 2013, in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon. Brigadier General George is Director, Joint and Integration, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8. His previous assignment was Chief, Strategic Initiatives Group, Office of the Secretary of the Army. BG George's career includes multiple joint and operational assignments, including deployments to Afghanistan, Germany, Kosovo, and Turkey. He was also Executive Officer to LTG Lennox, when Lennox was the G-8. Both BG George and his father, Colonel James (Jim) D. George, US Army (Ret.) were instructors at West Point. LTG Lennox is Principal Deputy Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Office of the Secretary of Defense. His brother is LTG William J. Lennox, Jr. '71 and (USMA Superintendent 2001-2006). Photo Credit: Marla Hurtado
Proud to Be: Class of 1983 Presents Largest 30th Reunion Gift Edit Delete 9/16/2013 The USMA Class of 1983 presented a gift of $1,250,000 to the Class of 1983 Distinguished Leader Series through the West Point Leadership Center. The class made an additional gift of $100,000 to the Superintendent’s Endowment, for a total class gift of $1,350,000 -- the largest 30th reunion gift any class has ever made. The Class of 1983 Distinguished Leader Series is a faculty-run lecture series that supports cadet development, bringing influential leaders from all sectors to West Point to address cadets and discuss leadership challenges. The series hosts eight speakers a year (September through May) with all cadets majoring in Leadership Development participating; the program reaches approximately 300 to 400 cadets each year. This series is one of many programs facilitated by the West Point Leadership Center, which aims to advance and nurture responsible leadership development within West Point, the Army, government entities, educational institutions, and corporations. The Superintendent's Endowment exists to provide the flexibility to direct funding where it's needed most. The Superintendent can direct needed funds to any of West Point's major activities where federal funding is not currently available, ensuring that cadets have access to a wide range of opportunities and resources. Areas of support include co-curricular clubs, academic trips, research projects, cultural immersion trips, capstone projects, and academic conferences. Such opportunities are truly what define the Margin of Excellence and are what make West Point the nation's top college and the world's renowned leadership development institution. Since graduation, members of the Class of 1983 have given more than $3.2 million to West Point; $1.8 million of that was raised since their 25th Reunion in 2008.
Proud and Free: Class of 1973 Presents 40th Reunion Gift Edit Delete 9/16/2013
The USMA Class of 1973 presented a gift of $1,400,000 for the new Visitors Center of the United States Military Academy on the occasion of its 40th Reunion, which was held from September 12-15, 2013. The proposed new Visitors Center will be the front door to the Academy’s more than 1 million annual guests, including prospective cadets, parents and friends, history buffs, school-age children, and tourists from around the world. Here, they will learn about the role West Point’s military training and educational curriculum play in America’s present and its future. Envisioned as a 21st century “Experience Hub,” the center will feature a striking entry pavilion, high-tech exhibits, a state-of-the-art theater, and new artifacts. Visitors will leave the building with a profound sense of pride in the Unites States Military Academy and an understanding of what it provides and represents to the nation. Since graduation, members of the Class of 1973 have given more than $4 million to West Point; $2.1 million was raised since their 35th Reunion in 2008.
WPS of Annapolis Hosts Affirmation Ceremony for Exchange Cadets Edit Delete 9/16/2013 On September 3, members of the Class of 1965 gathered at a restaurant in Annapolis to participate in and bear witness to the Affirmation Oath taken by seven members of the Class of 2015. These seven exchange cadets are at the US Naval Academy for the semester and were not at West Point with the rest of their classmates for that event. The West Point Society of Annapolis has been supporting the exchange cadet program for more than a decade and has organized an Affirmation Ceremony every year. The Class of 1965 turned out in a great show of support, with 15 Classmates and wives present: Steve Ammon, Emory & Eleanora Chase, John & Linda Concannon, Kay Dermody, Joe & Lynne DeFrancisco, Bob & Mary Frank, Frank & Cam Hennessee, Chuck & Elaine Nichols, and Jim Wood. Graduates had the opportunity to engage the cadets before and during dinner. Along with the mentoring and mixing with the cadets, there was also the opportunity to socialize with the Class, as we sat all at one table and "broke bread" together. The featured speaker was our own Joe DeFrancisco (pictured). Having gone to the ceremony at West Point, DeFrancisco was quite comfortable with the more up-close and cozy atmosphere of
the night. Like Bill Hecker, Ric Shinseki, and Bob Selkis before him, Joe focused on the significance of the oath and the cadets' dedication to serve in the Army. He was inspiring as well as conveying the pride that the Class of '65 has in these youngsters. DeFrancisco
administers the oath while our classmates covered down behind the cadets. After taking the oath, the cadets did an about-face, and each classmate presented the Affirmation coin to the cadet in front of him. The coin bears our crest on one side and theirs on the other. As Joe had said, we are bound together in perpetuity! -- Submitted by Bob Frank '65
VIDEO: Lough '70 Recommits to Active Duty Edit Delete 9/13/2013 Doctor Fred Lough '70 is re-joining active duty (after two recent deployments in the Reserves) to join the surgical teaching staff at the Uniformed Services University. As a cadet, Lough toured construction of the World Trade Center. Twelve years ago he returned as a doctor. On this year's anniversary, he recommitted himself to his country to help train the next generation of surgeons. Watch video for more
Sprint Football Hosts Alumni Weekend 9/11/2013 The Army Sprint Football team recently hosted its 5th Annual Alumni Weekend. The theme of this year's weekend was "Honoring Perfection". Fifteen teams throughout the 55-year history of the program were recognized for having perfect records. Those teams were from the following seasons: '58, '62, '64, '66, '68, '70, '72, '73, '74, '76, '80, '83, '90, '94, and '12. A record number of Alumni Weekend attendees witnessed representatives from each team placing a Gold Star on a banner at mid-field during the pre-game ceremony. This banner will be raised at each home game throughout the 2013 season.
As for the game itself, the Alumni gave a valiant effort but eventually succumbed to the young cadets by the score of 35-21. This, of course, was after the Alumni had spotted themselves 15 points to honor the 15 perfect teams! The oldest alum to take the field was MG (Ret) Ed Dyer '72. In all, 19 different year groups represented the Alumni team,
including 11 who suited up from the Class of '78.
A major highlight of the weekend was guest speaker Hall of Fame Defensive Back Ronnie Lott. He addressed the team privately and also addressed the Alumni during the Friday evening dinner. Other successful events included the Fly-in Social, the Memorial Service at Trophy Point, and the golf tournament.
Besides the game, perhaps the biggest success of all was the post-game BBQ. More than 250 people participated and the cadets and Alumni were able to mingle and trade "war stories".
Head Coach Mark West exclaimed that "this event was the best one yet. Having the Alumni return and be a part of this program is truly what Sprint football (former 150's) is all about. This program has represented excellence on and off the field for a very long time and I want my players to understand that. There is no better way for them to understand excellence than to see it for themselves before their very eyes in the form of our Alumni."
Next year's Alumni Weekend is scheduled forAugust 21-23.
Gucwa '80 Makes Final Monastic Profession 9/11/2013 Moments before the ceremony was to begin, Sister Jacqueline Steinbrenner leaned in close to Sister Nancy Rose Gucwa '80, took her by the hand and whispered, "You look beautiful."
Sister Gucwa, her brown hair covered by a black veil, smiled and whispered back, "Thank you."
Meanwhile, Sister Virginia Anne Argenziano pinned a flowered boutonniere on the lapel of Gucwa's father, John Gucwa, as guests entered the Adoration Chapel at the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Monastery in Clyde, Missouri.
The event was Sister Gucwa's final monastic profession on August 31, a ceremony that sealed her commitment to
the religious life of her order.
"This day of my final monastic profession is truly the happiest day of my life," Gucwa said after the ceremony.
The Staten Island native, U.S. Military Academy graduate, and former finance professional made her first monastic profession in 2009. She entered the Benedictine Sisters community in 2006 and retired from the U.S. Army Reserves in 2008.
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Obama Nominates '91, '75 Grads for Key Administration Posts 9/11/2013 On September 10, 2013, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Christopher Smith '91 to Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Department of Energy and Sloan Gibson '75 to Deputy Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.
Smith (photographed) is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a position he has held since February 2013. He also served as Acting Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy from February 2013 to August 2013 and as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oil and Gas from 2009 to 2013. From 2007 to 2009, he was the Director of Liquid Natural Gas Trading Analytics for Chevron Global Gas. From 2005 to 2007, he was an Advisor to the President and Chief of Staff for Chevron Global Supply & Trading. Smith was a Developmental Manager and Regional Manager of the Latin America region for ChevronTexaco Global Gas from 2002 to 2005. He held several roles with Texaco, including Business Development Manager from 1999 to 2002 and Executive Business Analyst from 1998 to 1999. He was an Operations Officer and
Task Force Engineer for the 25th Infantry Division of the United States Army from 1991 to 1993. Smith received a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an M.B.A. from the University of Cambridge.
Gibson is Chief Executive Officer and President of the United Service Organizations (USO). Before joining USO in 2008, Gibson worked in banking for 20 years, including 11 years as an executive at AmSouth Bancorporation and nine years as a Senior Vice President at Bank South. In 2004, he retired as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of AmSouth Bancorporation, a position he held since 2000. In 2002, Gibson chaired the United Way campaign in Central Alabama. Gibson is a 1975 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He earned both Airborne and Ranger qualifications and served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. Gibson received a M.A. from the University of Missouri in Kansas City and a M.P.A. from Harvard University.
Butler '96 New CEO of Precision IT 9/11/2013 Precision IT’s VP of Sales Anthony Butler '96 will become acting CEO of the company effectively immediately, after founder David D'Arcy announced that he will be stepping down.
Anthony Butler joined the company in 2012 as VP of Sales and Marketing. “In the short time he’s been at Precision, Anthony has proven the company won’t skip a beat under his leadership,” said Marc Pantoni, Precision’s President. “I am extremely excited about Anthony’s vision and leadership at the helm of Precision. He is the right leader for the company and I am confident our explosive growth and great service will continue for another 10 years.”
“Given the considerable success we’ve made in recent years, I would like to extend my personal appreciation to David and Marc for all they have achieved and for their trust and confidence in me,” said Anthony Butler. “Without their leadership, Precision would not be so well-positioned to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.
Butler said: "It will be my top priority to continue to aim for the highest possible standards in all that we do.”
Quintas '86 New Armor Commandant at Fort Benning 9/11/2013
The Armor School’s newest Commandant and Chief of Armor Col. Leopoldo A. Quintas '86 was greeted by the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning community during a welcome ceremony Sept. 5.
Prior to his arrival at Fort Benning, Quintas served as the Chief of Ctaff of Fort Stewart’s 3rd Infantry Division. He has been nominated for promotion to brigadier general.
Maj. Gen. H. R. McMaster '84, MCoE and Fort Benning’s commanding general, said the Armor School was lucky to have the experience and leadership qualities that Quintas has acquired in his 27-year career, including his previous command of the 16th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Knox, Kentucky, from 2008 to 2010. A veteran of operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Quintas has served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Quintas said his top priorities are training and leader development for noncommissioned officers and officers, especially the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course, and merging the Infantry and Armor in reconnaissance and tactical skills as the MCoE undergoes reorganization.
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Niquette '09 Hiking Appalachian Trail to Raise Awareness 9/11/2013 Unemployment and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two of the most critical issues facing United States veterans today. On July 13, 2013, decorated veterans Sergeant First Class Eric Bourquin and Captain Sean Niquette '09 embarked on Mission: Appalachian Trail Hike, an inspiring journey across 2,200 miles and 14 states, to shine a spotlight on these two important issues.
Bourquin and Niquette together served in our nation's Armed
Forces for nearly 20 years. Both men received physical injuries during service and have been treated for PTSD.
Niquette always wanted to serve his country, but the events of 9/11 served as a catalyst for enrolling in West Point and later the Army. While serving in Iraq, Niquette's company was attacked by rockets while sleeping. Niquette pulled several soldiers from the wreckage and was awarded the Purple Heart; he also sustained a traumatic brain injury from which he gradually recovered. Niquette wants to change people's attitudes toward PTSD. "There's a lot of misconception about PTSD and stigma associated with it," he says. "Having PTSD isn't at all like how it's shown on TV. It doesn't make a veteran unemployable or unable to work."
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By this weekend the two hikers should be at West Point, where they will be able to cheer on Army as the football team takes on Stanford.
'13 Grads Published in "Civil Engineering" 9/11/2013 Three civil engineering cadets from the Class of 2013 successfully published three separate articles in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ flagship publication Civil Engineering. Current 2LTs Robert Downey, Colin Hennesy, and Zeke Hunsburger were enrolled in Dr. Brock E. Barry’s Advanced Soil Mechanics (CE472) elective. An assignment in that course required cadets to conduct individual research related to the influence of soil structure and strength on historic military engagements.
Downey researched and wrote a paper related to World War II construction of the tunnel system on the Island of Iwo Jima. Hennesy researched and wrote a paper about the covert construction of a tunnel under Confederate positions during the Civil War Battle of the Crater. Hunsberger researched and wrote a paper about the influence of soil
mechanics on World War I trench construction and stability. The quality of their independent research was sufficiently high to pursue outside publication. With additional writing by Dr. Barry, advising by the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering’s Class of ’53 Chair Dr. Paul Mlakar, and assistance from USMA Reference Librarian Laura Mosher, all three former cadets successfully generated their first formal publications.
The Editor’s Note that accompanied the three articles included the following statement: “Anyone who lays claim to the notion that today’s students are disengaged, ignorant of history, unconcerned with bygone accomplishments, or unmotivated by anything that is not part of the digital realm would do well to read these articles. If they can serve as an example, it is clear that the current generation of engineering students -- much like those of any generation past -are eager to learn, thorough in their efforts, and capable of critical thinking that leads to innovative solutions. Isn’t that what we all want in our next generation of civil engineers?"
Click here to see the articles on the West Point Civil and Mechanical Engineering Facebook page.
Sullivan '03 Joins Math Department 9/9/2013
Patrick (PJ) Sullivan '03 has accepted a teaching position in the math department at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
After graduating from the Academy in 2003, Sullivan later graduated from Stanford University with a master’s degree in structural engineering and continued on to earn a degree of engineer in civil engineering with the emphasis in sustainable design and construction.
In his 10 years since West Point graduation, Sullivan has been deployed for two years, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.
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Ruther '98 Launches Veterans Commercial Real Estate 9/6/2013 Brad Ruther '98 has launched a new brokerage firm called Veterans Commercial Real Estate (VCRE). Certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Ruther’s new firm also meets most major corporations’ supplier diversity requirements. VCRE is one of just three commercial-only brokerages in the United States to have earned the status from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Center for Veterans Enterprise.
As the firm grows, Ruther plans to hire other former soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines as brokers. He plans to become the premiere Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business commercial real estate brokerage firm in the nation.
VCRE specializes in office tenant representation, providing cost/benefit and market analysis, lease or purchase negotiation, asset disposition, help with municipal incentives, construction and post-occupancy needs. Ruther also offers deep experience in the healthcare industry, helping to navigate unconventional office transactions.
New Massachusetts Field House Dedicated to Steele '09 9/6/2013 The new field house for Duxbury, Massachusetts’s athletic teams will be dedicated in memory of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Timothy J. Steele '09, a Duxbury native who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011. The Lt. Timothy J. Steele Athletic Building will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7.
The field house is already occupied and being used by various athletic teams. Its features include locker rooms, a concession area, school and community event space, storage areas, and restrooms.
Steele, 25, lost his life Aug. 23, 2011, while serving with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan.
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Walker '01 Named National Account Manager at RecruitMilitary 9/6/2013 RecruitMilitary, the nation’s leading full service veteran hiring company, has engaged former Army officer and Iraq War veteran Christian Walker '01 as National Account Manager in charge of Denver, Colorado, and the Mountain States Region. Christian will lead RecruitMilitary’s efforts to connect area companies that are serious about the benefits of veteran hiring with our nation’s finest human talent.
A native of Sevierville, Tennessee, Walker is a 2001 graduate of West Point with a degree in Systems Engineering. He served as a field artillery officer at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and won a Bronze Star for combat action in Iraq. After leaving the Army in 2006, Walker began his sales and business management career at White Oak Mechanical in Kodak, Tennessee.
“I am thrilled to be joining RecruitMilitary at a time of growth and innovation at the company” said Walker. “The company shares my passion for matching high-quality talent with company needs. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing fellow veterans thrive in their civilian careers.”
RecruitMilitary CEO and former US Marine officer Peter Gudmundsson said, “Chris offers us the ideal combination of combat-tested leadership, a passion for customer service, and a dedication to continue his national service by helping veterans. We are thrilled to welcome him on board.”
Hunt '45 Pens "Losing Vietnam" 9/4/2013
Major General (Ret) Ira A. Hunt, Jr. '45, author of The 9th Division in Vietnam: Unparalleled and Unequaled, has published Losing Vietnam: How America Abandoned Southeast Asia as part of the AUSA Battles and Campaigns Book Series. Hunt effectively demonstrates that America's lack of resolve and support in the period 1973-1975 doomed South Vietnam and Cambodia to defeat. As Deputy Commander of the United States Support Activities Group in Thailand during this period, Hunt met frequently with senior military leaders of South Vietnam and Cambodia and had access to all Southeast Asia operational reports. Losing Vietnam offers a valuable eyewitness perspective of that period, making clear that it was America, tiring of its involvement and withdrawing the necessary support, that evoked the loss of Vietnam. Dr. Lewis Sorley III '56, also an author, declared that Losing Vietnam is the most detailed, insightful, documented, and authentic account of that 1973-1975 period.
No Task Too Great: Class of 1988 Presents 25th Reunion Gift 9/4/2013
The Class of 1988 presented a gift of $750,000 for the USMA Visitors Center and the West Point Leadership Center during its 25th Reunion (August 29-September 1). Each year more than 1 million people visit West Point, making the Visitors Center an important venue for prospective cadets, families, and the general public to learn about cadet life as well as the significance of West Point to the nation. In addition to an improved physical structure, the new Visitors Center will feature high-tech and interactive exhibits, theaters, and artifacts that both represent West Point’s status as one of the nation’s top colleges and meet the Army’s increasing emphasis on technology. When completed, this new and improved center will orient visitors to West Point, reaffirm the value of this institution to the general public, and inspire the next generation of cadets.
The West Point Leadership Center aims to advance and nurture responsible leadership development within West Point, the Army, government entities, educational institutions, and corporations. Through speaker series, conferences, intercollegiate exchanges, curriculum development, and sound research, the center will impact cadets and leaders around the world. West Point is often defined by its commitment to leadership -- a trait evidenced by the generations of cadets who have gone on to influence the Army, the nation, and the world. The Leadership Center will become West Point’s primary vehicle for enhancing and disseminating its expertise and unique perspective to a wider audience, advancing leadership around the world.
Since graduation, members of the Class of 1988 have given more than $1.6 million dollars to West Point; $930,000 of that was raised since their 20th Reunion in 2008.
Marc Wehmeyer '93 Joins Praetorian Guard 9/1/2013 Dick Hewitt ’84, President of Praetorian Guard, is pleased to announce that Marc Wehmeyer ’93 has joined the wealth management firm, headquartered in Carmel, California. Marc joins Joe Clark ’91 at the company, which provides comprehensive financial planning services to clients throughout the United States. Marc will assume duties as the Director, Mid-Atlantic Region for Praetorian Guard and he and his wife Ashleigh, also ’93, will reside in Arlington, VA.
