West Point Magazine Winter 2021

Salute the Legacy of the Long Gray Line with an Enduring Tribute

 WPAOG’s oldest publication, dating back to 1850

 An indispensable treasury of military history

 More than 77,000 individual entries record names and careers of every West Point graduate from 1802 to 2020

 First edition compiled by George Cullum, Class of 1833; 2020 marks the 76th edition

 Limited private edition available exclusively from the West Point Association of Graduates

 Premium “Red Sash” colored cloth binding, embossed with the West Point crest in gold foil

 Over 1,200 pages with custom-designed endpaper maps of West Point

 Suitable for display in office or home library

Order your copy of the new 2020 edition of the Register of Graduates at the WPAOG Gift Shop today.

The mission of West Point magazine is to tell the West Point story and strengthen the grip of the Long Gray Line.

PUBLISHER

West Point Association of Graduates

Todd A. Browne ’85, President & CEO

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Elizabeth A. Barrett editor@wpaog.org

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Keith J. Hamel

EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP

Kim McDermott ’87 Terence Sinkfield ’99

Patrick Ortland ’82 Samantha Soper

ADVERTISING

845.446.1646 | ads@wpaog.org

ADDRESS UPDATES

West Point Association of Graduates

ATTN: Data Services Team

698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996-1607 845.446.1644 | address@wpaog.org

MEMORIAL ARTICLE MANAGER

Marilee Meyer 845.446.1545 | memorials@wpaog.org

CONTENT

E lizabeth Barrett Kim McDermott ’87

Keith Hamel

MULTIMEDIA

Nile Clarke Erika Norton

DESIGN

Marguerite Smith

Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy, or attitude of the U.S. Army, United States Military Academy, West Point Association of Graduates, its officers, or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Army, United States Military Academy, West Point Association of Graduates, its officers, or the editorial staff for the products or services advertised.

POSTMASTER

WestPointis published quarterly in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Send address changes to: WestPointmagazine, West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996-1607

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SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions may be ordered for $25 (domestic mail) online at WestPointAOG.org; by calling 800.BE.A.GRAD; or by sending a check to WPAOG, WestPointmagazine, 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996-1607. (International shipping incurs additional fees: please inquire.)

Dear Fellow Graduates:

Happy New Year! As we say goodbye to 2020, we eagerly await the possibility that 2021 may allow us to gather again at our Rockbound Highland Home at some point in the not-too-distant future. The idea of cheering our Brave Old Army Team on to another victory over Navy alongside other members of the Long Gray Line is a welcome thought that we hope will become a reality.

The Army Team missed having fans present for the most recent Army-Navy Game. Given Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 restrictions on crowd size, the Army-Navy Game was moved to Michie Stadium so both the Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen could be in attendance. The last time an Army-Navy Game was played at West Point was November 27, 1943, on what was then known as “Michie Field.” That day didn’t end well for the Black and Gold, but 77 years later Army got its revenge and the cadets sang second. Then only one week later, with the Commanderin-Chief’s Trophy on the line, the Army Team beat Air Force at Michie in an emotion-filled game. On December 31, after a hard-fought game that saw four lead changes, the Army Team suffered a close loss against West Virginia in the Liberty Bowl. Congratulations to Coach Monken and the team for a great 2020 season and for bringing the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy back to West Point.

The West Point Association of Graduates begins 2021 by celebrating a milestone, the 10th anniversary of West Point magazine. Over the past decade, four times each year, WPAOG has mailed approximately 50,000 copies of the magazine to graduates, widows, and parents of cadets free of charge. That’s roughly two million issues mailed over this 10-year span, each one dedicated to telling the West Point story and strengthening the grip of the Long Gray Line. As you read this retrospective anniversary issue, we hope it reminds you of the vibrancy of the West Point story and your place in it.

The story of West Point is a continuum and this issue also chronicles new chapters in that story. For example, you will read how academic classes at the Academy have adapted to the conditions imposed by the pandemic. There are articles about the recipient of the 63rd annual Sylvanus Thayer Award, Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, and the recipient of the 15th annual Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, Major John A. Meyer ’05, the fifth member of the Class of 2005 (whose motto is “Keeping Freedom Alive,” and a class also known as “the Class of 9/11”) to receive the award.

The year 2020 was unusual and challenging, but your West Point Association of Graduates continued to serve West Point and the Long Gray Line. Adapting to an ever-evolving situation, the team found creative ways to continue delivering services to help maintain the bonds of the Long Gray Line. In many cases we were forced to pivot to virtual events. And while we treasure gripping hands in person, the virtual events often allowed for greater graduate participation. WPAOG hosted six virtual class reunions last fall, with more than 750 graduates participating. Unlocking the power of the Long Gray Line, WPAOG hosted four “fireside chats” in the West Point Entrepreneur Virtual Speaker Series. For Thanksgiving, our Development Team hosted the West Point Virtual Thanksgiving Donor Event joined by approximately 300 members of the Long Gray Line, streaming the Benny Havens Band live from Herbert Hall to bring Army spirit to the festivities. Finally, eagerly awaiting kick-off, WPAOG held a virtual tailgate before the Army-Navy Game, complete with a Rocket cheer, a scavenger hunt, and a message from the USMA leader team.

I like to think that alumni enthusiasm played a role in the outcome of the big game, but the main takeaway is that, whether we are gathered virtually or in person, the bonds of the Long Gray Line are as unbreakable as the Great Chain at Trophy Point.

Grip (wash) Hands!

ON THE COVER: The United States Corps of Cadets at the 2020 Thayer Award review. Photo: Erika Norton/WPAOG.

Todd A. Browne ’85 President and CEO West Point Association of Graduates

IN THIS ISSUE |

Academics under COVID-19 Ring Weekend, Branch Night for USMA 2021

6 COVER STORY | Fall Academics at West Point, Undaunted by COVID As in the spring semester, achieving academic success through the fall in the new COVID-19 operating environment required unprecedented teamwork by all levels of USMA faculty and staff.

12 Unique Ring Weekend for the Class of 2021 Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Ring Weekend was delayed until October, but was still a meaningful and joyous event. The 50-Year Affiliate Class of 1971, along with friends and family, celebrated the occasion virtually, joining in for the long-standing West Point tradition.

16 2020 Nininger Award: Presented to Major John A. Meyer ’05

18 2020 Thayer Award: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker

22 The Reality is Now: Branch Night for the Class of 2021

24 Happy Anniversary West Point Magazine! The first issue of West Point magazine arrived in graduates’ mailboxes in January 2011. This issue celebrates our first decade of telling the West Point story and strengthening the grip of the Long Gray Line.

