MAILBOX

We regret that, because of limited space, we cannot publish all letters received. Letters may be edited and shortened for space. Submit comments or questions to Editor@wpaog.org, or chat with us on one of our WPAOG social media channels.

FROM: Mr. Dan Ludwig ’78

I just finished reading every page of the 2023 Spring issue and feel compelled to tell you and your team that this is the best and most informative issue I have seen! I especially liked the theme of the changes, covering so many topics, that have occurred over the past 80 years. Thank you for the great information. I have a better understanding of the Academy’s evolution since my time there.

RESPONSE:

Thank you for taking the time to tell us how much you enjoyed the 2023 Spring issue. We have received several emails of this variety and heard positive remarks from grads personally during end-of-year functions at the Academy. We appreciate them all and strive to put out a magazine worthy of this great institution and its accomplished alumni.

FROM: MAJ (R) Kent Troy ’81

My wife, Ingrid, and I thoroughly enjoyed the article “West Point, A Changing Landscape” in the Spring 2023 issue of West Point magazine. It provided insight to many monuments and helped portray the value and legacy of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. We would like to point out to your readers that the legendary Sedgwick Monument moved an additional time not mentioned in your article. The article says, or implies, that Sedgwick moved to its current location around 1970; however, when I was there (1977-81) and spun the spurs in December 1977 (and went pro, I might add), the Sedgwick Monument was located on the north side of Cullum Road. Please note the attached picture of me spinning the spurs during daylight in the fall and you can see Trophy Point and other cannons in the background, and Sedgwick is facing the barracks with his back to the Hudson.

RESPONSE:

Fascinating! Thank you for adding to our coverage of this topic with your letter and picture.

FROM: Mr. Larry Watt ’73

I am writing about the “Take Seats! Mess Hall Traditions” article in the 2023 Spring issue. One of the most radical changes that wasn’t addressed was mandatory attendance for Mess Hall meals. Instead of having mandatory meals seven days a week for all three meals, I understand that the only mandatory meals are on Thursday. On other days cadets can choose to go through a buffet-style meal during prescribed hours or visit the various food trucks allowed on post. The later seems to be diametrically opposed to the healthy eating program that was announced a few years ago. This change also appears to reduce the cadet’s interaction with his or her company classmates. What is the rationale for this change?

RESPONSE:

Thank you for your comment. Since this was an article about traditions, we did not feel that it was appropriate to include USCC Standard Operating Procedures on meal attendance, especially since they change frequently. In the 2023 spring semester, lunch Monday-Friday and dinner on Thursday were mandatory for all cadets, and breakfast Monday-Friday was also mandatory for plebes. All optional meals are buffet-style dining to expand food choices and limit waste.

“No Excuse, Sir Or Ma’am”

In the “Who Remembers…? Teaching Tools at USMA” article in the 2023 Spring issue, COL Tina Hartley, Professor and Mathematics Department Head, is erroneously listed as a 1992 grad when in fact she is a member of the Class of 1990.