Rees '66 Reflects on Warfare's Past and Future 8/29/2013 Reflecting on a military career that began in 1962 as a West Point cadet, newly retired Maj. Gen. Raymond Rees '66 described his command philosophy in simple terms.
"Leadership," said Rees, "is not about the leader. It's about the led. It's about taking care of your soldiers."
During an interview that included quotes from George Orwell, William Shakespeare, and Karl von Clausewitz, Rees recollected the lessons he learned from decades in the military, at war and at peace.
It was as a cavalry troop commander with the Army's 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam during 1968-69 that Rees'
"command philosophy" was forged. He and 140 troopers under his Vietnam Reconnaissance Command had the dangerous task of sweeping the jungle north of Hue when enemy activity was suspected. Confirmation of enemy presence usually came in a hail of gunfire and mortar rounds.
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Conkey '00 Humbled Honoring Fallen Peers 8/28/2013 Maj. Nate Conkey '00 was elated to help All-Army win the 2013 Armed Forces Rugby Sevens Championship and humbled the next morning by a remembrance ceremony honoring all military rugby players who made the ultimate sacrifice.
With the bagpipes of retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jay Leasure blaring "Amazing Grace," Conkey walked from the sideline, placed a rugby ball alongside a U.S. Army flag at midfield, and saluted his fallen military rugby mates.
Conkey, 34, of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., stood Army Strong throughout the roll call of Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guard rugby players who gave all. "I knew a lot of them," said Conkey. "Many players that I've coached, men that I've played with, men that I've been good friends with, are on that list. Probably 10 or 15."
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'04 Grads Start 'Six Word War' Project 8/28/2013
Describe a 15-month combat deployment, all the firefights and anguish and boredom, in just six words.
“Four trucks out, three trucks back.”
“Candy and soccer balls, occasionally bullets.”
“I’ll never be this cool again.”
That’s the idea behind two Army veterans’ Six Word War project, a crowd-sourced memoir of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mike Nemeth '04 and Shaun Wheelwright '04 have been collecting ideas for the book-to-be for the last year and the pair have already collected dozens of submissions on their social media sites, giving a glimpse into the enduring truths of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The idea stems from an Ernest Hemingway legend, in which he challenged his peers to write a complete story in only six words. Nemeth said they considered limiting their war stories to five words “since the military is more efficient,” but eventually bowed to the literary great’s model.
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How to Follow Army Football on the Airwaves 8/27/2013
Army Football's journey begins with the season opener against Morgan State on Friday. If you can't watch in person, you'll still be able to follow the entire Army season on the airwaves of FM 97.7 WZZN the Zone, Huntsville’s ESPN station, or the Internet broadcast.
Steve Kreipe '84, Tom Economy '81, and Bill Crawford '80 host a weekly pre-game show to get folks fired up about Army football. The show is an eclectic mix of interesting guests, thoughtful analysis, and entertaining humor that has kept people listening for the past two seasons.
Odierno '76 Named Distinguished American by National Football Foundation 8/27/2013 Gen. Raymond T. Odierno '76, the 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, will be presented with the National Football Foundation Distinguished American Award on Dec. 10.
One of the most prestigious honors presented by the NFF, the award recognizes an outstanding person who has maintained a lifetime of interest in the game and who, over a long period of time, has exhibited enviable leadership qualities and made a significant contribution to the betterment of amateur football in the United States.
"General Odierno's life has represented the embodiment of the motto of his alma mater, West Point: 'Duty, Honor, Country,' " said NFF Awards Committee Chairman Jack Ford. "An athlete, a warrior, a scholar and, always, a leader, he has served his nation and his fellow soldiers well in both war and peace. We at the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame are honored to recognize him as our 'Distinguished American.' "
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Stumpe '45 Memorializes All Grads Who Died for Their Country 8/27/2013
In early 2008, a group of Wisconsin volunteers started the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Program to fly Southeast Wisconsin World War II veterans to Washington, DC so they could visit the World War II Memorial and other area memorials honoring their era of service. With World War II veterans passing away, one every 90 seconds, time was of the essence. Milwaukee is one of five honor flight hub locations in Wisconsin, all part of the country's Honor Flight Network. The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight flew its first charter of 137 veterans to their Memorial in November 2008. The program has been a great success and today includes Korean War and terminally ill veterans from all conflicts. Chartered 747s, with up to 300 veterans at a time, are flown to Washington, DC, some four times a year. Learn more about the program
Recently, a Wisconsin Veterans Pillar of Honor Memorial has been completed, located in Port Washington, Wisconsin, fronting Lake Michigan. It has been dedicated to honor the program, veterans, and volunteers. Brick sections for special honors are a part of the Memorial, one of which was donated by Col. (Ret) Warren R. Stumpe, Class of 1945, to memorialize all West Point graduates who have died for their country (photographed).
Horner ’81 New Chief Government and Community Affairs Officer for Jacksonville University
8/26/2013 Jacksonville University President Tim Cost has appointed Dr. Donnie Horner ’81 to the newly created position of Chief Government and Community Affairs Officer.
Horner, who has had distinguished leadership careers in education and the military, has left his post as the City of Jacksonville’s first education commissioner to serve in his new role.
Cost said Horner’s widespread respect and long-established relationships in Jacksonville, along with his knack for community engagement, made him an ideal selection for the JU position. “Nobody knows Jacksonville and community stakeholders better than Donnie Horner,” said Cost.
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Johnson '69 Appointed Bumpus Chair in Hudson Valley History 8/26/2013 Dr. James M. Johnson '69, an internationally recognized expert on the War for Independence in the Hudson River Valley, has been appointed the first holder of the Dr. Frank T. Bumpus Chair in Hudson River Valley History at Marist College.
The Chair was established by long-time Cold Spring, New York resident Dr. Frank T. Bumpus to promote greater understanding of the rich history, culture, and identity of New York’s Hudson River Valley. “This academic chair, and the excellent teaching, scholarship, and public dialogue it creates, will widen knowledge and understanding throughout the country and the world about our historically significant region of
America,” says Marist President Dennis J. Murray. “Dr. Jim Johnson is a first-rate historian and incomparable advocate for the Hudson River Valley and his appointment sets the standard for future holders of the Bumpus Chair.”
Fuscellaro ’05 to Receive Nininger Award 8/26/2013
The West Point Association of Graduates announces that Captain Anthony C. Fuscellaro ’05 has been selected to receive the 2013 Alexander Nininger Award for Valor at Arms. Capt. Fuscellaro will receive the award on September 11, 2013, at West Point, NY.
Capt. Fuscellaro is an Aviation officer currently serving as the Brigade Assistant S3, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. He has been selected for promotion to the rank of major and will begin a Pentagon internship in 2014.
Capt. Fuscellaro received two Distinguished Flying Cross awards for valorous achievements as a Pilot-in-Command of an OH-58D(R) Kiowa Warrior in support of combat operations in Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom in August and December 2009.
The Nininger Award is endowed by Mr. Doug Kenna, Class of 1945, and his wife Jean Kenna. The Award is named in honor of Lieutenant Alexander R. “Sandy” Nininger, Class of 1941, on whom the Medal of Honor was posthumously conferred for heroism in combat in the Philippines during the early stage of World War II. The Award recognizes the personal valor of the recipient and also draws attention to the bravery of all West Point graduates who have heroically led soldiers.
Following is an excerpt from the award citation: "Throughout the fight, CPT Fuscellaro’s actions were brilliant, while his demeanor was calm and intentional. His singular actions were absolutely critical to the success of the battle that resulted in zero American casualties, while inflicting substantial losses against a heavily armed, numerically superior enemy force. Despite extreme risk to himself and his team from massive, concealed enemy heavy weapons, CPT
Fuscellaro’s leadership, bravery, audacity, and skill enabled the [ground forces] to withdraw safely from the kill zone. His leadership and valorous achievement are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force Saber, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the United States Army."
WPS of North Florida 8/26/2013 A bugler played taps as the West Point Society of North Florida held their annual ceremony that remembers those who died during the wars that pitted the United States against the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes.
Amid precise rows of marble tombstones marking the graves of military men and their spouses, several dozen people gathered Saturday morning at the St. Augustine National Cemetery to remember those who died on the battlefield during the Second Seminole War.
The day was humid and bright, probably much like Aug. 15, 1842, when seven mule-drawn wagons covered with the American flags slowly neared what was once the garden of the St. Francis Barracks on Marine Street.
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Giraud '12 Earns Gold Medal on the All-Army Volleyball Team 8/22/2013 2nd Lt. Ali Giraud, officer in charge S-1 shop, 303rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, at first glance seems typical of what you would expect of a leader managing her team. However, there is something atypical about Giraud, perhaps even the reason why teamwork and communication seem to come so effortlessly to her. Giraud is not only a former NCAA Division 1 collegiate athlete, but also a gold medal winner on the 2013 All-Army Volleyball team.
Giraud, a member of the Class of 2012, played volleyball for the Army Black Knights for three of her four years of enrollment. “I didn’t know there were opportunities to continue playing volleyball in the Army, and then two of my old teammates from West Point contacted me and asked me if I wanted to play for the All-Army Volleyball team,” said Giraud. “I then got in contact with the coach and filled out an application.”
Giraud, a native of Petaluma, CA, then spoke about the gold medal. “It’s quite an honor to have a gold medal that represents an All-Army team. At West Point, it was a collegiate team, a collegiate environment. It’s different here, (my teammates) not only serve their country but still find the time to volunteer and go play some volleyball,” said Giraud. “This (gold medal) is really the coolest feeling I’ve ever gotten from any award I’ve ever received, and I’m so proud to have it.”
Read more here.
10 Ways to Make Each Day a Leadership Masterpiece 8/21/2013 BG (Ret) Brian Layer ’82 knows a few things about leadership. In this Forbes column he lays out daily goals to avoid
missing leadership opportunities.
Years ago, I picked up a pearl of wisdom from coaching great, John Wooden. Make each day your masterpiece! Living at that level is a powerful and challenging concept. Most of us fall short and it's easy to blame our circumstances and those around us for their distraction. Yet, a leader has a duty to perform at the highest possible level and an honest assessment may reveal days laden with missed leadership opportunities.
The riddle of a leadership masterpiece is the hands of others reveal our artistry. Therefore, we must make their performance and growth our daily focus. How much time do we really spend helping, leading, and developing others? That’s an important question because it reveals our priorities.
The following daily goals will help assess your performance. You can use them to review your leadership opportunities at the beginning of the day and assess your performance at the end. In time, these goals will become habits and when they do, you may find you are making each day your leadership masterpiece.
1. Excel in the moment. Your focused attention is true barometer of your interest. Presence in the moment requires discipline, preparation, and empathy.
2. Invest in a relationship and build trust. Relationships built on trust hold up in tough conditions. Every interaction alters the well of trust between two people. A wise leader fills the well at every opportunity. Listen!
3. Help someone else achieve and grow. The success and growth of others is the legacy of great leadership and worthy of your time, energy, and passion.
4. Listen. Take time to listen to a variety of voices. A leader who fails to listen is likely to fail.
5. Connect someone to your vision, mission, and priorities. Every organization has noise and distortion. A leader’s clarity sets the course, builds confidence, and saves time. Never miss an opportunity to tie another’s effort to the greater purpose.
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UH System Board of Regents Elects Hollingsworth '85 as Chair 8/19/2013 Jarvis V. Hollingsworth '85 was elected Chair of the University of Houston System (UHS) Board of Regents during the upcoming fiscal year. The board is the governing body of the UH System, which includes the University of Houston, the University of Houston-Downtown, the University of Houston-Victoria, the University of Houston-Clear Lake, three branch campuses, and the multi-institution teaching center, UH System Cinco Ranch.
“I am honored that the Board of Regents showed confidence in my leadership abilities by electing me to serve as chair of the board of this great university system,” Hollingsworth said. “This is an exciting opportunity, and I am looking forward to working with my fellow Regents and the incredible leadership team led by UHS Chancellor Renu Khator.”
Paul Brooks '91 New Commander of U.S. Army Garrison, Ft. Lee 8/15/2013 COL Paul K. Brooks '91 was welcomed as the new commander of U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Lee. Brooks, a former armor and current Logistics Corps officer, comes to Fort Lee from the National Defense University at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. There, he earned a master's degree at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Brooks said he was thankful that he was afforded the opportunity to lead the
garrison and struck a note of earnestness about the major issues it has to confront. "To be sure, there will be many challenges in our future as the military transitions into a leaner force," he said, "but we will face all these challenges together as a team. (I look forward to) working with each and every one of you to provide the best support possible to our Soldiers, our families, our civilians, this installation and the community."
For the complete article, click here.
PHOTOS: March Back 2013 8/13/2013 One hundred and eighty graduates joined the Class of 2017 for the 2013 March Back, a 12-mile hike from Camp Buckner to Quarters 100 that marks the end of Cadet Basic Training. Thirty three of these grads were from the Class of 1967, the 50-Year Affiliation Class for the soon-to-be plebes. "I’m really impressed with the Class of 2017," said Bob Shaw ’67. Fellow ’67 grad Tom Thorton agreed. "It’s good to affirm that West Point is continuing to attract great, young men and women." The oldest grad marching was Col (R) Dick Williams ’45, who has been participating in the March Back since 2002 and who just celebrated his 90th birthday. "After completing the March Back, I feel as if I just celebrated my 90th birthday," joked new Superintendent Bob Caslen ’75 "Even I had a hard time keeping up with Colonel Williams," said First Lieutenant Brent Clark ’11, the youngest grad marching in today’s event, who also said that all grads marching visibly demonstrated the bonds of Long Gray Line.
See photos from the march and all related events!
Henderson '12 Leaves Stealth Lacrosse for Afghanistan 8/13/2013 Tim Henderson '12 will be deployed to Afghanistan for active duty at the end of the month, before he has a chance to suit up for the Vancouver Stealth’s 2014 season. Stealth Head Coach Chris Hall knows Henderson’s departure will be missed on and off the turf, "I think that’s a big hole for us that were going to need to fill, Tim’s an
incredible athlete and an incredible person, what he brought to the team were considerable in the impact for us."
Henderson will most likely miss the entire NLL season with the Stealth but it doesn’t seem to faze the 6'2" defenseman. If given the opportunity to return and make a contribution to the team, Henderson is will to do anything, "I loved playing with the team and I'd love to have any role, if they wanted me to show up and get water for the guys, I'd just like to be there." For now serving in the United States Military is Henderson’s focus even though some aspects of his lacrosse life will translate into his army life: “Lacrosse is a team sport and really at the end of the day you get into the army, and it’s a team sport.”
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McNary ’11 Continues Transition From Military to Pro Football 8/13/2013 Josh McNary ’11 took another step toward playing in the NFL.
McNary, a lieutenant in the United States Army, signed a contract with the Indianapolis Colts in April. The West Point graduate hadn't played a down of football since this spring's mini-camps, fulfilling his military commitment.
On Tuesday, the Colts reinstated McNary from the reserve/military list by the Colts, the Indianapolis Star reported, and he participated in his first training camp practice.
"I think the quote of the day was (GM Ryan) Grigson approaching me, telling me, 'It's just like riding a bike.' He hit it right on the head," McNary said. "It just felt comfortable to be back out here. It felt natural, surprisingly. I was kind of concerned going into it, whether if I was going to be overly rusty. But it turned out to be pretty smooth, a smooth transition."
Read more from the NFL here.
Cage '02 Named Director of Military and Veterans Policy for Nevada 8/13/2013 Caleb Cage '02 has been named Director of Military and Veterans Policy for the state of Nevada. Cage was born and raised in Reno. He is a 2002 graduate of West Point and served two tours in Iraq.
Hokanson '86 Sworn in as Oregon's Adjutant General 8/13/2013 Maj. Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson ’86 was sworn in as Oregon’s adjutant general on August 1st in the governor’s ceremonial office at the Oregon State Capitol.
As adjutant general, Hokanson will direct, manage and supervise the administration, discipline, organization, training and mobilization of the Oregon National Guard, the Oregon State Defense Force and the Office of Oregon Emergency Management.
He also will be responsible for developing and coordinating all policies, plans and programs of the Oregon National Guard in concert with the governor and legislature of the state. The adjutant general also serves as the governor’s homeland security advisor.
Hokanson graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1986 and served on active duty in air cavalry, attack helicopter and aircraft test organizations prior to joining the Oregon National Guard.
Read more here.
Ives '87 Hosts Boot Camp for Kids 8/7/2013 What started as a backyard program when her five children were growing up has blossomed into something much bigger for Illinois State Representative Jeanne Ives '87.
She played host Tuesday to her inaugural health and fitness boot camp for kids ages 3 through 12 at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.
A graduate of West Point and a U.S. Army veteran, Ives said the camp is designed to let kids see how well they can complete fun and age-appropriate fitness tests. She said she put together similar camps for her own children and their friends and wanted to offer the activities to a broader group.
"I'm really excited about this event," Ives said Tuesday. "It's something I started doing just as a mom. Having been in the military, I knew my kids loved fitness and they loved to do it in a fun and exciting way. So we came out to Cantigny to build this bigger event about kid's nutrition and kid's health and fitness, which we hope to grow every year."
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Read more stories about graduates who continue to prioritize health and fitness in the fall issue of "West Point" magazine!
Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame Inducts Krawciw '59 8/6/2013 As a Ukrainian child growing up in occupied territory during and after World War II, Nicholas Krawciw dreamed of going to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
"When I was a youngster at the end of WWII, (American soldiers on occupation duty) formed us into Boy Scout troops ... sort of a voluntary thing. They ran YMCA camps for us," he said.
"For four years I was involved in listening to a lot of the stories that they told us."
Between 1945 and 1949, the young Krawciw, pronounced crouch-ew, hiked and camped and learned songs like "You Are My Sunshine" at a displaced persons camp in Bavaria, Germany. He also heard, time and again, about West Point.
"I made up my mind early, even before we got to America. 'If we get to America, I'm going to go to West Point,' " he recalled in a recent interview at his Tulsa home.
His family immigrated in 1949, and 10 years later he graduated with the academy's class of 1959.
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Denton '73 Leading Austin Veteran's Court 8/5/2013 Judge Mike Denton '73 helps returning veterans who are suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other conditions resulting from their combat service and who have been charged with crimes related to those conditions.
It's 5 p.m., and as the Travis County Courthouse empties out for the day, a courtroom on the third floor begins to fill with county officials, federal bureaucrats, and young men with closely cropped hair.
Judge Mike Denton '73 calls the next defendant, a former Navy special forces boat operator who served in the Gulf War and various operations in Africa. Shane Bryant faces a trespassing charge after an altercation with a group of teenagers on a day when doctors were switching his medications for symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder.
He's not here to be tried or sentenced. This is Travis County's new veterans court, where the goal is rehabilitation, not punishment. Denton is pleased to hear that Bryant has been following his treatment plan and is on track to get his charge dismissed if he keeps it up. "This is a great report," says Denton, himself an Army veteran, before leading the courtroom in applause.
Read more about Denton's work and the rehabilitation program
Brown '93 Behind New Ready-to-Drink, Nutritional Beverage 8/2/2013 Wlliam Brown '93, co-founder and CEO of Trovita Health Science, announces exclusive licensing agreement for a nutritional beverage that will be sold in the health-care sector for people with debilitating diseases that result in nutritional depletion.
Trovita Health Science and Galen BioScience have launched a licensing agreement that grants worldwide rights to Trovita to commercialize an innovative, ready-todrink nutritional beverage. The product will be marketed under the brand name ENU™ and is expected to launch in the United States by the first quarter of 2014 with two initial flavor choices, chocolate and vanilla.