34 Every Cadet An Athlete: Round Robin Sports Coverage in West Point Magazine

36 Past in Review: A West Point magazine Fan Favorite

40 WPAOG Hosts West Point Entrepreneur Virtual Speaker Series

42 Duty, Honor, (and especially) Country: WPAOG’s Gift Shop Sells “Made in the USA”

46 Fall Class Reunions Go Virtual

48 Shutout! Army Beats Navy 15-0 in Historic Victory

52 CIC Trophy and Liberty Bowl Recap

NEW VIDEOS: Open the camera on your smartphone or tablet. Hold over the QR Code image. A link will appear. Follow/click on the link to view video content.

Branch Night Class of 2021: bit.ly/BranchNightClassof2021

Thayer Award 2020: bit.ly/ThayerAward2020

Fellow Members of the Long Gray Line:

Happy New Year! I hope you and your families had a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season and are looking forward to great things in 2021.

We finished the fall semester strong, with excellence throughout the Corps and across all developmental pillars. Thanks to the great work of the West Point team, with tremendous support from the Army, we successfully executed our academic, military, physical and character programs and the fall athletics season in a manner that ensured the health and safety of the Corps and the West Point community at large, while maintaining the critical human interactions that define our leader development experience. Some examples of the winning and excellence over the past few months include:

• Executing an in-person Branch Week, giving cadets an opportunity to make an informed decision about their future in the Army, and Branch Night, where the Class of 2021 received their branch selections, with 80 percent of the class receiving their #1 branch preference and 86 percent of the class branching Multi-Domain Operations branches, which include traditional combat arms as well as Cyber, Military Intelligence, and Signal Corps.

• Hosting two successful virtual reaccreditation visits with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and ABET.

Thirty-nine USCC and USMAPS teams competed in blustery and frozen conditions during our Fall Sandhurst event to determine the 12 teams who will compete in the annual Sandhurst competition this spring.

• Two outstanding cadet scholars and leaders were selected as 2021 Rhodes Scholars. CDT Tyrese Bender ’21, our Deputy Brigade Commander and captain of the Track & Field Team and CDT Evan Walker ’21, 2nd Regimental Commander and Boxing Team captain who placed second nationally in her weight class last year, were among the 32 scholars selected nationwide this year. This is the first time since 2013 that USMA has had more than one Rhodes Scholar.

• Hosting a fall Honorable Living Day, which focused on inclusive leadership and eradicating racism, and Trust Week, a series of events aimed at the prevention of trust-breaking behaviors, including sexual assault and sexual harassment.

• Our hockey program, led by Coach Brian Riley, marked a historic milestone a few weeks ago, celebrating its 1,000th win with a member of the Riley family as head coach. This legacy of winning and developing strong leaders spans more than seven decades, starting with Brian’s dad Jack, coaching from 1950 to 1986, and then Brian’s older brother Rob, who was head coach until 2004 when Brian took the helm. Congratulations to Brian and the entire Riley family!

• We wrapped up the fall semester with an incredible display of grit, determination and the “Winning Matters” mindset as we reclaimed the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy; first with a historic shutout against Navy (our first shutout against them since 1969) and then, with an exciting late-game, come-from-behind win against Air Force. This marked the first time in history we faced—and beat—both rival service academies here at home. While both games looked a little different than in past years, they were still celebrations of service and the showcase of America’s finest.

• We kicked off Army-Navy weekend with Secretary McCarthy and other senior Army leaders joining us for the groundbreaking of the future Cyber and Engineering Academic Center (CEAC). This new center, when completed, will represent a quantum leap in how we deliver engineering education here, equipping our graduates to lead, fight and win on the battlefields of the 21st century and beyond.

As you read this, we have begun the spring semester, having successfully and safely returned the Corps from winter break. We used disciplined and comprehensive protocols, similar to what we used this past summer, to include COVID testing and a two-week controlled monitoring and integration period before returning to in-person education and training.

Additionally, our USMA 2035 modernization efforts continue with the first phase of our four-phase renovation plan for the barracks at Camp Buckner, continued renovation of Bradley Barracks, and kicking off our long-term Academic Building Upgrade Program with the assembly of the Patton Swing Facility and the start of renovations at Cullum Hall. If you’d like to learn more about our USMA 2035 vision and projects, visit our USMA 2035 website at WestPoint.edu/USMA-2035.

While we have seen success in our fight against COVID, we continue to take the appropriate precautions informed by federal and state health guidance to keep the team safe. To that end, like last year, we cannot send speakers from USMA to 2021 Founders Day events, but we will support virtually, if desired. This decision was not made lightly, given the importance of the Founders Day Speaker Program; however, I am confident it is the right decision given the ongoing pandemic. I appreciate your continued patience and understanding.

Finally, you are likely aware that 73 cadets were accused of cheating on a calculus exam last spring. Cheating is inexcusable and antithetical to the same Cadet Honor Code upheld by generations of West Point graduates. As you read this, many of the cases are continuing through the Honor System that protects due process for the cadets involved. Disciplinary action remains a key component of the developmental honor model that has evolved since the Borman Commission of 1976. We will adjudicate each case on its own merits. In addition to completing the Special Leader Development Program for Honor, cadets face a combination of punishments and negative administrative actions that can include a failing grade, loss of privileges, reduction in rank, being made a December Grad, a one-year turnback, or being separated. Cadets who are not separated endure a probationary period until graduation that may be revoked if there is further misconduct or an additional honor violation. While the global pandemic disrupted our developmental process, the standards established by the Honor Code—the very core of this institution—have not changed. I have directed a comprehensive assessment of the Cadet Honor Code and Honor System to assess how effectively and efficiently the Honor System contributes to our character development goals. Developing leaders of character who live honorably, lead honorably, and demonstrate excellence has been, and continues to be, our number one priority. If you would like to learn more about the Honor System, visit our website at WestPoint.edu/Honor.

As always, thank you for your continued support and for all you do for our Academy and the Corps of Cadets.

Darryl Williams ’83 Lieutenant General, U.S. Army 60th Superintendent, U.S. Military Academy

Fall Academics at West Point, Undaunted by COVID

By Kim McDermott ’87, WPAOG staff

Unlike the rapid adjustments made in response to COVID19 during the spring 2020 semester (see “Operation Resilient Knight: World Class Teamwork Supports Cadet Success in Second Semester” in our Summer issue), the Academy had some time to plan more deliberately for the fall semester of the 2020 academic year. In fact, planning for fall effectively began in spring 2020, as staff and faculty continued to build on what they were learning then about this entirely new operating environment. Like the spring semester, though, academic success through the fall has required continued teamwork and participation at all levels.