Brown commented, "Trovita is proud to initiate an on-going partnership with Galen so that we can collaborate to bring innovation to the ready-to-drink nutrition market. We are confident that ENU will disrupt the category, which is crowded with products aimed at weight loss or post-workout recovery, but underserved in terms of quality, all-natural products that are intended for weight maintenance or health-related uses... ENU is formulated with the best ingredients for consumers who need and demand the best nutrition."
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Grads Publish "West Point Leadership: Profiles of Courage" 8/1/2013
"To call West Point Leadership: Profiles of Courage impressive would be a major understatement. Seeking just the right word to describe your book, I decided on 'monumental!' It truly is that, both literally and metaphorically." -- Lieutenant General Dave Palmer (USA, Retired) USMA 1956, Superintendent of West Point 1986-1991. Written by 25 USMA graduates about 180 USMA graduates from throughout history, this 512page coffee table book has more than 2,000 amazing photos and is one of a kind!
Halverson ’79 Inspires Cadets at Joint Base Lewis-McChord 7/30/2013 The Leader Development and Assessment Course tasks its Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets with becoming great leaders. Sometimes seeing models of great leadership can be just as integral to training as learning how to shoot an M-16 or how to communicate with other cultures.
Cadets found such a model on July 13 when Lt. Gen. David D. Halverson, Deputy Commanding General/Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, visited Warrior Forge. According to TRADOC’s website, Halverson assumed his current duties in June 2012 after approximately 34 years of service, including executing war plans for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
But before his accomplishments, Halverson was just like all the Cadets who clung to his influential words.
“This journey you’re on, you’re going to learn every day,” said Halverson to a squad of 10th Regiment Cadets at Field Leader and Reaction Course.
Halverson spent his day traveling to various training sites and watching the Cadets in action or in their after-action review with Cadre. When a pause arose during instruction, he stepped forward as if he had already spoken and had just remembered a final word he wanted to offer before forgetting it.
The three-star general reminded Cadets that the Army is “an outdoor sport” and not an occupation they can perform halfway.
“In this world, there are good people and bad people, and you have to understand that there are people out there who do not agree with your way of life,” he told 12th Regiment Cadets at Down Range Feedback. “If you want to be serious about this [military] profession, you have to be committed to that reason.”
Cadet Brody Evans, Bravo Co., 12th Regiment, is from San Diego and a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona. Evans said the opportunity for him and fellow Cadets to see such a high-ranking official as Halverson was a rare one.
“I thought [his speech] was very motivational and heartfelt,” said Evans. “I think what he said matched the gravitas of the situation.”
Cadet Montafix W. Houghton IV, Bravo Co., 12th Regiment, from Rockville, R.I., and a student at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, said he thought Halverson “spoke from the heart.”
“I think it puts in perspective what our training here is gearing us up for,” said Houghton.
Houghton also said Halverson’s words reminded Cadets that they will be the leaders of “this generation’s sons and daughters.”
“By having the general here, it really puts that stamp of importance [on LDAC],” he said.
As for Halverson, he said he was very impressed with the work that has gone into executing LDAC and its mission to
mold leaders. His greatest enjoyment, he said, came from seeing the Cadets’ youth and excitement, which he recalls from his commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1979.
“Hopefully…we’re setting the conditions for them to get conditioned to this profession,” said Halverson. “I’m very pleased to see where our Army is going.”
-- Submitted by Monica Spees
Brother-Sister Duo Hope to Bring USMA Ideas to Honduran Military 7/29/2013
SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras - In May, Beatriz Martorell '15 cheered for her brother, Isaac Martorell '13, as he received his long awaited diploma/commissioning. This brother-and-sister duo wasn't from California, Texas, or even from the U.S., but foreign nationals from Honduras.
On July 15, Beatriz (photographed) was back in her home country of Honduras for cadet troop leadership training (CTLT), which provides West Point cadets the opportunity during their junior year to experience leadership in Army units over a three- to fourweek period. Cadets serve in lieutenant-level leadership positions with active-duty units to get a better understanding of their future position.
Read more about the duo's goals for the future
Rivera '00 Recognized for Hiring Veterans and Service Members 7/29/2013 Hundreds of service members, veterans, and dependents sought employment at the first Berks County Military Job Fair hosted by the 326th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 314th Press Camp, 412th Theater Engineer Command, U.S. Army Reserve and the Berks County Society for Human Resource Management, located at the Berks County
Agricultural Center in Leesport, Pa., July 24.
Al Rivera '00, who served in the 101st Division Fort Campbell, Ky., now General Manager for the C&S Wholesale Grocers, Bethlehem, Pa., facility came to the job fair looking to hire veterans.
“Around 30 percent of our employees at the Bethlehem branch are either veterans or current service members,” said Rivera. “We make it a priority to hire veterans. What makes them quality employees is that they have a sense of teamwork and ownership that we, the employers, look for.”
U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador for Pennsylvania George Duell Jr. presented Rivera with a coin, medallion, and flag, saying, "This is a token of appreciation on behalf of the Chief of the Army Reserve Lt. Gen. Jeff W. Talley.”
Read more about Rivera's award
Flag Ceremony Bonds 1966 to 2016 7/25/2013 Colonel George Utter, Colonel William Traubel, and Dr. Tom Carhart represented the Class of 1966, the Class of 2016’s 50-Year Affiliate Class, at the Cadet Field Training Award Ceremony this morning. During the ceremony, the Class of 1966 presented that of 2016 with its Class Flag. Going forward, this gift will be displayed at all class events and remain with the class after graduation into the Long Gray Line. An integral part of the 50-Year Affiliation Program, the presentation of the Class Flag strengthens the bonds between the classes and reinforces the ideals of West Point and the values of the Army.
See photos from the ceremony in our myCapture album.
Emergent BioSolutions Names Joulwan '61 to Board 7/23/2013 Emergent BioSolutions Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced on July 18 the appointment of General George Joulwan '61 to the company’s board of directors.
General Joulwan has a highly distinguished military career that spans 36 years from 1961 to his retirement in 1997. Highlights of General Joulwan's military service included: Serving as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR); Commander in Chief, U.S. Southern Command; Commanding General, V Corps and Commanding General, 3rd Armored Division, United States Army Europe and U.S. Seventh Army, Germany.
He has received numerous military decorations and foreign awards and decorations for his bravery and service, including two Silver Stars for valor.
Fuad El-Hibri, Executive Chairman of the board of Emergent BioSolutions, said, "General Joulwan has devoted his four-decade career to serving the country, protecting our freedoms, and architecting peace around the world. He is a true and distinguished public servant, who is highly respected in the global military community. As we expand our portfolio with specialized products that address the needs of U.S. and worldwide governments, his expertise and stature will be invaluable in guiding Emergent's management team towards further growth."
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1907 Graduate Inducted Into Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame 7/23/2013 In May, the Alabama Bar Association inducted William Logan Martin, Jr., West Point Class of 1907, into the Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame Class of 2012 as an "Alabama lawyer who made extraordinary contributions through the law at the state, national, or international level . . . having a breadth of achievement in their lifetime, demonstrating a profound respect for professional ethics, being recognized in their community, and leading, inspiring or mentoring
others in the pursuit of justice."
Martin (1883-1959), a veteran of World War I service, served as Alabama's Attorney General and a circuit court judge before settling in Birmingham in 1922. In Birmingham, he opened a three-man law firm that eventually grew to today's Balch & Bingham LLP -- one of the largest law firms in the state and a firm with offices in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Washington DC. Over the years, Martin was a trusted legal counsel to the Alabama Power Company at a time when the company was responsible for hydropower, electrical, and economic development throughout much of the state. He not only served on the American Bar Association's Board of Governors but was also the president of the Alabama State Bar from 1946 to 1947.
-- Submitted by James Noles '90, partner at Balch & Bingham LLP
Noles '90 Authors New Book 7/23/2013
Jim Noles '90 has added a new book to his list of published works. This time, however, Noles’ latest is not a work of military history. Rather, it is a tongue-in-cheek look at his family’s first year with a new puppy. Dog Days: A Life in the Year of a Dog Named Pinot, has been published by Pine Ivy Books and 8th Avenue Books. It is available as an e-book from Amazon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, from where Pinot was adopted.
A Note to my Hero - A Daughter's Tribute 7/22/2013 My father is James Vaughan Stewart III a graduate of the class of 1965 from West Point. On September 12th he will be attending his yearly reunion with the 11th Calvary of which he was a Captain.
These courageous men fought in a war that was very unsupported. Yet, they believed in their efforts for they believed in America.
I have never really seen my father shed a tear, except at funerals or for an ill family member. He never speaks about the horrors of being in Vietnam nor has he ever complained about serving his country.
One day my father and I were awaiting my airplane and we heard clapping. What we witnessed was a crowd of people with a huge banner reading, welcome home, we love you! Then all of the airport employees stood up from their posts and clapped and cheered while this brave soldier returned safely.
I looked at my father and saw a tiny tear. He said to me, “Now this is a hero’s welcome.” My father’s return was nothing like this. His mother, father and I think my mother welcomed him home. There was no cheering, clapping, respect or thank yous from anyone. He came home to draft dodgers, and men that hid in medical schools to avoid becoming soldiers. People outside of the brave men who fought this war treated many of them like outcasts. To this day I am still haunted by the treatment many of American soldiers endured.
I have been so lucky to get to meet some of the 11th Calvary soldiers, who are all amazing, heroic, men. One of them I still refer to as my Uncle.
My wish to these brave men for this upcoming reunion is to know that this daughter will always be proud of not just her father but also the 11th Calvary and all of the Vietnam Vets.
Love to you all,
Cheryl Lynn Stewart
Combs '83 Becomes CEO of National Advisors Trust Company FSB 7/18/2013 Jim Combs '83 recently became CEO of National Advisors Trust Company FSB in Overland Park, Kansas. Jim is an accomplished executive with more than 20 years of experience providing treasury, fiduciary, investment management, and custody services to individual and institutional clients worldwide. During his career in the financial services sector, Jim has progressed through a variety of senior manager and leadership assignments at Bankers Trust Company, The Global Processing Alliance, Wachovia Operational Services Corporation, Wilmington Trust Company, and, most recently, SEI. His professional experience delivering trust and custody services, developing wealth management business solutions, implementing strategic projects, leading organizational change initiatives, and business process outsourcing made him the right person to fill the role of CEO. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Science in Engineering in the Management of Technology from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a US Army veteran having served in the US and Europe. He also holds the Certified Cash Manager (CCM) and Certified Securities Operations Professional (CSOP) designations.
Sherden ’60 & Duryea ’60 Celebrate 75th Birthdays on the Appalachian Trail 7/17/2013 West Point ’60 classmates John Sherden and Lyman “Chan” Duryea decided to do a 75-mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia to celebrate their 75th birthdays. Starting at Long Mountain near Lexington, VA, on Saturday, June 29th, they were able to finish the 75 miles on the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park on Friday, July 5th.
There was a short, one-night layover in Waynesboro, VA, on July 3rd for a birthday party with some friends and relatives. This hike was initiated by John Sherden ten months after his triple bypass surgery. John, who thru-hiked the entire 2,174 mile Appalachian Trail in 2000, also wanted to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Appalachian Trail in 1937.
There was daily rain accompanied by lots of fun and discussions about the hard and easy classes during their years at West Point. These two ’60 grads both remembered not being comfortable in math and engineering, but knew enough to quickly agree that difficult classes outweighed the easy ones.
John A. Calabro '68 - Be Thou At Peace 7/13/2013
It is with profound sadness that we must inform the West Point community that John Calabro '68, our Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, passed away July 9, 2013. He will be missed greatly by his countless friends and colleagues in the global West Point community. Funeral Arrangements Wednesday, July 17: Visitation at Quigley Brothers Funeral Home: 2-4pm and 7-9pm Location: 337 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, 12520; 845-534-9424
Thursday, July 18: Services at the Cadet Chapel will begin at 10am.
NOTE: Please park at the north end of Buffalo Soldier Field, allowing the family to park in the very limited parking in the immediate vicinity of the Cadet Chapel. Bus transportation will be staged at Buffalo Soldier Field, beginning at 9am. Attendees are asked to be seated in the Cadet Chapel by 9:45am. Enter West Point through Stony Lonesome Gate or Thayer Gate (Highland Falls side of post). Washington Gate is not open. Interment in the West Point Cemetery with military honors will follow the chapel service. Thereafter, attendees will be transported to Herbert Alumni Center (698 Mills Road), where a reception will be hosted by the Calabro family and the West Point Association of Graduates. If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Alumni Support:
[email protected]; 845-446-1512. In lieu of sending flowers for the funeral, please consider making a donation to the Long Gray Line Endowment in memory of John A. Calabro.
Condolences may be sent to: Mrs. John A. Calabro c/o President, WPAOG 698 Mills Road West Point, NY 10996
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Grads Assist Fight Against Gang Violence 7/11/2013 MAJ Paulo Shakarian ’02, LTC Tanya Markow ’95, and MAJ Michael Martin ’97 are part of a team who have developed software to assist police departments in their fight against gang violence. This software was highlighted in articles on BBC – Future and on MIT Technology Review . Shakarian also wrote an article for the NSC Newsblast. For more information: http://wp.me/p1C0II-4dl
Mission Training Complex-Fort Leavenworth Welcomes Brown '95 7/11/2013
The Mission Training Complex-Fort Leavenworth welcomed a new commander and bade farewell to another in a ceremony at the complex July 1.
Lt. Col. Kelly Brown, a 1995 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., assumed command of MTC-Fort Leavenworth as the outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Gregory Glenn, prepared to attend the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. Passing the MTC guidon from Glenn to Brown was Col. Thomas Perison, Chief of Training Division, National Guard Bureau.
MTC-Fort Leavenworth was established in 1991 to support leadership development and to give units in the Army National Guard the same battle command training given to active-duty units. In 2003, the facility was named the Battle Command Training Center and assumed greater training responsibilities. In 2011, all battle command training
centers were redesignated as mission training complexes.
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1953's 60th Reunion Gift 7/10/2013 At its 60th reunion in April 2013, the Class of 1953 established an unrestricted Superintendent’s Endowment with a gift of $700,000. This endowment will support Margin of Excellence programs—those developmental programs that go beyond the Academy’s core education and allow cadets to reach their highest potential.
Read more about the Class of 1953’s gift and the importance of unrestricted giving, here (http://www.westpointforusall.org/class-of-53.html)
Flor '02 Graduates Law School, Will Assist Fellow Veterans 7/10/2013 On June 9, 2013, Leo Flor '02 graduated from the University of Washington School of Law. Flor delivered a rousing commencement address, one of only two graduating students to receive the honor. The Dean of the school introduced Flor as a West Point graduate and combat Veteran, serving 27 months of his eight years of service leading Infantry units in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Flor resigned his commission in 2010 to accept a William B. Gates Public Service Law scholarship. In exchange for free law school tuition, acceptance of a Gates scholarship represents a commitment on the part of each recipient to work in public service for five years following graduation.
This Fall, Flor will be serving as one of 57 new Equal Justice Works Fellows nationwide. In this capacity, he will work with Northwest Justice Project in Seattle to assist Veterans with their legal needs.
Identified as one of the leading Veteran voices in the region, Flor was appointed last Spring by the King County Executive to serve as one of three special advisors for the Regional Veterans Initiative, which aims to facilitate access for veterans and their families to benefits and services. Flor will serve alongside General Peter Chiarelli, U.S. Army (retired), former U.S. Army Vice-Chief of Staff, and Col. Grethe Cammermeyer (retired), former Chief Nurse of the Washington State National Guard.
Chris West '88 Appointed Director of Wings Cancer Foundation 7/10/2013 According to the Memphis Daily News, West has been appointed executive director of The Wings Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides care to cancer patients and their families. He has been interim director for the past six months. Under West’s leadership, he has expanded patient services at The West Clinic and developed affiliations with the Church Health Center, VA Medical Center and The Congregational Health Network.
West is a cancer survivor and former corporate officer at Memphis-based GTx Inc. He is a graduate of West Point and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. West is a veteran of the First Gulf War and a recipient of the Bronze Star.
Pannell '89 takes Command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston 7/10/2013
Col. Richard P. Pannell '89, took command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District yesterday at a ceremony in Galveston, Texas.
“I am honored to serve as the new Galveston District commander,” said Pannell. “My family and I are humbled by the presence of so many in attendance and are proud that we’re able to continue to serve the U.S. Army and nation here along the Texas coast.”
Floren Herrera '13 Returns to the Philippines 7/8/2013 As a young boy, Floren Herrera was orphaned by his farmer-father in the rural farming community of Cagayan in Northern Philippines. Herrera would overcome the odds against him, and in May graduated with honors. He is back in the Philippines as second lieutenant of the Philippine Army and soon he will embark on a 6-month instructor duty at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
“Kahit anong hirap makakaya mo, kung talagang gusto mo,” he said in an interview, adding immediately that this was something he learned each day in military school. (You can endure any hardship, if you really want to.)
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’60 Classmates Celebrate 75th Birthday on Appalachian Trail 7/8/2013
West Point classmates John Sherden '60 and Lyman “Chan” Duryea '60 decided to do a 75mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia to celebrate their 75th birthdays. Starting at Long Mountain near Lexington, Virginia, on Saturday, June 29, they were able to finish the 75 miles on the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park on Friday, July 5. There was a short, one-night layover in Waynesboro, Virginia, on July 3 for a birthday party with some friends and relatives. This hike was initiated by John Sherden 10 months after his triple bypass surgery. John, who thru-hiked the entire 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail in 2000, also wanted to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Appalachian Trail in 1937. There was daily rain accompanied by lots of fun and discussions about the hard and easy classes during their years at West Point. These two ’60 grads both remembered not being comfortable in math and engineering, but knew enough to quickly agree that difficult classes outweighed the easy ones. -- Submitted by Ron Hudnell '69
Kopser ’93 Easing Transportation Headaches Through Mobile App 7/2/2013
Commuting by public or private transportation sucks up untold billions of hours annually. According to the American Public Transportation Association, Americans took 10.4 billion rides on public transportation in 2011. At the same time, nine out of 10 American drive to work and about 76 percent drive alone, crowding roads.
That same year, recently retired Army Lt. Col. Joseph Kopser ‘93 came up with the idea to group all modes of transportation on a smart phone app. “One of the nation’s largest problems is inefficient use of transportation,” he says. The transportation iPhone app idea started as a result of Kopser’s long commute to the Pentagon in Washington D.C. While sitting on his porch in Arlington, Va., with friends he thought about his messy commute and ways to solve the problem. “I told them that I had the solution and turned an idea and PowerPoint into what RideScout is today,” he says. He created RideScout with his Army friend Craig Cummings '93. RideScout guides or shows transportation options in real time, including taxis, buses, pedicabs, and rideshare options with friends, family or strangers. It took Kopser, a 20-year veteran and graduate of West Point and Harvard’s Kennedy School, two years to launch the app, which will work later on Android and the web. “It was during my time in the Army that I saw how we use energy efficiently and that’s where I started thinking of ways we can be more efficient,” he says. He hopes one day people leave their cars at home and use public transportation.
Read more from ABC News
Bristol '81 Named President of TeleCommunication Systems Government Solutions Group 6/27/2013
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS), a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, has promoted Michael D. Bristol, Sr. (USMA Class of 1981) to President of its Government Solutions Group. This promotion reflects his expanding role in the company’s strategy and growth objectives. In his nine years at TCS, Bristol has focused much of his efforts on winning and monetizing strategic captures, resulting in major contract awards for the company to include the World-Wide Satellite Systems, Custom Satellite Solutions II, and Global Tactical Advanced Communication Systems and Services contracts. TCS Chief Operating Officer Dick Young (USNA Class of 1969) noted, “This promotion is in recognition of Mike’s hard work and dedication to not only to his division, but also to TCS as a whole in driving revenue and profitability.” Grads Envision Aviation of 2050 6/26/2013
Vertical lift aircraft that can fly further and faster through any environmental conditions while carrying heavier loads. Manned and unmanned vehicles with automated flight operations controlled at the touch of a button and with improved situational awareness. Welcome to Army aviation, circa 2050. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center at Redstone Arsenal has developed a new video showing ideas for the not-too-distant future. "Aviation 2050 Vision -- Technology for Tactics" is a joint effort of the command's engineers and graphic artists working in its Visualization Lab. The effort is being led by Dr. Bill Lewis '75, Director of AMRDEC's Aviation Development Directorate. Watch the video, produced by Bill Crawford '80, here. Read more about the initiative and how you can participate in a survey here. Bernatis '08 Earns Fulbright Award to the UK 6/24/2013
Vincent Bernatis, a 2008 graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, has received a UK-Partnership Fulbright Award to enable him to study at the University of Exeter on one of the most prestigious and selective scholarship programs operating world-wide. Created by treaty in 1948, the US-UK Fulbright Commission is the only bi-lateral, transatlantic scholarship program, offering awards for study or research in any field, at any accredited US or UK university. The Commission is part of the Fulbright program conceived by Senator J. William Fulbright in the aftermath of World War II to promote leadership, learning, and empathy between nations through educational exchange. Award recipients will be the future leaders for tomorrow and support the “special relationship” between the US and UK. Bernatis is a former U.S. Army officer and 2008 honor graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation he spent four years living overseas, working with foreign civil and military organizations in Germany and elsewhere. In 2011, he earned a Bronze Star while deployed to Afghanistan. While there, he first served as the leader of a reconnaissance unit in Kandahar Province, followed by six months as a Rule of Law Advisor in Kunduz Province. Bernatis plans to build upon these experiences and his formal academic background in International Relations through a postgraduate degree from the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter. When not researching Western efforts to institutionalize the rule of law in the wake of military interventions, Bernatis is excited about spending his Fulbright Year hiking in the national parks of the UK. Commenting on receiving the award, he said: “I am incredibly honored to be part of such a prestigious cohort, and I am excited to represent my country and alma mater in the UK. As a Fulbright scholar, my studies will provide greater insight into the ways in which cultural considerations can determine the relative success of foreign policy. I hope this experience will enable me to be a better civil servant through an increased understanding of alternative approaches to security in the post 9-11 era.” The Fulbright Commission selects scholars through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards the Commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Program, and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.
194th Armored Infantry Brigade to Welcome King '88 as New Commander 6/21/2013
Col. Scott D. King ’88 will assume command of the 194th Armored Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia from Col. Kevin S. MacWatters during a change of command ceremony on Brave Rifles Field in Harmony Church. The ceremony will take place on June 25, 2013 at 9 a.m. King was commissioned as an Armor second lieutenant upon his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1988. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Command and General Staff College and Louisiana Technical University, where he earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Prior to assuming command of the 194th Brigade, King served as the deputy commandant and interim commandant of the US Army Armor School. Read more Wounded Warrior, Labra '01, Becomes Military Doctor 6/20/2013
Ten years ago, Army Capt. Christian Labra's spirit was as broken as his body. A U.S. Military Academy graduate deployed to Iraq just a few months after the initial invasion, he was pumped up about the importance of the mission and the close camaraderie he felt with his fellow 1st Armored Division soldiers. All that came crumbling down on him -literally -- during a night patrol outside Baghdad in late 2003. Labra ’01 and another soldier, searching out the source of mortar attacks that had been pummeling U.S. forces, approached a cinder block wall that blocked a known weapons cache. They pulled a pipe that extended from the wall, suspecting that the insurgents used it to scale the wall and get to the trove. The wall immediately collapsed, breaking both Labra's legs and his pelvis. He got a personal introduction to battlefield medicine and wounded warrior care as he was whisked from Baghdad to Kuwait and ultimately, to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. That was just the beginning of Labra's exposure to military medicine. He praised the professionalism of medevac crews who braved enemy rockets to ferry him to Baghdad International Airport, then on to Kuwait and Germany. The labor and delivery nurse who stayed beyond her shift when he arrived at Landstuhl to wash his body and give him the first shave he'd had in days. The hospital roommate who, despite his own excruciating injuries, hobbled to Labra's bedside to comfort him during a particularly fitful nightmare. "There was so much compassion, so much caring," he said. "It was just a perfect storm of good care."
And perhaps most influential of all, Labra remembers the orthopedic doctor, Army Maj. John Friedland ‘87. Also a West Point graduate, Friedland treated Labra's broken bones and helped him realize that he could turn the worst experience of his life into something positive.
Read more from the U.S. Department of Defense Two Grads Part of NASA's Next Generation of Space Explorers 6/17/2013
After an extensive year-and-a-half search, NASA has a new group of potential astronauts who will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system, including an asteroid and Mars. Eight candidates (including two West Point graduates) have been selected to be NASA's newest astronaut trainees, hoping to be among those who are the first to launch from U.S. soil on commercial American spacecraft since the retirement of the space shuttle. The 2013 astronaut candidate class comes from the second largest number of applications NASA has received -- more than 6,000. Half of the selectees are women, making this the highest percentage of female astronaut candidates ever selected for a class. The group will receive a wide array of technical training at space centers and remote locations around the globe to prepare for missions to low-Earth orbit, an asteroid and Mars. "These new space explorers asked to join NASA because they know we're doing big, bold things here -- developing missions to go farther into space than ever before," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "They're excited about the science we're doing on the International Space Station and our plan to launch from U.S. soil to there on spacecraft built by American companies. And they're ready to help lead the first human mission to an asteroid and then on to Mars." The two astronaut candidates from the Long Gray Line are: Anne C. McClain '02, Major, U.S. Army, lists her hometown as Spokane, Washington. She is a graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point, University of Bath, and University of Bristol. McClain is an OH-58 helicopter pilot, and a recent graduate of U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. McClain has also been assistant coach for USA Rugby’s Women’s All Star Team. Andrew R. Morgan '98, M.D., Major, US Army, considers New Castle, Pennsylvania, home. Morgan is a graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point, and earned an M.D. from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He has experience as an emergency physician and flight surgeon for the Army special operations community, and is currently completing a sports medicine fellowship.
Read more West Point Tradition Spans Generations for Crawford Family 6/13/2013
Somewhere in the Crawford household, two picture frames tell a story of like father, like son. In one frame, the elder Bill as a cadet at West Point (Class of 1980); in the other, dated about three decades later, his son Barret, a cadet at the Academy himself (Class of 2015). “It makes a father very proud to see two things – one to see your son going down your path, and two to know that that path ends up in service to the country,” Bill said. For as long as the younger Crawford can remember, the Army has been a recurring theme in his relationship with his father, whether it be the mantra, “Go Army, Beat Navy,” the West Point events he attended as a child, or the trip he took to Fort Rucker when he was 10 where he got to fly a Black Hawk simulator. When it came time to choose a direction in life, Barret discovered the path had already been forged for him by his father. Read more
Vietnam War Veterans Pass Stories on to Next Generation of Veterans 6/13/2013
For the 20-year-old gunner of a UH-C1 “Firebird” gunship helicopter, the September 1969 day that came to be known as Black Monday began with a routine mission to bring infantry into a waiting landing zone. As the infantry approached the landing zone, the jungle erupted in gunfire from North Vietnamese forces in concrete bunkers -– they’d known the Americans were coming. Helicopters
on every side burst into flames; some careened to the ground. On the ground there was chaos as the infantry was overrun. The gunships, loaded with fuel and weaponry, flew into the fray. They weren’t meant to land. The gunner’s pilot landed anyway. American soldiers immediately ran for the chopper, some loading it with wounded, others gunned down before they reached it. The gunner knew the craft couldn’t take off with the load, believed no one on board would survive the battle, but still took them on. The pilot tried to take off but could only bounce. He yelled for the gunner to throw off the rocket pods. After jumping out to do so, the gunner sat on the very edge of the floor, his feet hanging out the side, as the pilot tried again. The North Vietnamese closed in; the pilot still couldn’t get high enough to clear the jungle. He tipped the blades forward and headed toward the trees. The prop chopped the forest apart like a gigantic weed-whacker. The helicopter made it back to safety, unloaded, and refueled. The gunner and his crew flew back to battle. More than 40 years later, the gunner, Gene “Wally” Waldrip, told this story sitting on the deck of a lake home near Pomme de Terre Lake. He and nine other Vietnam War veterans gathered there this past weekend for the biennial reunion of the “Boys of the Summer of ’69,” as they call themselves, boating around the lake, relaxing, and sharing their stories with a pair of nextgeneration veterans. “We are our own best therapists,” said Randy Thomas of Springfield, the reunion’s host this year. “Just sitting and talking with one another, releasing. It takes a combat veteran to understand a combat veteran.” Joining the Boys were Thomas’ son, Aaron, and Aaron’s West Point roommate, Brook Hilton. Both are veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and say that although location, culture, objectives, and time separate the conflicts, some things, like the bond between soldiers who fight together, never seem to change. “Listing to these guys, it sounds exactly like what we talk about,” Hilton said. “It’s all very similar.” Read more Maine State Bar Association Names Weston '95 New Executive Director 6/12/2013
The Board of Governors of the Maine State Bar Association (MSBA) is pleased to announce that Angela P. Weston '95 has been named Executive Director. Weston, who has served as Deputy Executive Director of the Association since 2004, replaces Julie A. Deacon, who is retiring after 15 years as Executive Director. Weston will officially take over as Executive Director on July 6. MSBA President-Elect Diane Dusini, who chaired the Executive Search Committee, said, “After a nationwide search, the search committee felt very strongly that Angela’s professional skills, and her knowledge of the organization and Maine’s legal community made her the best candidate for the job.” Before joining the MSBA, Weston was Special Assistant to the Chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Prior to that she served as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army. Weston holds an M.B.A. and is a graduate of the United States Military Academy. She is the daughter of Willard (“Skip”) and Cheryl Pease, of Spruce Head. Skip is a Class of 1970 graduate of the United States Military Academy. Benning to Welcome Huerter '90 as Garrison Commander 6/7/2013
Col. Michail S. Huerter '90 will assume command of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Benning from Col. Jeffrey Fletcher during a change of command ceremony on June 14. Huerter, a native of Topeka, Kan., is also a graduate of the United States Army War College, where he earned a master’s degree in Strategic Studies in 2012. An Infantry officer, his military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advance Courses, Airborne School, Ranger School, and the Command and General Staff College. He is a veteran of seven combat tours, six in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. His most recent assignment was as the Director of Operations for the NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan. Read more Truscott '69 Tells the Story of a Reluctant Prince 6/4/2013
By Lucian Truscott '69, printed in the New York Times I was in New York recently, helping my 18-year-old daughter, Lilly, a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, paint her new apartment. To pass the time I was telling her stories about my student days in New York, when I was a cadet at West Point and often visited the city on leave. She had just traveled up to West Point to attend the Yearling prom with a cadet from back
home in Tennessee. With that in mind I asked her if she wanted to hear a romantic story about a night when I was a Yearling and went on a date to a prom. She did. The year was 1967, and I was in town to interview Cardinal Spellman for the cadet magazine, The Pointer, along with two other cadets, one the photographer and the other an ad salesman. After we finished we headed downtown to check into a shared room at the Statler Hilton, near Penn Station. All three of us had been wearing our heavy woolen dress gray uniforms since reveille and we were eager to get into some civilian clothes and make our hopeful presence known at the nascent singles bar scene on First Avenue. I was last in the shower and still in the bathroom when, unbeknown to me, there was a knock on the door and one of the guys answered to find three young women in long formal gowns and elaborate hair-dos standing there with tears running down their cheeks. "Can we come in?" one of them asked. Finish the story about a time when Truscott was a dashing young man in uniform with a heart full of romance, "when for a night I was there to rescue a princess in distress and in the best sense of the word, I was a prince."
Van Sickle '38 Returns 75 Years After Graduation 6/4/2013
There are not many members of the West Point Class of 1938 left, but retired Maj. Gen. Neil Van Sickle of Kalispell, Montana, was proud to represent his class at the recent cadet graduation at the U.S. Military Academy in New York. "Every year at graduation time there are anniversaries of various classes," Van Sickle said. "Usually there are five classes that come in. I, being the only surviving, mobile member of the class of 1938, represented my class. And being the oldest graduate present, I was privileged to take part in a number of ceremonies."
For Van Sickle, 97, the mid-May trip back to his alma mater was not the first time he has represented the oldest class. Five years ago, Van Sickle took part in his 70th class reunion and had the distinction of being the oldest graduate in attendance. "It's always a thrill to go back to West Point," he said. "You can always relive the best moments of your cadet chapter. One of the most interesting aspects of my visit to West Point as a representative of the Class of 1938 is that as I thought of all my classmates, I realized that many of them far exceeded, as cadets or officers, anything that I may have done. This task of representing the class was an exercise in humility." Read more
Simon '97 Publishes Trail Guide of Southern West Virginia 6/3/2013
R. Bryan Simon's new book on the trails of southern West Virginia focuses on the area in and around the New River Gorge, West Virginia, and the Boy Scouts of America Bechtel Summit Reserve, the new home for the Boy Scout Jamboree. The 352-page, full-color guide provides all the details needed for trail users in the area to enjoy the wonderful natural beauty and cultural history of the region. Simon, a West Point Class of 1997 graduate and former infantry officer, left the military in 2003 due to an injury and now writes for various publications about climbing, climbing medicine, and other outdoor adventure topics. He is also a partner in the firm, Vertical Medicine Resources, which specializes in medical support and training of guiding services, expeditions, nonprofits, and individuals seeking adventure in high-altitude and other vertical terrain across the globe. Palmer '56 Inducted Into Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame 6/3/2013
Fort Leavenworth has inducted Lt. Gen. Dave Palmer '56 into its Hall of Fame. Lt. Gen. David G. Perkins '80, Commanding General Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, officiated the ceremony. In 1963 and 1964, Palmer was aide to the Commander of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, covering the transition between Generals Paul D. Harkins '29 and William Westmorland '36. After completing Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Palmer completed a masters degree at Duke University then served as an assistant professor at West Point. There he published a history of West Point, The River and the Rock. Promoted to lieutenant colonel, he commanded 2nd Battalion, 33rd Armored Regiment in Germany then served as staff advisor to the Vietnamese National Military Academy. Palmer graduated from the War College in 1973 and published, "The Way of the Fox," a study of strategy in the American Revolution. He commanded the 1st Brigade, 2nd Armored Division and served as Corps G-3 at Fort Hood. In 1978 he published "The Summons of the Trumpet," his acclaimed study of the Vietnam War. In 1983 he became Deputy Commandant of CGSC where he championed small group instruction, helped re-implement the historical staff ride methodology, and led the college through re-accreditation. Palmer commanded the 1st Armored Division and finally served as the 53rd Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, where he focused on developing leaders of character and fitness. After retirement he took his expertise in education and leadership to Walden University where he helped focus the school on mid-career adults through pioneering work in distance education. He continued his own scholarship, publishing several more works on American Military History and established himself as an expert on the importance of character in leadership. Grad March Back 2013
6/3/2013
West Point Grad March Back is Hosted by the Directorate of Academy Advancement (DAA), USMA Staff The scheduled dates are 11 - 12 August 2013. Grad March Back is open ONLY to West Point Graduates! Sign up https://www.westpointaog.org/GMBNotification and we will send you an email when registration opens for the 2013 Grad March Back. You must be logged in. For more details please view the DAA Website here. Dahl '82 Receives Defense Superior Service Medal 5/29/2013
Major General Kenneth R. Dahl '82 (right), Deputy Commanding General for Support, US Forces Afghanistan, has received a certificate for receiving the Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) from Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., Commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A) at the New Kabul Compound, Afghanistan. Dahl received the award for his service and leadership following his second tour in Afghanistan. Dahl is a native of Cortland Manor, New York, and a 1982 graduate of the United States Military Academy where he was captain of the lacrosse team. He will serve as the Deputy Commanding General, I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Svoboda '74 Named Educator of the Year 5/28/2013
For the 2012-13 school year, Martin Svoboda '74 has been awarded Rogers Educator of the Year for the high school level. Svoboda teaches mathematics in the Extended Day Program, an alternative school in Rogers, Arkansas. Svoboda is known for having both high expectations for the students he teaches who are often struggling learners but also creating a very welcoming and respectful classroom environment. He also works to individualize instruction and to make his lessons relate to real-world situations. Svoboda realizes the need to teach students how to use mathematics in their everyday life. He started a Stock Market Game with his Extended Day students this year to help show this to his students. Svoboda said, "I try to teach the students the basics of budgeting, and the importance of saving. Then using material from Economics Arkansas I try to teach the value of investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds." Not only does Svoboda realize the importance of relating math to the student's life, but he recognizes the need to involve parents in their child's education. "Svoboda partners with the student's family and makes them a viable member of the team. It may seem obvious, but for many of our alternative education students, both the student and the family have given up on education. His efforts are very effective in changing the negative image the student and families hold for schools," the program's principal, Cindy Ford, said. Svoboda graduated from West Point in 1974 and has continued his education in the past eight years by earning his master's degree in education leadership, and an additional 12 hours of graduate level mathematics courses. He has also mentored others seeking to become teachers through the non-traditional licensure process. Why Veterans Make Great Entrepreneurs 5/24/2013
By Bill Murphy Jr. I first met Joseph Kopser '93 six years ago in Mosul, Iraq. He he was an Army major serving in a cavalry squadron at the time, and I was a reporter for The Washington Post. Kopser, 42, who retired from the military last week, is now the CEO and co-founder of an Austin, Tex. start-up called RideScout -- a smartphone application that aggregates all of a user's potential ground transportation options in real time, everything from buses and Zipcar to rideshare options with friends or strangers. On Memorial Day, we remember members of our military who made the ultimate sacrifice. I've interviewed thousands of soldiers over the years. One thing they've told me repeatedly is that the best way to honor that sacrifice is to remember those who gave their lives -- and to live lives worthy of them. Today, I'd like to start telling you about some veterans who do just that. These are men and women who become entrepreneurs, trying to change the world for the better. Veterans bring amazing advantages to the entrepreneurial game -- things like discipline, perspective, leadership ability, and the learned skill of seeing problems as opportunities -- to say nothing of having accomplished ambitious goals with the weight of a gigantic bureaucracy on
their backs. Read more from Inc. '81 Grads Change Command at Fort Bliss 5/24/2013
Fort Bliss and El Paso said goodbye to its native commander and hello to a new leader with proven combat chops on Thursday. Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard '81, an El Paso native, relinquished command of Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division to Maj. Gen. Sean B. MacFarland '81 during a ceremony attended by more than 1,000 soldiers, family members, and El Paso civic leaders. "It's been an absolute pleasure to command the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss," Pittard said during the ceremony. "To command a division in my hometown has been an incredible experience. "I'm blessed to be able to turn over command to an old friend and West Point classmate," Pittard continued. "I've known Gen. MacFarland since we were teenagers" at the U.S. Military Academy. MacFarland, a native of upstate New York, most recently served in a dual role as deputy chief of staff for operations for the International Security Assistance Force in Afghan istan and as deputy commanding general for operations for U.S. forces there. MacFarland is a "combat seasoned leader," Gen. Daniel B. Allyn '81, commander of Forces Command, said after the ceremony. "He knows Fort Bliss from multiple tours here," Allyn said. "He knows how to lead. That's what he'll bring to the team. It's going to be exceptional." Read more
Ten Selected to Army Sports Hall of Fame 5/24/2013
Five All-Americans, the first American to walk in space, a Heisman Trophy runner-up, an Army Athletic Association Award winner, two legendary coaches and an administrator who also contributed as a multi-sport athlete, are among the candidates selected into the Army Sports Hall of Fame. Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Boo Corriganannounced the Class of 2013 today. The 10th induction class into the Army Sports Hall of Fame includes women's basketball
standout Julie DelGiorno '86, two-time football All-American selections Paul Bunker (Class of 1903) and Richard "Dick" Nowak '64, lacrosse coach Jack Emmer, cross country and track and field mentor Carleton Crowell, three-time soccer All-American Jose Gonzalez '65, football, baseball player, and administrator Al Vanderbush '61, football, men's basketball, and lacrosse star Charles "Monk" Meyer '37, tight end Gary Steele '70, and Ed White '52, the space walker who first starred in track and field and soccer at the Academy. The Class of 2013 brings the total of Army Sports Hall of Fame inductees to 99 and encompasses nine sports. "Once again, the Hall of Fame committee has done a tremendous job," said Corrigan. "This worthy class of leaders on the field and off the field ranges from 1903 to 2005 and includes 10 individuals who have selflessly served their country. We are excited to showcase these leaders of character in September and honor their hard work, dedication and excellence."