Faculty, in particular, have made some outstanding contributions, learning from each other and sharing ideas in new and innovative ways. COVID has required them to modify the order of lessons, find new ways to create and deliver learning materials, and change how equipment is handled. But it has also required them to work together in a way they have not before.

The Dean’s Remote Teaching and Distance Education/Learning Fellows, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Wallen ’96 and Doctor Diana Thomas, led these efforts. Nominated to their fellowships in May, they were tasked to create a report by early July. A

Photo: Tarnish Pride/USMA PAO

working group for the topic had already been established so they began there, holding their first group meeting in early June. The Dean’s office had conducted many surveys during the spring semester, so the group had lots of data to work with.

Four questions in a Dean’s white paper guided their work. These questions addressed routine techniques or practices to sustain learning, parameters that should govern possibilities, new capabilities to procure or retain resources, and policy/resourcing considerations that would be necessary for implementation.

Researching and evaluating the efforts of peer and aspirant institutions was an important part of the process. Administrators

and faculty at 24 different colleges, all considered experts in remote teaching, were interviewed. Wallen says, “I love that we spent time deliberately asking for input from [others] and curating it.” This wide range of research across higher education built confidence in the 12 final recommendations in the West Point report. During the interviews, the team heard a consensus that even with workshops and instructional design teams, faculty will rely on peers. It was clear that a major goal had to be how to make peer-to-peer interaction more systematic.

One new outcome is a program called Office Hours, inspired by Chad Topaz, Professor of Mathematics at Williams College, who

Inset photos above: Cadets can review asynchronous content to prepare for and/or reinforce classroom instruction. The synchronous component of remote teaching provides real-time, though remote, interaction between cadets, faculty and in this instance—guest lecturer Dr. Stephen Wolfram.

had launched “National Office Hours” via Twitter in March a daily forum where faculty from any institution could drop in and ask anything they wanted to know about teaching. West Point has started a version of this internally on a weekly basis using Microsoft Teams, and it appears that West Point may be the only institution doing so. Thomas states the “unanticipated positive consequences” include benefits such as community building, enabling high-level engagement, and erasing of departmental boundaries. With the focus on capturing lessons learned, sharing across departments, and ways to influence how students are learning, the program has built a sense of true collegiality across the entire West Point faculty.

In early June, Colonel Michael Benson ’94, Director of the Mechanical Engineering Division and Academy Professor of Mechanical Engineering, and Colonel Philip Dacunto ’95, Deputy Head of Geography and Environmental Engineering (GEnE), began to collaborate on classroom air quality studies. Benson says they were asking themselves, “Is there a scientific approach we can take that continues to keep the [COVID-19] risk as low as it can be as we try to execute the mission in this operating environment?” They wanted to justify safety measures being put into place and determine legitimate limitations within

classroom spaces, as a primary USMA goal across the board was to maximize in-person classes.

As indoor air can be a primary route of transmission for COVID, they conducted experimental studies all summer long to better understand the spread of potentially infectious droplets through the air of a typical classroom in Mahan Hall. Specifically, they used a tracer gas to model how these aerosols would disperse throughout the room after they were released from various locations – i.e., from different student seats. Among other things, these studies helped inform the best and safest place for instructors to be positioned during class. The overarching goal was to keep everyone safe.

Dacunto says it also became a challenge of trying to optimize all available rooms and to use “unusual spaces.” Located in Washington Hall, the department quickly learned it could convert the drafting rooms and labs into larger teaching spaces. As they reconfigured teaching spaces, they discovered that small changes could have a big impact. One example was desk placement: in certain classrooms in Washington Hall, the difference of just a few feet of spacing or room size increased classroom capacity from 12 to 15 students.

Photo: Submitted

Above: Class held in the Class of 1957 Honor Plaza. Top right: Cadets are required to wear masks in all indoor academic areas. Bottom right: “Patton Tents” provided outdoor classrooms in the area between Jefferson Hall and Johnson Baseball Stadium.

Teaching classes outdoors was another way that West Point was able to conduct in-person classes safely. In addition to using bleachers at the baseball and parade fields, six large tents were set up outside of Jefferson Hall in the space adjacent to Patton’s Statue. The “Patton Tents” were available to faculty in all departments to schedule for use via an electronic calendar. Since only two tents were set up initially, the guidance was to take it a week at a time until all six tents were up. Faculty were asked to only schedule one week at a time. Dr. Amy Richmond, Professor of Geography, said there was “an element of trust and cooperation allowing everybody a chance to try out the tents.”

There was Wi-Fi available in the Patton Tents, so cadets could look at slides online for class. Major John Morrow ’04, Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership, notes that a computer feels a little out of place in an outdoor environment, though. This “forces us to reconnect as people and have meaningful interactions without electronic devices.” Richmond concurs, saying she has observed cadets interacting more during in-person instruction, and that she hasn’t “mastered creating those

“The Army is an organization where we lead face to face. The more that we can provide opportunities for those face-toface interactions, the better off we’re going to be. Not to discount remote learning, but face-to-face interactions need to remain central to what we do. Particularly those engagements where cadets are talking to someone more senior to them.”

—MAJ John Morrow ’04, Assistant Professor in Behavioral Sciences & Leadership

interactions in a remote environment to get that same quality and energy behind discussions.”

As Morrow says, “The Army is an organization where we lead face to face. The more that we can provide opportunities for those face-to-face interactions, the better off we’re going to be. Not to discount remote learning, but face-to-face interactions need to remain central to what we do. Particularly those engagements where cadets are talking to someone more senior to them.”

In addition to the human interaction, another important consideration for in-person classes is course material which has heavy hands-on components. Lieutenant Colonel Brent Odom, Assistant Professor/Lab Supervisor in Civil & Mechanical Engineering (CME), teaches one such “equipment intensive” class: ME403: Manufacturing and Machine Component Design. For fall 2020, the syllabus shifted so that hands-on work could be done earlier in the semester. Based on the amount of extra time required now for cleaning, the machine shop does double duty and serves as classroom space. Tables have been modified, covered with plastic sheeting to make them easy to clean, and alcohol is used in lieu of bleach, to prevent rusting tools. Because it is easier to predict what will be handled during equipment train-up, non-essential items are put away during instruction.

This story would be incomplete without any discussion of resourcing. Colonel David Lyle ’94, Vice Dean for Resources and Professor of Economics, takes it all the way back to immediately after COVID changed the course of the spring semester. In March, the Academy’s G-8 (Resource Management Officer) asked agencies to begin identifying where cost-avoidance would free up resources available for the fall semester. For example, there would be no funds needed for travel, Advanced Individual Academic Development (AIAD) trips, semesters abroad, etc. Some of the cost difference was used to complete the spring semester, but there was also a need to pilot new items for fall. Certainly, there were COVID-specific expendables (cleaning solution, hand sanitizer dispensers, etc.), but for the long term, there were investments in cleaning equipment and also new technology to sustain and improve the quality of remote teaching. In addition, items such as precision writing tools (for online whiteboards), and 85-inch flat screens with cameras and microphones were needed to bring the classroom to a remote cadet (and vice versa).

Stephen Scott, Assistant Dean for Facilities, says that cadets and faculty were doing more of the disinfecting of surfaces in the classrooms, which freed up the custodial crews to focus on major touchpoint areas (such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, restrooms) which are cleaned three times per day. Scott explains that the academic buildings were turned over to COVID representatives in each building which allowed them to optimize and share ideas, and he credits DPW for “great monitoring of air quality.” Actions such as keeping air-conditioning running, fixing windows, and efforts to get the maximum amount of fresh air into all learning spaces were extremely helpful to keeping inperson classes intact.

Another aspect of in-person learning affected by COVID-19 is the ability to communicate well. The requirement to wear masks can detract from perceiving facial expressions. To address this challenge, in some instances, dividers between desks (three sides around each cadet) provided some leeway for cadets to remove masks but was not an optimal solution acoustically. There appears to be no near-term solution to this, but cadets and faculty alike are adjusting to the masked environment.

The experience last spring has no doubt better prepared faculty for the new academic year and the conditions they would face. They are more comfortable with remote teaching and believe they now have a level of flexibility in how and when they are able to teach. Morrow says, “The great thing about last semester is that it forced us to figure out how to do things remotely, whether it be synchronous or asynchronous. And most of us have developed that ability to do it on a moment’s notice.” Remote teaching has remained a substantial, if not critical, component of the academic experience this semester even though a majority of classes were taught either in person or in a hybrid format. With no clear end in sight to the COVID situation, remote teaching is here to stay.

Maintaining opportunities for in-class teaching also meant, Scott says, that “We had to be very sanitary. Disinfecting after every classroom use meant a lot of product, and we found out that wipes alone were not sustainable, based on quantity needed and time to procure.” Luckily, DPW shared a product they have been using for quite a few years. Green and safe, it can be used without personal protective equipment. The system can be used to generate degreaser, glass cleaner, and hospital-grade disinfectant. West Point uses 50 gallons of disinfectant solution per week in the classrooms. It is possible to recharge what’s left every two weeks, so there is no waste. Scott credits DPW for generating all of the disinfectant for the classrooms until very recently, when new equipment arrived so the faculty could manage it.

Lyle says that expenses have balanced nicely. While West Point received no new funding for COVID from the Army, the cost avoidance approach established a scenario where there was “no having to decide what we can or can’t do.” He lauds the work of Elaine Shipman, Assistant Dean for Programs and Resources, and her budget cell for proactive procurement work. Shipman says, “There was a good exchange of things that we didn’t need to do, and those monies could be re-channeled to buy what we needed to get.”

“We are very critical of ourselves, constantly evaluating and adjusting as conditions change.”

—COL David Lyle ’94, Vice Dean for Resources and Professor of Economics

Lyle says that there is no resting on any solutions. The approach has been all about piloting to test what works, deciding whether to keep it, or try something new, and standardizing. One example was an early plan to put plastic barriers around every single desk. After testing in some classrooms, the realization was that it was not an effective use of resources. “We’ve had great people willing to step up throughout the spring and summer and pilot things for us and do demos.” It is very complex not as simple as just setting up a camera in a classroom for a remote class.

The transition into winter will be difficult with the switch from air conditioning to heat. Faculty are already looking at how to address classroom space during the four weeks that the

cadets are away for the winter break. Lyle says, “We are very critical of ourselves, constantly evaluating and adjusting as conditions change.”

While COVID has presented many challenges to the academic environment, it has presented just as many opportunities. There are more options than ever to provide a world-class education to cadets, whether in-person or remote. Synchronous or asynchronous. And with a newfound energy and spirit of collaboration among the faculty, West Point will continue to “inspire leaders of character who think critically, internalize their professional identity, and employ their education to help build the Army and the nation’s future.” 

Top: A socially distant class in Arnold Auditorium in Mahan Hall. Bottom left: Faculty-cadet interactions are often online such as this Arabic oral examination conducted by CPT Mike Mellman ’10. Bottom right: All high-touch areas in classrooms are disinfected after each class.

Photos: John Pellino/USMA PAO

Above: Cadet leaders from the Class of 2021 pose with (left) BG Curtis A. Buzzard 92, 78th Commandant, U.S. Corps of Cadets; (center) GEN Richard D. Clarke 84, U.S. Special Operations Command commanding general and (right) LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83, the 60th Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy. Cadets pictured are (from left to right): CDT Adam McElligott, Class President CDT Katarina Christianson, CDT Zachary Calderone, CDT Tyrese Bender, First Captain CDT Reilly McGinnis, and CDT Reuben Jones. Below: The Class of 2021 assembled at Trophy Point to receive their class rings.

On October 2, 2020, the Class of 2021 received their class rings at Trophy Point. As with all West Point class rings, their class crest and motto—“Until the Battle Is Won”—are engraved into every “crass mass of brass and glass.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony was delayed for several weeks from the original scheduled date in August, but was still a meaningful and joyous event. The 50-Year Affiliate Class of 1971, along with friends, families, and ring donors,

were all able to watch the ceremony and celebrate the occasion virtually. Earlier this year, 42 donated West Point class rings were melted and incorporated into the gold for the Class of 2021 rings as part of the WPAOG Ring Memorial Program or “Ring Melt,” ensuring that the Long Gray Line remains physically and symbolically connected.

“Ring Weekend is a time of celebration,” said Class Ring and Crest Chairman Cadet Adam McElligott ’ 21 in the Ring

Unique Ring Weekend for the Class of 2021

Members of the Class of 2021 receive their class rings.

Class rings are proudly displayed after the ceremony at Trophy Point.