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Odin Stays Away: WPAOG Celebrates DGA 5/22/2013
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For the first time in four years, the weather cooperated and the Corps of Cadets, dressed in their full-dress gray uniforms, marched in the Alumni Review parade honoring those classes that have returned to West Point during Graduation Week. This year, the Classes of ’38, ’43JAN, ’43JUN, ’48, ’58, and ’63 came home to their alma mater. As part of the ceremony, the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) recognized six individuals with the Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA): Robert G. Yerks '51, John W. Foss '56, Lee R. Anderson '61, Theodore G. Stroup Jr. '62, Joseph E. DeFrancisco '65, and Boonsrang Niumpradit '71. With this group of recipients, the number of Distinguished Graduates crossed the 100 threshold. Edward C. Meyer '51, former Chairman of WPAOG, devised the Award in the early-1990s to recognize those graduates whose character, service, and stature draws wholesome comparisons to the qualities for which West Point strives—Duty, Honor, Country. "West Point’s motto works for any country in the world and is a requirement for all citizens of a democracy," said Boonsrang, who finished his military career in 2008 as the 26th Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (equivalent to the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff). While their credentials reminds one of the oftheard West Point phase, "Much of the history we teach was made by those we taught," all the recipients were humbled to be recognized as a Distinguished Graduate. "I went through the sally port on R-Day with a toothbrush in a brown paper bag," said Anderson, "and I had no idea how four years at West Point would change my life." For those whose lives are about to change on Saturday with the words, "Class Dismissed!" Foss offered these words: "Graduates of the Class of 2013 will have great careers as long as they understand their leadership responsibilities." When asked what he meant by this, he said that 58 years after Graduation he often thinks of his time as a cadet at the Academy, but more than that he thinks of his soldiers. See DGA photos. See Alumni Review photos. Melki '04 Embarks on New Career in City Government Helping Fellow Veterans 5/20/2013
It was finals week at NYU and Lindsey Melki '04 was racing from grueling exam to exam in courses like foundations of finance and corporate finance, grinding toward dual master’s degrees in business administration and public administration. But this was easy duty. Especially for a lady with a bachelor's degree from West Point and more than seven years in the military behind her, including 500 combat hours in Black Hawk helicopters over Baghdad in the 4th Battalion of the 3rd Aviation Regiment of the U.S. Army. "This fall, I will start NYU's Wagner School of Government working on a master's in government administration," she says. "I'd like to work in city government, in veterans affairs, helping my fellow veterans. I was lucky to be chosen for a David Bohnett Fellowship that is paying for my tuition." No, lucky us. We could use more women with real-life experience in city government. Read more from the Daily News. "Into Harm's Way," Documentary on Class of '67, to Air on PBS 5/17/2013
The West Point Class of 1967 arrived at the United States Military Academy during the heady days of the early 1960s when it appeared that America was destined for a century of unrivaled success. Four years later, when the members of that class were graduated and commissioned as officers in the United States Army, the country was embroiled in a strange and unpopular war in Southeast Asia. The Class of 1967 paid a high price in that war, yet most stayed strong, bonding as brothers and as soldiers in a way that has endured through to the present. Into Harm's Way, a feature documentary produced by the West Point Center for Oral History, is an honest look at the shadow war casts long after the guns have fallen silent, and at how the Vietnam War in particular continues to occupy an unsettled place in the American psyche. PBS will be airing the documentary for the first time this month. Check your local listings!
Scheduled Airings Through June 15, 2013 Grads' Horse Headed for Belmont Stakes 5/17/2013
Freedom Child has enjoyed an eventful career for a sophomore runner who only had one win,
but everything finally went right for the Malibu Moon ridgling May 11 at rain-whipped Belmont Park. Romping in the slop by 13 1/4 lengths to take the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes, the chestnut runner punched his ticket to the June 8 Belmont Stakes. Owned by West Point Thoroughbreds (no affiliation to the Military Academy), St. Elias Stable (owned by Vinnie Viola '77), and his breeder, Spendthrift Farm, Freedom Child rebounded off a 10th-place finish in the April 6 Wood Memorial Stakes, in which he ran for purse money only after being held in the gate by an assistant starter and getting away poorly. Three starts prior to the Wood, Freedom Child tangled with eventual Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands winner Orb, but was passed by that one after setting the pace. He would finish second by two lengths in the one-mile maiden special weight Nov. 24 at Aqueduct Racetrack. Freedom Child eventually went on to break his maiden in his fourth start by 5 1/4 lengths going 1 1/8 miles wire-to-wire at Gulfstream Park March 10. "We thought we were set to run well in the Wood; we just had a little bit of bad luck," said Terry Finley '86, president of West Point Thoroughbreds. "The next day we put a circle around the Peter Pan. I think we're going to the Belmont Stakes in about four weeks [now]. "I hope Orb runs well in the Preakness and the whole world is watching for the Belmont, and I hope we upset the apple cart." Read more and watch the win
Penn Honors O'Connor '53 With a Posthumous Ph.D. 5/16/2013
By Brian Wright O'Connor Nearly 50 years after leaving the University of Pennsylvania for Vietnam, Lt. Col. Mortimer Lenane O'Connor '53 will receive a posthumous Ph.D. in a ceremony honoring academic achievement and sacrifice on the field of battle. My father, who set aside his dissertation to lead soldiers in war, will be included in the Class of 1968, the year he would most likely have completed his doctorate had fate not intervened. Born in 1930, my dad grew up in the company of soldier-storytellers on Army garrisons from Manila to the Old West, and watched his own father and three uncles set off for war in Europe. The whiff of cordite and tales of valor turned him into an infantry officer with a taste for ballads and bravado. He walked off demerits at West Point while reciting Rudyard Kipling and told the story of Beowulf around the family campfire as a bare-knuckled brawl between an Airborne Ranger and a Nazi monster. In 1958, my dad was sent to Penn to study English in preparation for teaching at West Point. In his year at Penn, the young officer set aside the Cold War for Chaucer and refined his taste for poetry and prose. After that teaching assignment and a year in Korea, my dad returned to Penn - living in Willingboro with Betsy and the six kids, teaching at Temple, and plodding through Ph.D. course work and research.
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Dailey '92 Named Vice President at GEI Consultants 5/15/2013
GEI Consultants, Inc., one of the nation's leading geotechnical, environmental, water resources, and ecological science and engineering firms, has elected six individuals as new vice presidents. "I am very pleased that our leadership team continues to expand and advance with the promotion of these highly regarded senior professionals," said Ray Hart, president of GEI. "We appreciate their growing leadership contributions and continuing commitment to GEI's success." One of the six new vice presidents will be Christopher W. Dailey, West Point Class of 1992. As senior environmental and construction services manager, branch manager, and vice president in GEI's Mount Laurel, N.J. office, he is responsible for expanding GEI's market presence and operations in southern New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Dailey has more than 20 years of experience in construction and environmental consulting, which has included a large number of projects for the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He is a proven project manager who provides quality work products and close client coordination for both the public and private sector. Dailey received his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; his Master of Science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri, Rolla; and his MBA from Drexel University, where he has been an adjunct professor for 14 years in the university’s construction management program.
Denn '06 Recognized for Embodying "Duty, Honor, Country" 5/15/2013
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - When the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, occurred, many Americans were deeply affected and some were moved to serve their country. Because he grew up in New York state, Capt. William Denn III '06, commander of Alpha Company, 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 704th MI Brigade, found that the events made him more determined than ever to serve. Denn, who received his acceptance letter to West Point dated Sept. 11, 2001, said he wasn't initially sure if the Army would be a career for him but after his first couple of years he realized it would be. "I grew to love the Army, and I realized how much I admired and respected the American soldier," he said. "I love leading soldiers in combat." The intelligence officer, who once served as an M1A2 Abrams Tank platoon leader during a 15month tour in Iraq, is a recipient of the General MacArthur Leadership Award. This is given to company-grade officers who demonstrate outstanding leadership characteristics and embody the ideals held up by Gen. Douglas MacArthur: duty, honor, and country. Fewer than 30 officers receive this honor each year. Photographed: Capt. William Denn III, commander of Alpha Company, 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 704th MI Brigade, poses with his team during the Bataan Memorial Death March. Read more about Denn Denn is in good company. Five of his classmates -- Captain James Perkins, Captain Shane Sullivan, Captain Benjamin Summers, Captain Jasmine Walker, and Captain Andrew Webb -also received the MacArthur Leadership Award. Captain Michael Kelvington and Captain Widmar Roman, both Class of 2005, are also recipients this year. Read more about the award
Allyn '81 Promoted, Becomes Commanding General of FORSCOM 5/13/2013
Gen. Daniel B. Allyn '81 assumed command of the Army's largest organization -- U.S. Army Forces Command -- during a ceremony last week at Fort Bragg, N.C. FORSCOM is responsible for 265,000 activeduty Soldiers and 560,000 Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers stationed across the country. These men and women are the strength of the United States and the U.S. Army, Allyn said during his remarks. "They are why it is such a privilege and joy to serve and lead, and [they] have borne the brunt of the nation's burden since 9/11 with grace, confidence, competence, and quiet professionalism," he said. "Our mission in Army Forces Command remains vital to our nation's defense," Allyn said. "Forces Command sustains its legacy of excellence because of a solid foundation based on commitment to service and our Army values. On this foundation stand the determined Soldiers and talented civilians of Forces Command who understand the importance of the work the Army is doing at home and around the world." During the ceremony, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno '76, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, promoted Allyn to the rank of general before passing him the FORSCOM colors in front of an audience of nearly 300, including U.S. Army and local civilian leaders. Read more Krzyzewski '69 Talks Team-Building with JBLM Troops 5/10/2013
Hundreds of Army officers and senior enlisted soldiers were given a pep talk Thursday from a coaching legend, as Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski '69 paid a visit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Known in some circles simply as "Coach K," Krzyzewski coached Lt. Gen. Robert Brown '81, commanding general of I Corps and LewisMcChord, when Brown played basketball at West Point from 1977-81. The two men have remained close friends. Krzyzewski, who has won more games than any other men’s Division I college basketball coach, discussed his experience guiding the U.S. men’s basketball team to gold during last year’s London Olympics. He said it offers lessons about team-building that apply as much to the battlefield as the hardwood.
“There’s nothing more important that we do than build a team,” Brown told the audience in introducing his mentor. Read more from The News Tribune Zais '69 Receives Honorary Degree From The Citadel 5/7/2013
South Carolina's State Superintendent of Education Mitchell M. "Mick" Zais, West Point Class of 1969, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Public Education from The Citadel Board of Visitors on Saturday. His citation reads as follows: Mitchell M. "Mick" Zais, Ph.D. is passionate about education. As South Carolina's State Superintendent of Education, he believes that every student should attend an excellent school and be taught by outstanding teachers. In pursuit of this ideal, Dr. Zais has dedicated his career to excellence in education. Zais graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds master's and Ph.D. degrees in organizational behavior and social psychology from the University of Washington. He also holds a master's degree from the School for Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and was a research fellow at the National Defense University. After graduation from West Point, Zais served in the Army for 31 years, retiring as a brigadier general. He was assigned to infantry units in Vietnam, the United States, and Korea and served as commanding general of U.S. and Allied forces in Kuwait and of Operation Provide Refuge. In that role, he led the task force that cared for 4,000 Kosovo refugees in the United States. He also taught leadership, organizational behavior, and management consulting on the faculty at West Point. His career culminated as the chief of staff of the U.S. Army Reserve Command. His numerous military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. After military service, Zais became president of Newberry College, a private, liberal arts institution that saw its enrollment and endowment nearly double under his leadership. During his tenure, Newberry was named one of America's best colleges by U.S. News & World Report. In 2011, Zais became South Carolina's 17th State Superintendent of Education. In recognition of his military service to our country and his leadership in education in South Carolina, The Citadel Board of Visitors is proud to present Dr. Mitchell M. "Mick" Zais with the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Education. Rylander '11 Remembered Through Brother's Music 5/2/2013
Inspiration is the good that comes from tragic loss. That's the view of aspiring recording artist Daniel Rylander as he and his family mark the one-year anniversary of his brother’s death in Afghanistan. Army 2nd Lt. David Rylander '11 died a year ago today of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated under his vehicle in Logar province. He was 23. The loss prompted Daniel Rylander to follow his heart and compile a CD in his brother's memory. "I felt very passionate and very strong that I had to do something," Daniel said in a recent interview. "When life blows up in your face, now is the time." Daniel, 20, said his brother's death inspired him to jump into his passion, music, in a big way. David also was very interested in music and sang in the choir at West Point and played bells at the U.S. Military Academy. After David was killed, Daniel decided not to go back to school but rather sought to record a CD when not working at Becker's Bake Shop in Cleveland. He has been recording Strawberry Skyline for several months with the assistance of Wes McCraw at McCraw's Creekside Audio studio in Norton and hopes to complete it in a few months. Read more (Photographed, left to right, Sarah Rylander, Stephen Rylander, Daniel Rylander, and parents John and Jackie Rylander taken at the Boy Scout Camporee held in 2nd Lt. David Rylander's memory at West Point, NY.) Caldwell '76 Shares Experiences With Hargrave Cadets 5/1/2013
Hargrave Military Academy hosted Lieutenant General William Caldwell '76 for their Distinguished Speaker Series Tuesday. Caldwell, a Hargrave graduate who went on to the United States Military Academy at West Point, visited campus to share his military experiences with the cadets. He shared lessons he's learned over his military career, which spans almost 40 years. Caldwell also offered advice to cadets considering a future in the military, telling them that college should
be a top priority even if you choose to serve. Caldwell also stressed the importance of humility, which he said has kept him grounded as he rose through the ranks to become a three star general. Read more
Watch newscast Bolin '96, Former Anglican Army Chaplain, Finds "Wholeness" Through Roman Priesthood 4/29/2013
The Army provides many areas to serve, but for one soldier, his path was always predetermined. It just took a specific point in time to acknowledge it to himself. U.S. Army Maj. Kenneth Bolin '96, the chaplain for the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, always knew he would end up serving in the ministry. He just didn’t know how long it would take him to get there. Bolin, a West Point graduate, served four years as an infantry officer, then three years as a signal officer before finally accepting his intended mission. "That was God's calling. I had always known that I was going to end up in ministry, but I didn't know when. It was while I was in company command that God effectively said that it was time to go. Enough running from God," said Bolin. Bolin entered the ministry service through a non-denominational Bible church and then became an Anglican minister. Read more Stone Marker to Honor Fayetteville Man Who Was a Union Hero in Civil War 4/29/2013
When Capt. Alexander McRae, Class of 1851, saw his cause was lost beyond hope, he "drew out
his pistol and, calmly seating himself on one of his guns, defended it until he was shot to death." That's how a lieutenant who witnessed the Battle of Valverde in February 1862 described the death of McRae, who was raised in a prominent Fayetteville family and died a Civil War hero. But unlike his brothers and neighbors, McRae did not fight for the Confederacy. Despite the pleas of his father and the pull of his Southern homeland, the West Point graduate remained loyal to the Union. "Alexander was a West Point graduate," Daws said. "As an officer, you take an oath of allegiance, and that oath of allegiance weighs heavy. Swearing on the holy Bible that you will remain loyal, that carried a lot of weight back then." The family has bought a paver for Alexander at Fayetteville's Airborne & Special Operations Museum. "It's going to be interesting to see how it's perceived by the Southerners," James McRae said. "My experience growing up and talking to folks from the North, they don't seem to remember the Civil War like the Southerners do." Fayetteville city historian Bruce Daws plans to incorporate the marker into the downtown tours he gives to hundreds of schoolchildren each year. The marker will include a citation from McRae's commanding officer, Col. Edwin Canby: "Pure in character, upright in conduct, devoted to his profession, and of a loyalty that was deaf to the seduction of family and friends, Capt. McRae died as he lived, an example of the best and highest qualities a man can possess." Read more
Happy 102nd Birthday Colonel (Ret.) Heckemeyer ’35! 4/22/2013
When Colonel (Ret.) Benjamin W. Heckemeyer ’35 was a cadet, the United States Military Academy at West Point had a course in hippology, the Army had more boats than the Navy, and one of his tactical officers was Major Omar Bradley ’15. Some things, however, haven’t changed much in the eight decades since he squared corners as a plebe: he poured coffee and milk for upperclassmen as part of dining duties; he dressed in full uniform for Saturday morning inspections; and his time at Beast was absolutely “beastly.” Would he do it all over again? “With no hesitation,” he says. “I have to say that, even after all these years, my proudest moment was receiving my appointment to West Point.” Today, the Long Gray Line celebrates Colonel Heckemeyer’s 102nd birthday. Read more about Colonel Heckemeyer’s recollections as a cadet and watch an interview MAJ Ranee Rubio ’99 conducted with the Head of the Long Gray Line. McKenna '53 Receives William E. Colby Award 4/19/2013
On March 7, 2013, Thomas P. McKenna '53 received the Wiliam E. Colby Award for his 2011 book Kontum: The Battle to Save South Vietnam. The Colby Award recognizes a first work of fiction or nonfiction that has made a major contribution to the understanding of military history, intelligence operations or international affairs. "Assigned as a miltary advisor to the 23rd Division, McKenna participated in the battle of Kontum and in his book combines his personal experiences with years of interviews and research from primary sources to describe the events leading up to the invasion and the battle itself."
Full Story West '82 to Be Army Medical Command's First African American TwoStar General 4/18/2013
Brig. Gen. Nadja West '82, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1/4/6 for the United States Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) will be promoted to Major General. This promotion will make West the first African American two-star general in the United States Army Medical Command.