Weekend Banquet program. “Receiving the class ring is the first major event of firstie year, bringing our class one step closer to graduation. Each member of our class has worked hard and diligently to earn their rings. The final line of the Cadet Creed says, ‘I am a future officer and a member of the Long Gray Line.’ The class rings we now wear signify the short time we have to wait until we become officers. I wish to offer congratulations to all my classmates for reaching this momentous occasion, and I wish to extend a warm ‘thank you’ to all of the guests here to share this special landmark with the Class of 2021.” 

Photos: Bryan Ilyankoff/USMA PAO

Banquet attendees watch a short video that highlights the Class of 2021’s Ring Melt and Ring Ceremony.

CDT Adam McElligott ’21, the Class Ring and Crest Chairman, proposes a toast at the Ring Weekend banquet.

Left and center: Banquet attendees listen to a speech by GEN Richard D. Clarke ’84, U.S. Special Operations Command commanding general. The Class of 2021 Ring Weekend banquet featured a celebratory cake.

Throughout the year, you may be asked to contribute to the following funds, each of which supports the Academy and WPAOG in important ways. Please accept our deepest gratitude for your support.

Superintendent’s and West Point Parents Fund

unrestricted funds for cadets and the Academy

Long Gray Line Fund

unrestricted funds for WPAOG alumni programs

Army A Club

unrestricted funds for intercollegiate athletics

Class Gift Funds

restricted by classes in reunion campaigns

Other Restricted Funds

restricted for specific programs

2020 NININGER AWARD

Presented to Major John A. Meyer ’05

Major John A. Meyer ’05, the 2020 recipient of the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, always knew service would be an important part of his life when he began his 47-month journey at the U.S. Military Academy during the summer of 2001. But, like the current Corps of Cadets dealing with the uncertainty and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Meyer’s West Point class would soon face circumstances they did not expect.

A few weeks after arriving at West Point, the world turned upside down, and Meyer’s graduating class of 2005 would become known as “The Class of 9/11.” The events of that day and the War on Terrorism would shape their four years of training and education. “West Point is not combat; however, West Point is a trial,” Meyer said. “And at West Point, you go through ups and downs and you start to build that resiliency and that grit.” That “resiliency and grit” would become critically important when Meyer and the rest of his platoon faced the events of July 27, 2007.

By Erika Norton, WPAOG staff

On that day, Meyer was a platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, B Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry (Airborne) deployed to Camp Keating, the furthest American outpost in northeastern Afghanistan along the Kunar River Valley. Their mission was to secure the ground route from FOB Naray—the location of the squadron headquarters—all the way north to Camp Keating by establishing short-term observation posts or OPs and defensive positions along the route.

Upon departing the village that morning, Meyer’s lead squad conducted reconnaissance up the mountain to locate a suitable overwatch position for the troop. The attached Afghan Army soldiers crossed the river and, unbeknownst to either side, ran into enemy fighters. Immediately both sides engaged one another with small arms fire and RPGs. The valley began to wake up, with a sizable enemy force prepositioned in caves and ambush locations on both sides of the river.

“To this day I fully believe that neither side was aware of anyone’s presence,” Meyer said. “The enemy was completely

Above: 2020 Nininger Award recipient MAJ John Meyer ’05 at the award ceremony with WPAOG President and CEO Todd Browne ’85 and BG Curtis Buzzard ’92, 78th Commandant of Cadets.

caught off guard. This was an enemy force estimated at over 150 enemy fighters, we were at just over 60 on the ground.”

The action on the ground quickly evolved into a serious situation, with a soldier from 1st platoon shot in the neck and Meyer’s mortarman shot while providing effective fire on the enemy. Meyer’s platoon was now split, with the lead squad 100 meters up the mountain and the remainder of the platoon along with Troop headquarters in hasty defensive positions at the base of the mountain. A MEDEVAC aircraft was en route for the 1st platoon soldier, and Meyer’s platoon had already sustained several casualties due to gunshot wounds.

The fight continued to intensify, and Troop headquarters was struck by an RPG round, leaving Troop Commander Major Thomas Bostick killed and everyone in the headquarters wounded, including the fire support officer, Lieutenant Kenny Johnson ’06. At this point, Meyer said they committed their third platoon, which was the quick reaction force, so all three platoons were now involved in the fight. Squad leader Staff Sergeant Ryan Fritsche was shot and killed and there were over a dozen wounded, some of them in critical condition. Decisions had to be made whether to try and hold there or try to move back to somewhere where they could sustain the fight. Talking to all of the other lieutenants on the ground and NCOs, they made the decision to fight their way back out so they could fly out all of the critically wounded casualties and reestablish high ground.

“I mean we were caught,” Meyer said. “We had enemy behind us and in front of us. And so we moved down by the trucks. We put all of our wounded in the trucks. We ran beside the vehicles and we eventually fought our way out.”

Many more were shot and wounded by RPG shrapnel, but they were able to fly out all of the wounded and establish themselves in a more defensible position. Meyer received the Silver Star for his actions on that day.

In recounting the events of that day to the Corps of Cadets gathered in the Mess Hall for the Nininger Award dinner on October 22, Meyer attributed their success to the selfless

leadership, humility and passion displayed by those who fought alongside him. They include fallen Troop Commander Major Bostick, E5 Sergeants Heath and Wilson—who stepped into squad leader positions because of the wounded—and Private First Class Barba, who was shot in the jaw but continued to engage the enemy and lead by example.

“It was a very difficult fight out of the ambush area, but I will tell you that the courage and the bravery displayed by the soldiers and the NCOs, by Lieutenant David Roller ’05, Lieutenant Kenny Johnson ’06, Lieutenant Alex Newsom, my NCOs and soldiers was just incredible. No one argued. Everyone stayed focused. Everyone stayed part of this overall team, and this was after we had lost our troop commander, who was like a hero to all of us.”

Meyer told the Corps that humility is arguably the greatest leadership trait, to be a sponge and to learn each day from the finest non-commissioned officers in the world.

“But in the end, know you are in charge,” Meyer said. “When bullets start flying, your soldiers will look to you. They won’t look for perfection or the smartest military plan, they will look for courage and leadership from the officer standing shoulder to shoulder with them. When in charge, take charge.”

In bestowing him with the 2020 Nininger Award, the West Point Association of Graduates recognizes Major John A. Meyer for his personal bravery and leadership and regards him as a representative of all West Point-commissioned officers who have heroically led soldiers in combat.

The Nininger Award was established in 2006 on a suggestion from Mr. Doug Kenna ’45 that WPAOG bring the valorous combat deeds of West Point graduates in the Global War on Terrorism to the attention of the Corps of Cadets. It is presented annually through an endowment created by Mr. Kenna and his wife, Jean. The Nininger Award is named in honor of Lieutenant Alexander R. “Sandy” Nininger Jr. ’41, the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in World War II, who was killed in action near Abucay, Bataan.

Meyer ’05 addresses the Corps of Cadets at the Nininger Award ceremony in Washington Hall.

CDT Tyrese Bender ’21 presents Meyer with a gift of a cadet bust from the Corps.

2020 THAYER AWARD Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker

By Keith J. Hamel , WPAOG staff

OnOctober 1, 2020, the United States Military Academy and the West Point Association of Graduates presented the 2020 Sylvanus Thayer Award to Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, a six-time U.S. ambassador with more than four decades of experience in the U.S. Foreign Service. In his remarks prior to bestowing the award to Ambassador Crocker, Lieutenant General Joe DeFrancisco ’65 (Retired), WPAOG Chairman, said, “His leadership, love of country, and untiring efforts to make our nation better and stronger are lessons all Americans can admire.”

During his career, Ambassador Crocker served four U.S. presidents as ambassador, two of whom have also received the Thayer Award: George H.W. Bush in 1994 and George W. Bush in 2017. Ambassador Crocker has also served with former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice, who also received the Thayer Award in 2013 and 2014, respectively. “To receive the Thayer Award and join that distinguished company of recipients is an honor far beyond my

merits,” Crocker said. “Through its selection of recipients over the years, WPAOG has sent an important message on inclusivity and a whole-of-government approach to our nation’s challenges.” Ambassador Crocker’s distinguished service to the country began in 1971, when he joined the U.S. Foreign Service. In 1984, Ambassador Crocker attended the Near Eastern Studies program at Princeton University. After serving as deputy director of the Office of Israel and Arab–Israeli affairs (1985-87) and as political counselor at the American Embassy in Cairo, Egypt (1987-90), he was selected by President George H.W. Bush to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon. President Bill Clinton retained his services, first naming him has the U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait in 1994 and then the U.S. Ambassador to Syria in 1999. After the 9/11 attacks, Ambassador Crocker was appointed in January 2002 to become chargé d’affaires ad interim to the new government of Afghanistan and, in October 2004, was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan. A month prior, President George W. Bush conferred on him the

Photos: Nile Clarke/WPAOG; Tarnish Pride/USMA PAO

Ambassador Crocker meets with cadets from the Black and Gold Leadership Forum in the Thayer Award Room

diplomatic rank of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the Foreign Service, equivalent to a four-star officer in the military. In 2007, President Bush selected him to be U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, and in this position, he reported to the U.S. Congress about the political gains being made in Iraq due to “the Surge.” He retired from the Foreign Service in 2009 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award. Two years later, however, President Barrack Obama recalled him to active duty, selecting him to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan.

“His storied career is a master class in Middle East affairs and public diplomacy,” said Lieutenant General Darryl Williams ’83, USMA Superintendent. “Few have had such a profound impact on history as Ambassador Ryan Crocker.”

Photos: Nile Clarke/WPAOG; Bryan Ilyankoff, John Pellino/USMA PAO

Top: The 2020 Thayer Award recipient, Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, troops the line assembled on the Plain in his honor with LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83, the 60th Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy. Middle, Left: Cadets marching in the 2020 Thayer Award Parade. Middle, Right: The official reviewing party for the 2020 Thayer Parade watches as cadet companies pass in review.

Ambassador Crocker leads a Q&A session with cadets from the Black and Gold Leadership Forum and WPAOG CEO and President Todd Browne ‘85 in the Superintendent’s Conference Room.

During his West Point visit, Crocker met with cadets from the Black and Gold Forum and those enrolled in SS357: “Advanced International Relations,” and both groups had the opportunity to pose questions to the seasoned diplomat. In both sessions, Ambassador Crocker stressed the new “messy” world that the cadets will find upon graduation, one in which wars are likely political in nature and will not be solved by military means alone, and he challenged these cadets to figure how to improve and systematize civilian-military relations. “It is getting to be a big, messy, political-military world out there, and experience shows that the curriculum that SOSH has

developed is one of our more effective fighting tools—this department will stand with any in the country,” Crocker later told the Corps during the Thayer Award ceremony.

Prior to this, like all Thayer Award recipients before him, Ambassador Crocker had the opportunity to troop the line with the Superintendent during a review of the Corps of Cadets, which was assembled in formation on the Plain in his honor. Given COVID-19 restrictions against guests attending, West Point livestreamed the Thayer Award Parade and Crocker’s acceptance speech for anyone who wanted to watch.

Since 1958, the West Point Association of Graduates has presented the Sylvanus Thayer Award to an outstanding citizen of the United States whose service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify personal devotion to the ideals expressed in the West Point motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.”

“The core Academy values—Duty, Honor, Country—are qualities that I have tried to follow through out my Foreign Service career,” Crocker said. “Duty—for the most difficult and dangerous assignments, send me; Honor—to those with whom we serve, to the values we cherish and uphold, to our causes that are always greater than we are individually; and Country—the greatest on earth, deriving its power not only from its weapons but from its principles, and constantly striving to be better.”

Ambassador Crocker leads a Q&A session with West Point staff and faculty in the Thayer Award room.

Ambassador Crocker receives a tour of the Thayer Award Room led by USMA Command Historian LTC (R) Sherman Fleek, accompanied by WPAOG CEO and President Todd Browne ’85 and WPAOG Chairman LTG (R) Joe DeFrancisco ’65.

Meet Dan Priatko

Duke Men’s Basketball

Mike Krzyzewski USMA ’69

Scott Brown’s book about Dan Priatko, an Army Ranger and 1984 West Point Graduate is a remarkable story of faith and family and the power of perseverance.

Dan will personally autograph your book.

To order, please send check or money order for $23, which includes taxes and shipping, to:

Scott Brown | 404 N. Main Street #2, Greensburg, PA 15601 | 724.757.1609 or: Venmo @SCOTT-BROWN177

Also available from Xulon Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

“It is a must-read for every Cadet.”

Coach

“It’s a great book. It’s a story that should be told. Everybody in the country should buy A Noble Knight.”

—Pro Football Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau

The Reality is Now: Branch Night for the Class of 2021

Giventhat classes are held outside in tents and masks are now part of the uniform, it is only natural for cadets to think they are living in some sort of alternate reality in 2020 due to COVID-19. But thanks to Branch Night, the ceremony during which firsties learn in which Army branch they will serve, members of the Class of 2021 are now staring the reality for which they have been preparing for four years straight in the face. In a few short months, they will be serving as second lieutenants in the Army, and, thanks to the generosity of the Class of 1971, their 50-Year Affiliate Class, they now have the brass branch insignia to prove it.