As Always, Titans' Mooney '09 Reporting for Duty 4/18/2013
Come Monday, Tennessee Titans fullback Collin Mooney '09 will arrive at the team’s facility for the first day of off-season workouts. The former Army football standout, West Point graduate and current 1st lieutenant in the Army Reserves will try to make the Titans roster for a second straight season in 2013. But for the past two weeks, the uniform he has donned is that of the military. He is completing a
two-week obligation to the Army Reserves by recruiting high school students at some 90 area schools as potential Army recruits. Is Mooney a military man playing professional football? Or is he a football player who just happens to have a military gig as a commissioned officer? “I am a military man playing football,” he said firmly. “That’s what I came out of high school wanting to do. The NFL came out of nowhere, really. “I had planned on serving my country and going to West Point and being an officer. The opportunity just presented itself to go to the NFL, and I just couldn’t pass that opportunity up.”
Read more from Fox Sports
Recap: 2013 West Point Women's Summit 4/16/2013
As West Point conferences go, it was a great event at the United States Military Academy this past weekend. Graduates from many different walks of life attended; a 2002 grad, currently leading the Illinois Dept. of Veterans' Affairs, talked about how Army and Academy experience informed support for veterans. A cadet panel impressed the "Old Grads" with their tales of tough field training and international adventures -- one combat-arms-destined senior joked about being nicknamed "Ranger Roger" by other cadets. In a panel about healing, a survivor of severe spinal cord injury from a parachute accident (not the only grad in the room with that experience) joined a cancer survivor to talk about their work helping others with more serious problems. A two-star general spoke movingly of 11 soldiers lost on deployment in Iraq, while another general nodded mutely; another senior officer talked about realizing that a third deployment had triggered PTSD symptoms. The head of the Academy's Psychology curriculum talked about "resiliency training," preparing troops to survive the emotional challenges of battle. A Navy Captain talked about flying combat aircraft. Most moving was the memorial. The reading of names of those lost: on the battlefield, to cancer, some tragically to suicide. The Chaplain -- yet another West Point grad -- reminding us of the business we're in, and how the reminder of death can keep us living life, every second, in support of our values and our personal missions. The playing of taps. And the sound of voices raised,
many tear-filled, singing the verses of the Alma Mater. In particular, that last -- the raised voices -- was stunning. Because all the voices were female. This was the West Point Women's Summit, and each of those mentioned above (except Navy Captain Michelle Guidry) was a woman graduate (or cadet) of the Academy: Erica Borggren '02, Cadet Sara Roger '13, Nancy Hogan '95, Joan Grey '80, Lil Pfluke '80, MG Heidi Brown '81, BG (ret) Anne McDonald '80, COL Donna Brazil '83, Donna McAleer '87, Cynthia Lindenmeyer '90. Read more by Sue Fulton '80
See photos of the summit
Memorial 5K Reunites Families Affected by 2005 Helicopter Crash 4/16/2013
The memory is still fresh for Pamela SykesBarrett, even eight years later. As she stood on the Strip outside the Cosmopolitan at the Windy25 Memorial 5K on Saturday, her mind drifted back to that tragic day in 2005. Her eyes welled up with tears as she stared off into the distance, looking back on the day she heard the bad news. The day she learned her son, Spc. Pendleton Sykes II, and 15 others died in a helicopter crash in Ghazni, Afghanistan. She's not alone. Sykes-Barrett is surrounded by mothers, fathers, spouses, children, and extended family, who also lost loved ones in the crash. For the past three years, many of them have gathered for this race. They form a family forever unified by a single tragedy, and this race is their reunion. "It's hard every year," said Gloria Hackwith, who lost her son Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Clint Prather. "We're glad to be here because we've become a family. It's nice." The Windy25 Memorial 5K is held to commemorate the 11 passengers and five fallen members of the Windy25 flight crew and to raise money for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Race organizer Craig Wilhelm '93, who was the commander of the Chinook Company when the helicopter crashed, said about 500 participants signed up for the third annual race, raising more than $46,000 for TAPS.
Wilhelm said the race has raised about $130,000 in three years, but more importantly, it has increased awareness of the people who died in combat and the families they left behind. Read more from the Las Vegas Sun
Daughter of '87 and '91 Grads Named Army Military Child of the Year 4/16/2013
An active volunteer, honor student, and varsity athlete from Fort Lee, Va., 17-year-old Nicole Daly, is the Army's 2013 Military Child of the Year. Growing up in a military family, Daly (the daughter of Ed '87 and Cathy '91 Daly) has moved nine times and attended three high schools. Despite her busy life, she still finds time to volunteer for military-related activities and maintains a 4.7 grade point average. Daly received the award last week from Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno '76. "The thing that impresses me the most about Nicole is she's taken a difficult situation -- many deployments by her dad -- to use that as an inspiration for her to help others," said Odierno at Operation Homefront's Military Child of the Year award ceremony. "By doing that, she's become an inspiration to me," he said. Daly has earned varsity letters in cross country and track and runs half-marathons with her father, the Chief of Ordnance and Commandant of the Ordnance Center and School at Fort Lee, Va. Her mother is a former Quartermaster Officer. Read more via Army.mil Lang '83 Inducted Into High School's Hall of Fame 4/15/2013
The Wakefield High School Education Foundation will induct seven new Hall of Fame members
at an awards ceremony at the school on May 17. The Hall of Fame was created to recognize alumni or staff who have made significant contributions to society or who have brought acclaim or recognition to Wakefield. Those selected for the Hall of Fame have a widespread reputation, and serve as models to which students can aspire, foundation officials said. Those honored as the sixth class inducted into the Wakefield High School Hall of Fame include Dr. William Lang, who graduated from Wakefield in 1979 and from West Point in 1983. Lang served as the Army White House Physician from 1996 to 1999 and was deputy director of the White House Medical Unit and deputy physician to the president in 2000. He also has served as assistant chief medical officer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Read more LTG Daniel B. Allyn '81 to Become Commanding General of Forces Command 4/12/2013
Fort Bragg's commander is taking a new post, but he won't have to move far. Lieutenant General Daniel B. Allyn '81 was selected for appointment to the rank of four-star general and to become commanding general of Forces Command, which is based at Fort Bragg. The appointment requires congressional approval. Allyn, the commanding general of the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, has been in his current post since June 2012. A native of Berwick, Maine, and a 1981 graduate of West Point, Allyn has commanded troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. He will replace General David Rodriguez '76, who was introduced last week as the new head of U.S. Africa Command. Read more. Colts Sign Former Army Standout McNary '11 4/11/2013
The regional combine process has produced at least one signing by an NFL team as the Indianapolis Colts have inked former Army standout pass rusher Josh McNary '11 to a contract. According to Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star, McNary's mandatory enlistment in the Army following his time in West Point kept him from being drafted after graduating in 2011. McNary was one of more than 200 players invited to the Super Regional Combine in Dallas on Sunday. The 6-foot, 250-pound McNary is Army's all-time sack leader. He recorded 28 sacks as a rush linebacker for the Black Knights during his college career.
via NBC Sports Photo by Tommy Gilligan
Watch one of the greatest plays in Army Football history, McNary's touchdown return in the Armed Forces Bowl!
Tener '57 Earns Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award Edit Delete 4/10/2013
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is pleased to announce that the 2012 recipient of the Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award is Dr. Robert K. Tener '57, P.E., Ph.D., DBIA. The Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor DBIA can bestow. It is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the design and construction industry through outstanding leadership and the advancement of integrated designbuild project delivery. Speaking on behalf of the DBIA Board of Directors, 2012 Chair Robert Nartonis praised Tener: "Bob Tener has dedicated his career to serving his country, his industry, and the next generation of construction and engineering professionals. His work exemplifies the kind of diversified and significant accomplishment that DBIA honors with the Bruelleschi medal. I can think of no one more deserving." Tener's career spans the spectrum of design and construction: He has worked in the public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he later served on the civil engineering faculty, Tener earned Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in structural engineering from Iowa State University. He became a registered professional engineer in 1963 and was named a Fellow of ASCE in 1988. Accepting the award, Tener, who now volunteers with the ACE Mentor program in Southern California, urged the audience composed of design and construction professionals, specialty contractors, and public and private owners to promote engagement between industry and schools of design and construction. Haneke '66 Inspires Post-9/11 Veterans 4/5/2013
Forty-four years ago, Lt. William G. Haneke was pronounced dead five times over 48 hours. The first time was after a Viet Cong–detonated mine catapulted him 80 feet into the air and left him hanging sideways on a barbed-wire fence. When he came to, his left eye was blown out, he could not see and could hardly breathe. The carotid artery on one side of his neck was severed and every time his heart beat, blood would spurt out and bounce off his shoulder. His right leg was gone above the knee, his jaw shattered and part of his brain exposed. It took four-and-a-half years and more than 200 major medical procedures before he was able to return some semblance of his former life. As an Army brat and a graduate of West Point he realized his military days were over, but he decided to develop a plan for his future. "I was told I would never be able to sit up, ambulate, have a normal life in any way shape or form and that made me really angry. I was going to prove them all wrong," he says. With one good eye and one glass eye, a cranial plastic plate, a reconstructed leg and foot, and a pair of crutches he set out to pursue a career in health care in order to become a patient advocate.
Read more National Park Service Dedicates Charles Young (Class of 1889) Buffalo Soldier Monument 4/4/2013
The National Park Service officially dedicated the Charles Young Buffalo Soldier National Monument on April 2. Born to enslaved parents, Charles Young, Class of 1889, was the highest ranking African American commanding officer from 1894 until his death in 1922. He served nearly his entire military career with the all-black 9th and 10th Calvary regiments, the “Buffalo Soldiers.” He was the third African American to graduate from West Point in 1889 and the last African American to complete West Point until 1936, the first African American superintendent of a national park, and the fourth soldier to be honored with a funeral service at the Arlington Amphitheater before being buried in Arlington Cemetery. Another graduate, Brian Shellum ’76, shown here on the left briefing Secretary Salazar,
helped bring Young’s story to light. He has written two books on Young, Black Cadet in a White Bastion: Charles Young at West Point, and Black Officer in a Buffalo Soldier Regiment: The Military Career of Charles Young. Shellum is working closely with the National Park Service on the layout and content of this 401st and newest unit of the National Park System. Read more about this story by clicking here. Tovo '83 Takes Command of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan 4/2/2013
KABUL, Afghanistan - Lt. Gen. Kenneth E. Tovo '83 assumed command of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan (NTM-A) and Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A) from LT. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger at a ceremony at Camp Eggers. Lt. Gen. Tovo is a 1983 graduate of the United States Military Academy. He holds master's degrees from the U.S. Army War College, and the Army Command and General Staff College. Prior to his new assignment he was commander of Special Operations Command Central in Tampa, Fla. As the dual-hatted commander of both NTM-A and CTSC-A, Lt. Gen. Tovo leads coalition support of the International Security Assistance Force to enable accountable, Afghanled security by Dec. 31, 2014. "The coming months will continue to be marked by transition and change especially within this organization," Lt. Gen. Tovo said. "Functions and processes may migrate to other units; some elements may be downsized or eliminated as their mission ends. But one thing will not change: the nations of NATO and the entire coalition remain committed to assisting [Afghanistan] to continue the build of effective security forces -- from the individual soldier and policeman all the way up to the ministerial level." Read more Three Grads Join Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services 4/2/2013
The Department of Defense has announced the selection of six appointees to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). Three of the new appointees are West Point graduates: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lindenmeyer '90, Donna McAleer '87, and Retired Army Lt. Col. Hae-Sue Park '87. "The committee's work continues to be vital to the Department of Defense, especially as we move forward integrating women into previously closed occupational specialties and units within the U.S. military," said Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica Wright. "I am thankful for the service of these new committee members as they join the ranks of those who have been catalysts for change in our Armed Forces." The committee, established during the Korean War in 1951 by Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall, is an independent advisory committee that provides the department with advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces.
Read more from the Department of Defense
Former Baseball Team Grads Dedicate Room 4/1/2013
Kevin Batule (left) ‘83, Peter McCall (middle) ‘70, and Barret Haight (right) ‘59, unveil a plaque with the details of the new Army Baseball Dedication Room at the Historic Thayer Hotel at West Point on March 30. All three graduates are former Army baseball players and were on the committee that designed the concept for the dedication room. The room is filled with Army baseball memorabilia and is one of many dedication rooms in the hotel’s inventory which recognize distinguished West Point graduates. Webb '06 Wins MacArthur Award for Company Grade Excellence 4/1/2013
DONGDUCHEON, South Korea - A very modest Capt. Andrew C. Webb '06 would have you believe he's just like any other soldier, and clearly hoped the talk about his behavior would quietly go away. But that's the burden you reap when you stand head and shoulders above your peers. "In this battalion there are a number of great company commanders, I don't really feel like I'm better than any one of them on any given day," said Webb, commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. "It's just our guys have had a number of really good successes and that's what has paid off." But Webb is certainly doing something right. This month he was notified that he is one of only 28 officers from across the Army being awarded the 2012 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. Webb, from Lynchburg, Va., was the winner of the Eighth Army board composed of the best company-grade leaders from across the Korean peninsula, and was selected
again at the national level. "The key is to set the structure up so [my Soldiers] can succeed," said Webb. "We have to break people of the ARFORGEN [Army Force Generation] habit where they just show up and get training, and instill a sense of initiative in them. "My advice for other commanders is just to set the structure up for your people to succeed and then get out of their way and let them do it." Read more from Army.mil '04 and '09 Sisters to Appear on "Shark Tank" 3/28/2013
Tune in to Shark Tank on April 19 at 9pm EST on ABC to watch designers Ashley Jung '04 and Paige Dellavalle '09 pitch their jewelry company, stella valle. Critically acclaimed Shark Tank gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true, and possibly make a business deal that will make them a millionaire. The designers know their experience as West Point cadets and U.S. Army officers doesn't make them obvious choices as chic arbiters of style. While they donned the drab, olive, camouflage fatigues that came with military life, their vision for life after the military remained lucid. Founded in 2009, stella valle reflects the designers' pursuit to live out their lifelong aspirations in fashion and design despite their unique past. Capitalizing on their military background, they fused their mechanical training with a strong, diverse aesthetic sense -- and with the desire to create a brand that represented their innate sense of style and unique background -- came stella valle. Just like the designers, the line perfectly marries masculine and feminine characteristics. The strong lines and geometric metalwork represent their strength and military past. These masculine design elements are balanced by feminine details and dainty crystals to portrait their inherent femininity and fashion future. Tune in on April 19 to see if they get a deal!
Wounded Veterans Travel to Vail for Ski, Snowboard Lessons 3/27/2013
Earlier this month, West Point alumni were among a group of 30 recently wounded U.S. military veterans and their guests who came to Vail through the Vail Veterans Program (VVP). All 30 wounded veterans received an allinclusive expenses-paid trip that offered private adaptive ski/snowboard lessons and nightly group activities. "We have a number of alumni come through the VVP and it goes beyond being a West Point grad or even being in the military, this program is an extension of service that represents hope and possibilities," said Col. Greg Gadson '89, VVP mentor. "For me, it was a window into the future possibilities of things I can do since losing my legs and about finding a new normal." For Captain Seth Nieman '05 (pictured), who was injured in November 2012, it was his first chance to travel with his fiancée, Amy, since his injury occurred. "It's been a lot of fun to be here with my fiancée. I've loved being outside and re-learning how to ski. I've been on a bi-ski and have gone to the top of the mountain!" The VVP is in its 10th year and is committed to bringing military injured and their families to Vail in both summer and winter. Watch video of the program featured on the TODAY show. Home of 1889 Grad to Become a National Monument
Home of 1889 Grad to Become a National Monument 3/22/2013
The Obama administration on Monday will officially designate the Wilberforce, Ohio, home of Col. Charles Young -- West Point graduate, military veteran, and the first black national park superintendent -- as a national monument, becoming part of the National Park System. Young's home has been a National Historic Landmark since 1974. It will join the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico, First State National Monument in Delaware, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Maryland, and San Juan Islands National Monument in Washington state on the list of new monuments, the White House said. Young, the son of former slaves, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1889, eventually rising through the ranks to become the first black man to reach the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. He became head of the park system in 1903. Young died in 1922 while visiting Nigeria; he was eulogized by historian and civil rights activist W.E. B. DuBois, and buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Read more
Tallahassee Society Focuses on Class Rings During Founders Day 3/22/2013 This year was the debut of what may become an annual West Point Society of Tallahassee Founders Day event -- so far called "Ring Thing." Created by Ron Morrell ’74, the concept is to gather all the West Point class rings and miniatures of those who want to participate. Rings are then arranged in a jeweler's display for everyone to look at during the event. Here are just some of the interesting things the Tallahassee Society learned along the way ... Rings represented classes from 1925 through 2009 Two rings were lost and returned. One guy bought another... so he has two!
Four replaced the original stone due to damage or owner choice. One original stone was switched, bezel copied, and the new item became a gift -- a lapel pin / tie tack Two couldn't get their rings off in order to participate. One is allergic to his ring and didn't know about Ring Thing so didn't bring it. One had never taken it off and didn't intend to ever do so! Purchase price of one 1954 ring was $70 -- $60 for the gold ring and $10 for the stone! Some younger grads also have battle rings Three miniatures were presented as engagement rings One miniature's diamond was removed, pieces stored separately, and is maintained that way by the original owner's daughter who is also the wife of a grad One ring was removed surgically, cut off in the ER, re-sized later, and is again a part of daily wear The Society intends to continue (and improve upon) this event as part of future Founders Days.
Top row (L to R) Wayne Lambert '59; Tom Moorhead; Alfred Devereaux Sr. '25, Alfred Devereaux Jr. '59, Melissa Devereaux; (owned by) David Rich '78; Doris (PeeWee) Lambert Second Row (L to R) Greg Jones '69; Brad Boone '09; Bob Werner '55; Jodie Glore '69; Sandy Glore, Joann Boone; Elsie Bennette Mabry (PeeWee Lambert's Mom; Wayne's mother-in-law, Dwight Harvey's wife) Third Row (L to R) Dwight Harvey '25; Bill Wallis '70; Doug Boone '79; Leigh Fairbank '63; Robert Morris '54; Bisig '81, Marcia Moorhead Bottom (L to R) Bill Webb '57; Lew Killian '69; David Rich '78; Ron Morrell '74; Steve Hammond '69; Adam Grant '09 White House Recognizes Kanis '91 as Champion of Change 3/22/2013
The best ideas come from the American people. Everyone has a story to tell, everyone has a part to play. All across the country, ordinary Americans are doing extraordinary things in their communities to outinnovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. Every week, the White House invites these Champions of Change to share their ideas to win the future. This week, the White House honors 14 women veterans as Champions of Change. After honorably serving their country, these individuals went on to provide exemplary leadership in many areas at the local, state, regional, or national level. Becky Kanis '91 is among this week's group. She graduated from the Academy in 1991 and served for nine years as an Officer in the US Army. Unwilling to continue deceiving her colleagues about her sexual orientation, she resigned her commission in 2000 and soon began working to end homelessness in New York City. After leading an effort that successfully reduced street homelessness in Times Square by over two thirds, Becky became the Director of the 100,000 Homes Campaign, a grassroots nationwide effort to find and house 100,000 of the most chronic and vulnerable homeless people by July 2014. The Campaign is coordinated by the New York City-based non-profit organization Community Solutions. Under Beckys leadership, it has already helped communities find permanent housing for more than 37,000 homeless Americans, including 13,000 veterans. Read more from the White House
Skinner '97 Shares His Hopes for the Future of Afghanistan 3/21/2013
As U.S. Army Major Brent Skinner ’97 walks the streets of Kabul, he sees a population no different from those living anywhere else in the world. They push their children to study, they work hard, and they seek peace when they walk out their front door. It's the same in every country the Staten Island native has visited in his 16-year military career. "At the end of the day, a lot of people in these countries are just like us," said Skinner. "They want to be safe, they want to be secure, have stability, and provide for their families. Everyone wants those basic human needs that we take for granted."