Outside of Graduation, perhaps no other event in a cadet’s time at West Point is as meaningful as Branch Night.

“Branch Night is the first significant and clearly visible step to becoming a lieutenant in the U.S. Army,” says Ambassador and Lieutenant General Dell Dailey ’71 (Retired), the keynote speaker for the Class of 2021’s Branch Night ceremony, held on December 2, 2020. “The firsties will now wear their branch insignia on their uniform, and it will be a continuous reminder of their soon-to-be future.”

“Up until this year, the idea that we will soon be officers has always seemed somewhat abstract and far away,” says Cadet Hailey Hodsden ’21, who is looking forward to being a Military Intelligence officer with an Armor detail. “Firstie year is filled with reminders of our impending reality, and none are more tangible or impactful than Branch Night.”

“I am hoping to see Armor in my envelope,” says Cadet Tanner Rogers ’21. “The biggest factors that contributed to my branch choice are the interactions I have had with members of that branch, the branch culture, and my experiences during Cadet Troop Leader Training.”

“A cadet’s identity will be changed because of their branch assignment,” says Dailey. “They will no longer be seen as an ‘F-3 cadet,’ which was my cadet company, but as an Army Armor officer, a pilot, an intelligence officer, etc.”

According to Dailey, the most important part of a cadet’s postBranch Night reality will be the desire to “move on.” “They will really have a strong sense of ‘it’s time to leave West Point,’” he says, “and an immense desire ‘to finish it, get it over and move on!’”

Branch Results for the Class of 2021

On December 2, 2020, during the United States Military Academy’s annual Branch Night, members of the Class of 2021 learned in which of the Army’s 17 branches they will be serving after graduation. Graduates from the 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1971, while not able to attend in person due to COVID-19, were able to watch the ceremony via livestream as their class gifted the cadets with their “first brass” branch insignia pins. For the second year, the Academy used the Army’s new Market Model Branching System to complete branch assignments, allowing branch commandants to now have a vote in which cadets receive that branch. Nearly 96 percent of the Class of 2021 received one of their top three branch choices, and 80 percent received their #1 branch choice. When the allocations were complete, 86 percent of the Class of 2021 branched Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), comprised of traditional Combat Arms plus Cyber, Military Intelligence and Signal Corps (92 percent of males and 67 percent of females). 72 percent of the class branched traditional Combat Arms, which includes Air Defense, Aviation, Armor, Field Artillery, Engineers, and Infantry.

Top: Cadets from the Class of 2021 hold their Branch Night envelopes moments before opening them to find out in which branch of the Army they will serve their country after graduation. Bottom left: TAC officers hand out branch envelopes to the Class of 2021 during Branch Night. Center: CDT Isabelle Embola ’21 shows WPAOG CEO and President Todd Browne ’85 her official branch notification and new insignia pin courtesy of the 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1971. Right: The Class of 2021 waves their Branch Night envelopes in the air in anticipation of opening them to reveal the branch of the Army where they will begin their careers.

By Keith J. Hamel , WPAOG staff

The idea for West Point magazine can trace its roots back to the early 2000s. At that time, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Johnston ’73 (Retired), then a member of the Association of Graduates’ staff, remembers hearing an AOG Trustee who was a volunteer leader on AOG’s Communication Committee say in a meeting that “every graduate should receive a copy of our alumni magazine.” AOG’s magazine at the time, ASSEMBLY, which operated on a subscription model, was only mailing to roughly a third of the Long Gray Line, and the subscription numbers were trending downward.

Similarly, in 2003, Colonel John Calabro ’68 (Retired), then AOG Vice President for Alumni Support, wrote an article in the September/October issue of ASSEMBLY in which he mentions that when he took over Alumni Support in September 2000 he “had big plans.” One of those plans was for the AOG Publications group “to supply every living graduate with ASSEMBLY magazine.” But notice that he used the word “had.” Due to a declining stock market, endowment funding was unavailable to support such an initiative at that time. Still, the desire to have an alumni journal sent to all West Point graduates free of charge did not go away. Some years after the idea for an alumni journal for all graduates was raised, the Alumni Support Committee formally endorsed the idea. So, when Colonel Bob McClure ’76 (Retired) assumed the role of WPAOG President and CEO in early 2007, he made the transformation of the ASSEMBLY subscription model one of his priorities. At the May 2007 WPAOG Board of Directors meeting, a slide discussing the future of ASSEMBLY had a footnote that stated, “A separate working group is addressing ASSEMBLY in more detail…more to come.” This working group was led by Johnston, who was by then Vice President for Alumni Support, with support from Lieutenant Colonel Jay Olejniczak ’61 (Retired), Kim McDermott ’87, and, later, Samantha Soper, then Director of Development Communications.

For months, the team researched best practices from alumni magazines of other top colleges and universities (examining editorial focus, issue length, advertising content, and department features) and set out to develop a concept for a new alumni magazine for West Point. The group also examined some of ASSEMBLY ’s problematic issues, noting that a subscription print model was not working as well in the era of electronic communications (WPAOG had recently launched new e-newsletters), that ASSEMBLY ’s “Class Notes” section had become outdated and expensive (comprising almost twothirds of each issue), and that the magazine’s content and

format was not optimal for keeping graduates updated on the latest happenings at West Point.

At the February 17, 2009 Board of Directors meeting, Johnston proposed three options for a new WPAOG alumni journal: West Point magazine, ASSEMBLY “64,” and an “Old Corps” ASSEMBLY. By November 2009, WPAOG’s Board had selected and approved the West Point magazine option with enthusiastic support from the Advisory Council, and it established 2010 as a “transition year” between ASSEMBLY and West Point

Johnston and the WPAOG Communications Steering Group then released a West Point magazine “Concept Paper,” with the intention of publishing the first issue of the new magazine in October 2010. According to the document, the purpose of West Point was, “To further the ideals and promote the welfare of West Point,” and the design format of the magazine was, “…to reflect the traditions, attributes, and mission of West Point.”

“Our original concept was to follow a Newsweek -like format,” says Johnson. “Every issue would have an academic article, a sports article, a military training article, and a special feature cover article.” He also notes that the WPAOG Communications Steering Group talked a lot about the importance of photography in the new magazine, seeking something akin to an Admissions “viewbook” brochure with striking pictures.