Skinner arrived in Afghanistan in September as the executive officer to Maj. Gen. Ken Dah ’82, the deputy commanding general for US Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A), responsible in part for the transfer of power back to the Afghan military and government. "I travel around Afghanistan quite a bit," said Skinner in a recent interview with the Staten Island Advance at 7:30 p.m. Kabul time -- roughly nine hours ahead of New York. "For the most part, they love to see us. We help the economy, we help provide for their safety and security, and the whole time we're doing that, we're trying to transition to the Afghan-led forces." In his State of the Union address, President Obama announced the withdrawal of 34,000 American troops -- about half the U.S. force -- by February 2014. Skinner believes the time is right for self-government, despite continued reports of suicide bombings, including one last Wednesday that killed seven people at a traditional sporting event in the northern part of the country. The following day, the American commander in Afghanistan put his troops on security alert after Afghan President Hamid Karzai made a string of anti-American statements. "A lot of what you see is probably negative because that sensationalizes things and makes headlines," Skinner said. "But being on the ground day-to-day, interacting with the Afghan people, getting out to different parts of the country, you see the progress is real and tangible." Read more
Malony '45 Tells His Family's Stories (Six Generations of West Pointers) 3/19/2013 Six generations of West Pointers in one family continue to tell stories of those who have committed to the demands of the Long Gray Line since it was founded by Congress in 1802. It is no coincidence that the United States Military Academy, as the oldest continuing U.S. Army military post, holds the high ground overlooking the Hudson River dating back to the Revolutionary War when it was first occupied by the Continental Army on January 27, 1778. Holding the high ground in service is what is demanded of each and every member of the Long Gray Line. Over the last three years, James Malony '45 has recorded his life's stories with many humorous episodes in a book titled Kaleidoscope, Stories of a Free Spirit. In a second volume, Stories My Father Told Me,
Malony compiled stories that are a history of his father's military years (1912-1945) including serving as a Division Commander in World War II in the 94th Infantry Division. (Both e-books are now available.) Kaleidoscope, Stories of A Free Spirit covers a wide variety of situations and geographical locations, both domestic and abroad, several wars, two assassinations, four coups, and assignments in Philippines, Japan, Germany, Italy, Liberia, Nigeria, and Russia. The stories are filled with humor and show Malony's ability to survive and succeed against overwhelming odds. In Stories My Father Told Me, you will find a general's view of leading a Division in WWII, as well as many historical accounts of life in the Army before and during the war. These stories reflect a keen insight into the social and physical environment of the times. The stories represent a great collection of events that you will not find in history books, but are both fascinating and detailed. Join Malony in tales that will take you from the building of the Panama Canal to diamond smuggling, from Hiroshima to the designing of the Edsel! Let him take you on a reality tour from the impact of a Marguerita to the "Cadet in the Red Sash" who starts each cadet's journey on the Long Gray Line. Pull up an easy chair, brace yourself, you are in for an unforgettable ride down History Lane. Malony is the latest member of a line of graduates that started in 1854. He will be celebrating his 90th birthday in September. Pictured, Malony as a cadet stands with his parents. His father, General Harry Malony, graduated in West Point's Class of 1912.
Class Ring Finds Its Way Back to Mikula '67... Twice 3/19/2013
West Point Class Ring. Lost near Golden Beach. Reward. Call … The classified ad ran Feb. 27 in the Herald-Tribune's LOST category, its 10 words hardly conveying the mix of hope and desperation behind them. John Mikula's ring meant a lot to him. To explain why, he tells two stories. First of all, he says, at West Point, there's a ceremony when graduates receive their rings. It's a big deal. (VIDEO: Class of 2013 Ring Ceremony). More recently, the families of graduates who have died return the rings to West Point. They are melted and recast for new recipients, to provide them an extra bond with those who have gone before them. (VIDEO: Class of 2014 Ring Melt).
Read more to find out how the ring was returned.
Jensen '04 to Release Documentary About World Record Setting Expedition to South Pole 3/19/2013 In 2011, Andrew Jensen '04 formed a 501c3 organization called Polar Vision. The group was formed with a former submarine officer, Alan Lock, who lost his eyesight at 23 to a disease known as macular degeneration. Undeterred, Lock went on to set a world record as the first visually impaired person to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Last January, Jensen and Polar Vision helped Lock set another world record as the first visually impaired person to ski from the Antarctic shoreline to the South Pole -- a distance of more than 570 miles. Proceeds from that journey were used to make a donation to the oldest and largest provider of sight dogs in the US, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and for a group called Sightsavers International, which works on preventable blindness in developing countries. At the time, their trek was covered by the NY Times and Bloomberg Businessweek. A documentary about the trip is now finished and is set to be released later this month, exclusively through YouTube on their PolarVisionChannel. This is where we'll upload the release, along with tons of bonus material we shot. We're encouraging people to pass along this link and "Subscribe," "We're hoping learning a bit about what Alan overcame as someone who lost his eyesight will be encouraging to other veterans who may find themselves in similar positions and being challenged to overcome their own obstacles," Jensen says.
New York Times Features '82 Grads' Love Story 3/18/2013
Lt. Col. Celia FlorCruz '82 and Maj. General Kenneth Dahl '82 have been married 30 years. General Dahl, a deputy commanding general for United States forces in Afghanistan, is stationed in Kabul, helping to oversee the withdrawal of troops from the country. Colonel FlorCruz flies Army helicopters and is currently commanding a medical unit of 700 at Fort Drum in upstate New York. He has done four
tours overseas, she has done two. They began dating in 1980 during their junior year at West Point and have two college-age daughters. Their interviews have been edited and condensed. How did you start dating? Celia: My father was a West Point grad, a retired colonel. From the beginning my goal was to have a career in the Army and retire with 30 years in 2012 as a colonel. I hadn’t planned on marriage or kids. So when I met Kenny, I was not looking for a relationship. Ken: My junior year we had a class near each other. I'd be trying to find a reason to pass her. I had a friend from the lacrosse team with a first-floor room and I'd run to his room, look out the window and when she was about to pass, I'd run out and we'd have a chance encounter. I finally got up the courage to ask her to the movies. Celia: "It Came From Outer Space," at Thayer Hall, one of those 3-D movies with the glasses -- awful. During the movie he handed me a Starlight peppermint; they didn't have refreshments. He had it in his pocket, which was a nice surprise. There aren't really pockets in dress grays -- just a tiny one at the hem. You have to unzip the bottom of the jacket, which you're not supposed to do in public. Ken: I'm thinking, "What can I do to make this special?" To let her know it was not just a movie. The peppermint turned out to be a big deal. The rest of the time we were at West Point, I was leaving peppermints on her desk. Read more from the New York Times
20th Annual USMA Alumni Golf Outing, June 6-8 3/18/2013 Alumni and guests are invited to the 20th Annual Alumni Golf Outing, 6-8 June 2013! The event includes two days of golf, prizes, all meals, a scenic boat ride on the Hudson, and dinner in the Haig Room of Jefferson Hall – with a spectacular view of West Point! Register now.
Connecting – Inspiring – Empowering: West Point Women’s Summit, April 11-13 3/18/2013 The West Point Women’s Summit is open to all. Topics include ‘Connecting at the Point’, ‘Facing Challenges, Fostering Hope – Inspiring Wisdom, Wellness, Wit’ and ‘A Call to Action—Still Serving’. Register now by clicking here.
WPS of the Philippines Celebrates Founder's Day
3/17/2013 West Point Founder's Day 2013 for the West Point Society of the Philippines enjoyed its biggest turnout in recent years with over 30 Old Grads coming together to celebrate the founding of our Alma Mater. Grads serving in government, the US Embassy in the Philippines, and who are actively serving the Philippine Army celebrated West Point's 211th year. Of course when a former President of the Philippine Republic and one of two Filipino Distinguished Grads of West Point asks you to punch the ceiling while yelling "Beat Navy!" you do so with the proper Army spirit! CPT Mark Posada '04 actually hit the ceiling with a ridiculously high jump so it looks like Army will finally break the 11 year losing streak. pictured from left - right: Federico Sanchez Jr '80, Jim Cizek '74, Mark Mistal '92, CPT Mark Posadas '04 (in uniform), and Former Philippine President Fidel "Eddie" Ramos '50.
Bair '90 Takes Command of 3rd Brigade at Lewis-McChord 3/13/2013
A Joint Base Lewis-McChord Stryker brigade leader recently home from Afghanistan handed his post to a new commander today and closed the book on his 30-year career in the active-duty Army. Col. Charles Webster filled his remarks at his change of command ceremony with "thank yous" to his fellow soldiers in the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and to his peers among Lewis-McChord's senior officers. "What a day, one of I've been dreading for, oh, about 30 months (since he took command)," he said in his prepared remarks. "But what an adventure, not only the last 30 months, but also the last 30 years." He's being followed by Col.Hugh Bair '90, who recently served as the operations officer in the Army's Warrior Transition Command. He led soldiers in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina for much of the past decade. He deployed with the airborne troops three times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Webster looked back at his time in the Army and praised the soldiers at his ceremony for volunteering to serve after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. "Over the past 12 years, we all witnessed an Army that transformed -- one that not only met the
challenge of protecting our homes, but one that transformed to meet the enemies of our country in their home," he said. Webster and his wife, Caroline, have three children. Their eldest daughter is a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy. Read more
Class of 2016 Incorporates 50-Year Affiliation Class Into Crest 3/11/2013 For the first time (that WPAOG is aware of) the 50Year Affiliation Class has received a nod of appreciation in the cadets' class crest. Everything in a class crest is symbolic. The bald eagles continues to maintain its traditional representation of freedom, spirit, and the pursuit of excellence. "USMA" serves as not only a representation of our alma mater but also as a physical embodiment of the core values engrained in each cadet: Duty, Honor, Country. This year, the stars and stripes on the American flag are also symbolic. There are six stars on the left and six stripes on the right to honor the Class of 1966, the 50-Year Affiliation Class. "To think that these plebes, who haven't been at West Point very long and who really do not yet understand the Long Gray Line, would even think to include a symbol of our class on their crest was unexpected and overpowering," said Al Nason '66, who attended the dinner with Cooper Wright '66. Read about past class crests More about this year's crest: The soldier in the center of the crest represents each member of the Class of 2016. With the class motto "With Honor We Lead," this soldier represents a warrior leading from the front as he or she rallies his or her soldiers and calls them forward. Placed between the cadet saber and officer saber, the soldier is leading the way from cadetship to officership, as all the members of the Class of 2016 must do for each other. The eagle's wings are downward as if it is taking to flight. This motion represents the class's drive to reach newer heights and achievements. His wings are wrapping around the soldier representing protection, and, above all, the class coming together and internalizing the ideals and values of West
Point. The oak leaves to the left of "USMA" represent the endurance and strength of the class. The olive leaves on the right symbolize the peace and victory for which the cadets strive. The oak leaves are positioned in a place of honor to represent that it is this class's strength and endurance that will always see them through. The class motto, "With Honor We Lead," is placed at the bottom of the crest to represent that it is their foundation, their bedrock, their crux. When all else fails, they WILL lead with honor. USMA is placed at the top of the crest as a representation that it is the institution overseeing their soldierization and development into leaders of character. The United States flag is placed in the background to represent that it is our nation that has made them who they are today. It is their heritage, and their reason for their call to serve. It is adorned with six stripes and six stars to forever connect the class with their 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1966. This serves as a reminder to not forget those who assisted them in getting where they are today and to remember where they have all come from. The class year is placed separated, signifying that the class of 2016 is made up of what is contained within. Finally, the compass refers to the direction a leader must provide for his or her soldiers; while, the Loral, with its 16 leaves, represents the Class of 2016 and the honor with which they have committed themselves to serve the sons and daughters of America's Army.
Giglio '95 Named CEO of Austin Mohawk 3/11/2013
Austin Mohawk and Company, Inc. is pleased to announce that Thomas P. Giglio '95 joined the company as its Chief Executive Officer. Giglio joins Austin Mohawk after most recently serving as Business Unit Manager for Cooper Standard Automotive in Oscoda, Michigan. At Cooper Standard, Giglio was responsible for overseeing 190 employees and the daily operations of two automotive business units that supplied fuel and brake bundles to various OEMs and Tier One suppliers. Under Giglio's direction over the past five years, plant margin, on-time delivery, and quality ratings all improved dramatically for the more than $100 million in annual revenue he was responsible for. During his career, Giglio has also served as COO and VP of Operations for Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. in Cape Coral, Florida. He also proudly served nine years in the United State Army, where he reached the rank of Captain, and served as Special Forces Battalion Operations Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Commander of Special Forces Operational Detachment, and Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of Fort Polk, Louisiana. "I am confident that we have found the right leader to take the reins and continue to grow the company. Tom's deep experience with time-sensitive manufacturing operations and uncompromising commitment to product quality is exactly what we were looking for in a CEO. His strong operations experience at a range of levels, including in the US military, is a perfect fit to lead Austin Mohawk through the next phase of growth," said company Chairman, John Millet. Focused on growth and bringing Austin Mohawk's operations to a new level, Giglio is eager to build upon the already strong Austin Mohawk brand, while keeping an eye on operational progress for the company. "I am very grateful for the opportunity to take over what Mr. Millet and his team has built over the years at Austin Mohawk," said Giglio. "I'm excited for what the future holds for this company and our people."
VIDEO: '11 Grad Who Lost His Legs Stands for Father's Retirement 3/8/2013
With pomp and circumstance and with a room filled to its rims, the ceremony for retiring Col. Y.T. Pak '83 was as it should be. At the auditorium at the Asian-Pacific Center for Security Studies, his family sat in the front row. His son 1st Lt. Jason Pak '11 was there marking a milestone of his own, making this day extra special. "It happened in the blink of an eye," began Jason. On December 12, 1st Lt. Pak, while on duty in Afghanistan, stepped on an IED. In that instant, he lost his legs and two fingers, and broke several bones. "I will never forget that day. I just wanted him to stay alive," said his father, Ret. Col. Pak. Survive he did. Fight he would. See video from the ceremony
Greg Szczesny '94 Named to Managing Director at PwC 3/7/2013
PwC US announces the addition of Greg Szczesny '94 as a managing director in the firm’s expanding Risk Assurance practice, where he will play a leading role developing the firm's conflict minerals service offering. PwC is making significant investments in helping companies address provisions within the Dodd Frank Act around conflict minerals. Szczesny will help drive this service, which includes delivering large-scale readiness projects to clients across all industries, focusing specifically in healthcare, retail and industrial products. “Joining PwC’s Risk Assurance practice is the perfect fit for my background and I look forward to leveraging my previous experience working in conflict minerals to guide my clients through these new regulatory issues,” said Szczesny. “In addition, I’m happy to be joining a prestigious company such as PwC, and working with a team of valued and dedicated individuals.” Szczesny received his B.S. in systems engineering and he earned his MBA in finance from Auburn University. He is a certified Project Management Professional, an ASQ certified Six Sigma Black Belt as well as a Senior Professional Human Resources. Szczesny is an active member of the Auburn University MBA Advisory Board and serves on the leadership committee for his local chapter of the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
VIDEO & PHOTOS: Worn on the Finger but Touching the Heart 3/6/2013 Before placing her father's ring into the crucible at the 13th Annual West Point Class Ring Memorial Melt held on March 4, 2013, at the Pease & Curren refinery in Warwick, Rhode Island, Catherine Downing, daughter of Colonel John P. Downing Jr. '45, told class officers present from the Class of 2014: "In ancient times, people believed that the blood that flowed from one's ring finger went straight to the heart. I know that the values my dad learned at West Point -- Duty, Honor, Country -- went straight to his heart. I hope for you cadets that my dad's heart's blood will strengthen you in your future." In fact, the strength coming from Colonel Downing's ring and the donated rings of 36 other graduates is making an impact on the cadets now. Cadet Jeff Ferebee, President of the Class of 2014, noted that a strong feeling "swept over" him at the Ring Melt. "This event showed a special side of the West Point family paradigm," he said, "a group of those who have lived the dream and continue to live the dream by giving to us, the ones joining that family." Family figured prominently in this year's Ring Melt. This year's ceremony saw the most family members of donors in attendance, including Colonel Richard Norton and his son Tim, who placed their uncle's ring, Colonel Robert McCord '47, into the crucible. Mr. Jake Ruppert '76 was also on hand to donate his own
ring, wanting its gold to be part of the ring of his nephew, who is a member of the Class of 2014. Another living donor, Colonel (Ret) Kenneth Webber Jr. '48, divided his ring in two: half was donated last year so that its gold could be part of his granddaughter's class ring, Candace Webber '13, and this year his grandson, Cadet Kenneth Webber '14, and his son, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Kurt Webber '79, placed the other half into the crucible. The most rings in this year's program came from the Class of 1964, the 50-Year Affiliation Class to that of 2014. Before placing the ring of her husband, Colonel Leon Yourtee III '64, into the crucible, his widow, Mrs. Roberta Yourtee, foretold of the familial bonds awaiting the cadets as members of the Long Gray Line. "The greatest gift my husband left me was the Class of 1964," she said. The rings in the crucible, along with gold shavings taken from all Ring Melt ceremonies dating from the inaugural one in 2001 and now representing 293 rings, were melted in a 2,300-degree furnace and poured into a mold to form a solid gold bar weighing nearly two pounds. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the bar was turned over to Jayne Roland, a representative from Balfour, the jeweler contracted with manufacturing the rings that will be handed out to the Class of 2014 during Ring Weekend in August. Upon inspecting the shiny new rings on their fingers, may the lessons and values contained in the gold reach the cadets’ hearts and may the gold reflect the faces of the Long Gray Line family to which they now rightly belong. See photos Watch video
With Honor and Fond Memories, Schwarzkopf '56 Laid to Rest 3/1/2013
Twenty-two years to the day when Operation Desert Storm ended, the general who commanded the coalition force ground offensive was laid to rest at West Point, N.Y. A memorial service for retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, a U.S. Military Academy Class of 1956 graduate, was held at the Cadet Chapel Feb. 28 with family, friends and colleagues in attendance. Following the service, Schwarzkopf was buried near his father, Maj. Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf Sr., at the West Point Cemetery. His father, a 1917 USMA graduate and cavalry officer, was a World War I veteran and founder of the New Jersey State Police and served as its first superintendent. A contingent of N.J. State Police officers, and also more than 100 USMA cadets, senior leaders, and staff and faculty, attended the services. Retired Maj. Gen. Leroy Suddath '56 delivered the first memorial tribute, having met Schwarzkopf at the academy 61 years ago. At 21, Suddath had three years of college but admitted to not being so academically-inclined when he entered West Point. Having Schwarzkopf for a roommate was truly fortunate. At 17, Schwarzkopf was among the youngest in the Corps of Cadets and his classmates benefited from his knowledge of Middle Eastern culture and his dedication to the motto of "Duty, Honor, Country." "He was a leader in the Corps of Cadets and, for Norman, academics were a piece of cake," Suddath said. "He spent more time helping his roommates than on his own studies." Schwarzkopf graduated 43rd among 480 cadets in the Class of 1956 and commissioned from West Point as an infantry second lieutenant. After earning his master's in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California, Schwarzkopf returned to West Point where he instructed cadets for two years in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Read more
Share Your Founders Day Memories 2/28/2013 When the party is over, don’t forget to share the memories! Send us a few photos from your celebration
and we will post your story in our Society News Feed. And don't just stop with Founders Day, shout out all of your Society's events all year round!
Pace '05 Added to BYU's Wall of Honor 2/28/2013
The name of former Bringham Young University student and West Point graduate Scott Pace '05 was added to BYU's Wall of Honor Friday in a memorial service commemorating his death in combat in Afghanistan. Family members and friends watched while a plaque with his name was unveiled. Members of the BYU ROTC and others watched the ceremony via closed circuit television. Lieutenant Colonel Marc Boberg '92 (pictured) also presented the Pace family with a Helaman 200 plaque. Scott's father, Pat, said his son loved sports, especially basketball. When he came to BYU, he participated in open tryouts for the team, but was not accepted. While he was serving a Latter-day Saints mission in Argentina, his brother, Rick, received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Rick wrote to Scott and told him he would probably be able to play basketball at West Point. After he returned from his mission, he began a physical fitness program to help him qualify for the military academy and transferred there from BYU. Rick and Scott ended up graduating from West Point together. During his military career, Pace received two Purple Hearts, the Army Air Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War On Terror Service Medal, NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, Army Aviation Badge and Combat Action Badge. Read more
West Point Women's Summit - Connecting, Empowering, Inspiring 2/27/2013
The WPW Summit Connecting, Empowering, Inspiring is swiftly approaching. Registration is now open, and all are welcome to attend. Visit the WPW Summit page for full details.
Mark Your Calendar for Founders Day 2/26/2013 This spring numerous graduates, young and old, here and abroad, will gather in various locations to celebrate the West Point tradition known as Founders Day. Is there a Founders Day celebration on your calendar? If not, look for a local event on WPAOG's West Point Calendar.
LaMar '89 Represents Indiana at Global Trade Forum 2/20/2013 Nate LaMar '89 recently represented Indiana at the annual National District Export Council (DEC) Forum in Washington, DC. Each state has at least one DEC, comprised of international business practitioners appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce. LaMar was first appointed to the Indiana DEC by US Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans in 2003, and has been re-appointed twice. DECs work with US Department of Commerce staff to advise small and medium enterprises interested in exporting their products overseas. LaMar also serves the Indiana DEC as legislative liaison to the members of Indiana's Congressional delegation.
20th Annual USMA Alumni Golf Outing, June 6-8 2013 2/19/2013 You are invited to the 20th Annual Alumni Golf Outing. The outing includes 36 holes of golf, great meals, and prizes. Join us and reconnect with Classmates and friends! Schedule of Events Thursday, 6 June 2013 Registration, Herbert Alumni Center Welcome Reception and Dinner, Herbert Alumni Center Friday, 7 June 2013 Breakfast at the West Point Golf Course 18 holes of Golf (Captain’s Choice / Scramble Format) Lunch at the West Point Golf Course Boat Cruise on the Hudson Cocktails and Dinner in the Haig Room, Jefferson Hall Saturday, 8 June 2013
Breakfast at the West Point Golf Course 18 holes of Golf (Individual Play) Lunch and Awards Presentation at the West Point Golf Course Awards Top 3 Teams (Friday) Best 3 Individual Scores (Saturday) Other individual and Class prizes Click Here to Register http://daa.kintera.org/2013alumni-golf-outing Miscellaneous Information USMA POC is Vince McDermott, 845-938-3700/3024 For information on the West Point Golf Course, click here.
WPAOG Announces 2013 Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients 2/7/2013 The Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) is to be given to graduates of the United States Military Academy whose character, distinguished service, and stature draw wholesome comparison to the qualities for which West Point strives, in keeping with its motto: "Duty, Honor, Country." Congratulations to this year's recipients: LTG (R) Robert G. Yerks '51 GEN (R) John W. Foss '56 Mr. Lee R. Anderson '61 LTG (R) Theodore G. Stroup Jr. '62 LTG (R) Joseph E. DeFrancisco '65 GEN (R) Boonsrang Niumpradit '71
Click here to read more about this year's recipients The DGA will be presented on May 21, 2013. Factors to be considered in selecting individuals as Distinguished Graduates include accomplishments, contributions to the greater good, and other actions that favorably reflect the principles upon which West Point was founded as well as the excellence, spirit, integrity, and character that it seeks to ingrain in graduates. International graduates should be judged using the same criteria, but in the context of service to their own nation or the international community. They should have served and contributed at home in a manner that has enhanced the reputation of West Point and has encouraged partnerships
between the United States and their country.
Roberts '90 Appointed as Chairman of AMEC Federal Programs Board 2/6/2013
Joel E. Roberts '90, shareholder in the Orlando office of GrayRobinson, P.A., was recently appointed to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for AMEC Federal Programs. AMEC Federal Programs is a subsidiary of AMEC, a global engineering and consulting firm, established under the National Industry Security Program and provides engineering, project management and consulting for federal contracts.
"This is an incredible achievement for Joel and plays to his strengths as a counselor for defense and construction firms," said Gray Robinson President Byrd F. "Biff" Marshall, Jr. "We are confident that Joel will serve the board well and couldn’t be more proud of him."
A member of The Florida Bar, an "AV rated" attorney and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, Roberts concentrates his practice at GrayRobinson on commercial litigation, construction litigation, eminent domain, and public law. During his 10 years practicing law, he has represented several large defense contractors, design and construction firms, and government and banking institutions.
Roberts is a third generation Florida native, and is an active member of the Orlando community. He coaches YMCA youth soccer, football and basketball, is a trustee for the Winter Park Public Library, a member of the Winter Park Parks & Recreation Commission, and the president and co-founder of the Dommerich Elementary Foundation. Roberts is also a graduate of Leadership Winter Park, Leadership Orlando and Leadership Florida.
Son of an Immigrant Pins on Stars 2/4/2013
"Some of you may be surprised," newly-minted Brigadier General Andrew Poppas '88 said at the beginning of his remarks, "but my first act as a general is to be out of uniform." Sure enough, below the impeccable uniform Poppas wore a pair of decidedly outdated brown leather boots. "I ask your forgiveness," he said, "because I'm wearing the jump boots worn by my father when he was a
paratrooper back in the 1950's." There was no real need to ask forgiveness. Everyone in attendance had just heard the story as told by 101st Airborne Division commander Major General James McConville '81 during the introductory remarks. The new brigadier general's father, George, was a quintessential American success story. He had come to the U.S. as an immigrant in 1946 following World War II. He arrived speaking no English, starting out in the restaurant business and working until his country called in 1950 at the beginning of the Korean War. Because he spoke Greek, he was sent to Europe, where he served his country proudly. Following that, he raised three successful children and steeped them in the American Dream, together with the values that the son listed like prized possessions -- "family, honor, good name, and perseverance." Read more
Lampley '87 Hired as New COO at H.J. Russell & Company 1/30/2013 H.J. Russell & Company, the nation's largest Minority Business Enterprise Real Estate Development and Construction Company, is pleased to announce William Lampley '87 as its new Chief Operating Officer. Lampley oversees day-to-day operations and leads the development and execution of the company's strategic plan. With more than 25 years of operational and management experience, Lampley brings a fresh, yet experienced, perspective to the COO position. "H.J. Russell is an iconic 60-year-old brand built upon a foundation of customer-centered service and excellence, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it," Lampley said. "By streamlining business processes, collaborating more effectively across platforms, and being very intentional with our business goals, we will operate more efficiently without losing focus of the customer experience, which is paramount to the culture that exists at H.J. Russell & Company." Lampley has held a variety of high impact leadership roles in the industry. Most notably, he was President of Strategic Accounts with Grubb & Ellis and a member of the firm's Executive Management Team. During his tenure at Grubb & Ellis, Lampley also served as President of the Eastern Region. Lampley was also with Jones Lang LaSalle for more than 10 years and was Senior Vice President in the Corporate Solutions Group. It is important to note that Lampley took a two-year sabbatical from commercial real estate to become the President of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. William has always been passionate about giving back to the community and could not think of a better way to engage than by working to benefit
children.
Boyd '73 to Chair American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers' Georgia Chapter 1/28/2013 Boyd Collar Nolen & Tuggle, LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of founding partner Robert D. Boyd '73 as president of the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. A fellow of the national organization for 20 years, Boyd assumes his leadership role this month, overseeing the 37-member state chapter. Boyd has practiced exclusively in family law since 1988. He was recently named Atlanta Family Law Lawyer of the Year for 2013 by Best Lawyers in America, the oldest and most respected lawyer rating publication in the U.S., in which he has been listed annually since 2001. He has also earned accolades from his peers and clients with inclusion among lists published by Super Lawyers and Georgia Trend. He is actively involved in the State Bar of Georgia's Family Law Section, of which he has previously served as chair. Boyd is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the West Virginia University College of Law.
Polanowicz '84 Sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services in Massachusetts 1/28/2013
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick officially swore in John W. Polanowicz '84 as Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) on January 22. "John is an incredible talent and I am pleased to bring him into our administration at this critical time," said Governor Patrick. "John will use his expertise as a health care leader to help Massachusetts increase our already nation-leading access to care, while also tackling the issue of costs. John's compassion and thoughtfulness will make him a strong advocate for our veterans, families, and
individuals with disabilities across the commonwealth." Prior to his appointment, Secretary Polanowicz served as president of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton since 2011, overseeing the largest hospital in the Steward Health Care System. He brings expertise working in a cutting-edge community health care system, serving tens of thousands of patients and families. He was also instrumental in positioning Steward as an accountable care organization to increase access and decrease cost for patients. "I am deeply honored to serve Governor Patrick in this capacity," said Secretary Polanowicz. "I welcome the challenges ahead as we work to implement the Governor's health care reform law, enhance our public health oversight, and strengthen our safety net programs to help our most vulnerable populations." Read more
Penn State Names Del Giorno '86 Athletics Integrity Officer 1/24/2013
Julie Del Giorno '86, chief of staff at Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been named athletics integrity officer at Penn State. Del Giorno, whose position has been newly created, will be responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of policies and practices within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics that ensure compliance and ethical conduct. She will begin work on a part-time basis in March and will commence full-time work in her position on April 1. "Julie is an outstanding choice for this position," said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. "As she begins her work here at Penn State, she will draw on more than two decades of experience in higher education and the U.S. military. Her track record of success in athletics oversight and operations, student affairs, logistics, and institutional planning has given her valuable experience that will serve the University well."
Del Giorno's position was created as part of the University's work to fulfill the requirements of the Athletics Integrity Agreement entered into in August 2012 among the NCAA, the Big Ten, and Penn State. The position will be in addition to the compliance officer already working within Intercollegiate Athletics. Del Giorno will oversee compliance with obligations of integrity, civility, ethics, and institutional control. The position is expected to report to the University-wide chief compliance officer, a position currently being filled by the University. Read more
Elliott '93 Goes From Alabama to West Point to Africa 1/23/2013
Let's be honest here; when you think of a Kentucky National Guard Soldier do you picture him holding a rifle and a Ph.D. in Mathematics? Let me guess, rifle yes, Ph. D. in math no. Sound like your answer? Well you would picture both if you knew Task Force Longrifles Executive Officer, LTC Elliott S. Elliott '93, a Phenix City, AL., native. Yes, his last name is his first name, and vice versa. Elliott is a proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. And although he's proud of being a West Pointer, he's the first to tell you that it's not the easiest route to a degree. "The day-to-day grind was not pleasant at all" said Elliott. "What West Point really taught me was to accomplish the mission and do it the right way. Take the hard right, and not the easy wrong," he
continued. He has gone from cadet to lieutenant colonel since leaving the Academy and was grateful to do so debtfree, with a degree, and even a job. Elliott is now an associate professor at the University of TennesseeMartin. Read more
Clark '63 Chronicles Honor, Courage, and Sacrifice in Vietnam 1/23/2013 Every war continues to dwell in the lives it touched, in the lives of those living through that time, and in those absorbed by its historical significance. Valor in Vietnam is an anecdotal history of America's war in Vietnam composed of firsthand narratives presented in chronological order. They are intense, emotional, and compelling. Connecting each chapter is a brief historical commentary of that period, the geography, and the strategy contributed by Lewis "Bob" Sorley '56, author of A Better War and Westmoreland. LTG (Ret) Dave R. Palmer '56, who was Superintendent of West Point from 1986 to 1991, wrote the Foreword: "Clark…selects 21 exemplars and describes in splendid prose the exploits of each. Those accounts…merge to paint a grand panorama of the legions of young men and women who answered the call to arms….Veterans…and, of course, their descendents...will want to have this volume in their libraries. It is their story." West Pointers will find many fellow grads throughout the pages. Tony Nadal '58 describes an early Special Forces tour and returns as a company commander in LTC Hal Moore's Seventh Cavalry at LZ XRay; Joel Sugdinis '60 details the ambush of the Second Battalion Seventh Cavalry in the aftermath of X-
Ray; Clark's classmate, Gary Coe, relates advisory duties in the Central Highlands; Ron Brown, DSC (1962) recounts his rescue mission of "Lonesome End," Bill Carpenter's company; Marsh Carter, NC (1962) chronicles a Marine raid on a suspected enemy camp. Other stories cover the original formation of MACV's Studies and Observation Group and its little-known connection to the Gulf of Tonkin; SSG Patrick Tadina, a Ranger's Ranger; the CIA's Operation Phoenix; an Army nurse at China Beach in Danang; culminating in a vivid description of the 1975 evacuation of Saigon.
Larsen '70 Named Among World's Top 100 CEOs 1/22/2013
Marshall O. Larsen '70, the retired Chairman, President, and CEO of Goodrich Corporation, has been named among the 100 best CEOs in the world by the Harvard Business Review. The global study focused on CEO performance throughout their tenure and long-term value they created for their companies. Larsen joined Goodrich in 1977 as an Operations Analyst and Financial Manager. In 1981, he became Director of Planning and Analysis and subsequently Director of Product Marketing. In 1986, he became Assistant to the President and later served as General Manager of several divisions of the company's aerospace business. In 1994, he was elected a Vice President of the company and was named a Group Vice President of Goodrich Aerospace. In 1995 he was appointed Executive Vice President of the company and President and Chief Operating Officer of Goodrich Aerospace. In February 2002 Larsen was named President and Chief Operating Officer of Goodrich Corporation. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in April 2003. Larsen was a former Chairman of the U.S. Aerospace Industries Association, and is currently a member of their Board of Governors. He is also a member of The Business Council and The Business Roundtable. He serves as a Director of Lowe's Companies, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, United Technologies Corp., and the Federal Reserve Bank. He was named "Citizen of the Year" by the Charlotte World Affairs Council in 2011.
Larsen, a native of Enderlin, North Dakota, received a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy in 1970. He received a Master of Science degree from the Krannert Graduate School of Industrial Management at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1977.
Wartski '82 Meets Murray '98 at Finish Line 1/18/2013
West Point Society of Central Florida President Jim Wartski '82 greets Major Ian Murray '98 near the finish line of the recent Walt Disney World Marathon in Orlando! Go Army!
Grads Welcome Wounded Warriors to Winter Adventure 1/16/2013
Later this month, a group of severely injured service members will go to Whitefish, Montana, as guests of the community to learn to ski with the adapted instructors at Whitefish Mountain Resort's ski school. The Whitefish winter adventure, created by Steve Shea '87 and a handful of other West Point graduates, is all about fun and provides an opportunity for the warriors and their spouses or caregivers to "get away from it all." During their visit, the eight warriors will experience new challenges and relive past memories while downhill skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort, snowshoeing in Glacier National Park, or snowmobiling in the Flathead National Forest. The visit will include opportunities for community members to run into -- hopefully not on skis or high-powered sleds -- the warriors in both formal and informal environments. These are excellent opportunities for Whitefish and the Flathead to thank them for their service. For more about the program, including a schedule for this year's adventure (January 30-February 5), check out the Whitefish Supports the Wounded Warrior Project blog. Moore '69 Sworn in as Chief Justice of Alabama 1/14/2013
Lifelong friends and neighbors of Gallant native Roy Moore '69 watched his second swearing-in Friday as chief justice of Alabama in a solemn and religious ceremony in the Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building. Moore and Supreme Court Justice-elect Tommy Bryan took their oaths of office during an investiture ceremony that was attended by Moore's West Point classmates, family and friends, and Bryan's family, friends and associate justices on the Court of Civil Appeals. Gov. Robert Bentley honored Bryan and Moore with commissions. They begin their six-year terms on Monday. In the balcony of the Supreme Court courtroom were Johnny and Nancy King and Ken and Linda Sadler, Moore's neighbors in the Etowah County community of Gallant for more than 50 years. They said Moore came from humble beginnings and took over as the man of the house after his father died. Moore was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy in 1965 by then-U.S. Rep. Jim Martin, R-Gadsden, who attended Friday’s ceremony.
Read more Johnson '76 Accepts Joint Appointment at Georgia Tech 1/11/2013
Ronald L. Johnson '76, retired 2-Star Army General and graduate of the Stewart School of Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISyE), has accepted a joint appointment at Georgia Tech. He will serve as a Professor of Practice in ISyE, and the Managing Director of the Tennenbaum Institute (TI). The Tennenbaum Institute, the first multi-disciplinary center of its kind, uniting academic, government, and corporate experts to create industry-shaping business models to deal with real, largescale enterprise transformation, is an integral part of Georgia Tech's Institute for People and Technology (IPaT). In Johnson's role as TI Managing Director and member of IPaT's leadership team, he will provide overall administrative oversight for TI as well as engage and expand relationships with industry and government partners to provide knowledge and skills for enterprise transformation, engage in research and economic development, and coordinate with other Georgia Tech Interdisciplinary Research Institutes and their staff. As a Professor of the Practice in ISyE, Johnson will use his substantial experience and extensive background to assist the school in identifying teaching and research opportunities that support the public interest and societal needs. He will teach a couple of courses, advise students, and work with faculty on projects and research. Johnson is well equipped to fulfill both roles. He received his bachelor's degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and his master's in operations research from ISyE in 1985. Most recently, Johnson served as the National Basketball Association's (NBA) first Senior Vice President of Referee Operations from July 2008 until July 2012.
Read more VIDEO: Inside Look at Gadson '89 and His Role on the New York Giants 1/8/2013
"NFL Films Presents" gives you an inside look at the inspirational story of Colonel Greg Gadson '89 and his role on the New York Giants. Watch the video here.
Murdy '64 Honors Fallen Classmates 1/4/2013
William Murdy has been involved with Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, trying to build the Education Center at The Wall, from the start. The Vietnam veteran and Chairman of Comfort Systems USA provided some of the initial funding to begin the project, and now he has donated again. Like others, Murdy has accepted the challenge to become part of the Faces Never Forgotten campaign, and has contributed in honor of his 23 fallen 1964 West Point classmates.
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Nemeth '04 Writes Children's Book About West Point 1/3/2013
You can expect to see Mike Nemeth's latest children's book, West Point A to Z, in bookstores by early March. Nemeth, a Class of 2004 graduate and a recent father, realized there weren't any ways for him to introduce his new child to West Point and what it's all about, so he wrote his third book to teach kids and West Point families all about the Academy. Graduates may have a keen interest in "O"...