“Above all, the magazine must be about the Cadets, but it should also project a sense of the place of West Point,” the Concept Paper states. “We want the reader to feel as though he or she has been on the fields and in the hallways of the Military Academy.”

Operating with a limited staff—consisting of an editor in chief, a managing editor, and a design consultant—the publication of West Point magazine’s inaugural issue did not occur until January 2011. On page 2 of this first issue, Jodie Glore ’69, then WPAOG Chairman, and McClure introduced West Point to graduates saying, “This magazine is designed to focus on, celebrate, and reconnect all of us with today’s West Point and the magnificent young men and women who have stepped forward to ‘follow close order behind’ us in the Long Gray Line.”

On the same page of volume 1, issue 1, the masthead of the magazine states, “The mission of West Point magazine is to tell the West Point story and strengthen the grip of the Long Gray Line.” While this mission of West Point has not changed in 10 years, several aspects of the magazine have changed over the

The first issue of West Point magazine arrived in graduates’ mailboxes 10 years ago, in January 2011, but the story of how this new alumni journal came about goes back much earlier than that.

course of its 40 issues. For example, the magazine began with a circulation equal to the number of graduates on WPAOG’s roll, but in Summer 2012, parents of the entering plebe class (the Class of 2016) began receiving issues. Parents of each incoming class of cadets were added to the magazine circulation, so that by the end of 2015, all cadet parents were receiving West Point magazine free of charge. Similarly, starting with the 2015 Winter issue, all widows and widowers of deceased graduates got a free subscription. These changes increased West Point magazine’s circulation by approximately 25 percent, from 47,435 recipients at the start of 2012 to a record number of 59,077 copies for the 2020 fall issue. Response from readers has been overwhelmingly positive for each of these outreach initiatives.

One of the goals in launching West Point magazine was to reconnect with graduates who had not been receiving a magazine from West Point, and to increase their engagement with WPAOG and West Point. Judging by survey results since its launch, the magazine has achieved an unequivocal success.

In a recent reader survey, 95 percent of respondents said that West Point magazine helped them to understand cadet life, academics, military training and extra-curricular opportunities at today’s USMA, and 91 percent of respondents said that West

Point magazine made them feel more connected to West Point. Over half of the readers surveyed said that they read the magazine “cover to cover.” In a different survey of graduates, West Point magazine ranked as #4 among the most valued services from WPAOG, after Class Support, Society Support and Reunions, with 87 percent of graduates aware of the magazine and 78 percent saying they were “users.”

West Point magazine is also available in a digital edition, and digital magazine content is now regularly shared across WPAOG’s email and social media platforms, with digital magazine site visits totaling over 53,000 and 1.2 million pageviews from 2011-20. As the WPAOG staff grew in multimedia skills, the link between social media and the magazine strengthened, and in 2020, the magazine introduced short videos to complement the features in each issue. As part of its 2030 Strategic Plan, WPAOG is continuing to explore ways to innovate in creating engaging magazine content and getting it to you! West Point magazine welcomes your feedback and letters to the editor so that we may continue to grow, remain accurate, and engage with our readers.

Other ways in which West Point magazine has evolved from its original concept are detailed below.

The inaugural issues of West Point magazine, designed by Impel Creative, established the design foundation and “personality” that the magazine still uses today. “The design is clean and modern without being edgy or trendy,” says Stacie Ross, Principal at Impel, “and following the WPAOG Communications Steering Group’s instructions, we focused on using high-quality photography that provides a sense of place.” Ross is also credited with developing what has become a staple of West Point magazine’s design: the centerfold “Poster,” a large two-page photograph with an inspirational quotation in the middle of each issue. “We wanted a break in the middle of the magazine for readers to pause and reconnect with West Point through an evocative picture,” she says. After launching with the first two issues designed by Impel, WPAOG brought the design of the magazine in-house and its staff graphic designer took over, providing the magazine with its graphic continuity for the next 10 years. Olejniczak, the former editor-in-chief of ASSEMBLY, guided West Point in its first year of publication, introducing popular editorial staples still regularly seen, such as “Past in Review,” “Gripping Hands,” and “By the Numbers,” as well as a quarterly athletic article featuring a diverse rotation of both corps squad and competitive club sports.

Photo: Charlie Graham

“This magazine is designed to focus on, celebrate, and reconnect all of us with today’s West Point and the magnificent young men and women who have stepped forward to ‘follow close order behind’ us in the Long Gray Line.”

The inaugural issue of West Point magazine, Winter 2011.

WPAOG engaged a new Vice President of Communications and Marketing as West Point’s Editor-in-Chief starting with the Winter 2012 issue. Norma Heim introduced the idea of editorial “themes” to the magazine. Chronologically, the themes for 2012 were “Women at West Point,” “A Day in the Life of Today’s Cadets,” “Defense & Strategic Studies and Military Training,” and “The Destination” (focusing on the similar outcome for USMA graduates: becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army). The “Day in the Life” theme proved so popular with readers and the USMA Admissions Office that it has been regularly reprised in various forms throughout West Point’s first decade of publication. 2012 was the first year that cadet parents, starting with the Class of 2016, began receiving West Point magazine.

In 2013, West Point looked at “Leadership at West Point,” “What Makes West Point Unique?” “Intellectual Capital for the Army,” and “USMA’s Physical Education Program.” The magazine also took on a slightly different look, with a new “In this Issue” table of contents design and more in-depth feature articles. The Spring 2013 issue, which highlighted the people, campus, academics, traditions, culture, and alumni of the Academy, proved so popular that it garnered a second printing to meet demand. This issue also marked the first time the magazine used QR codes to deliver extra multimedia content and videos to readers.

More changes to West Point came in 2014. The Winter 2014 issue, which examined the ways in which WPAOG “represents, supports, serves, and informs” the Long Gray Line, was the first to top the 60-page mark, and it introduced the “Pop Off!” department, allowing readers to respond to a particular question posed on WPAOG’s growing social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The Spring 2014 issue covered “Coaching at West Point,” the Summer 2014 issue detailed “Engineering at West Point,” and the Fall 2014 issue profiled “West Point Admissions.” This year also saw the introduction of the “Be Thou at Peace” memorial department in the magazine, in which the names of the graduates who have passed away since the last issue’s printing are listed.

Beginning with the Winter 2015 issue, complimentary subscriptions were extended to include all widows and widowers of deceased graduates, and by Summer 2015, all parents of current cadets were also receiving West Point (parents of each new class had been phased in at R-Day beginning in 2012). The magazine successfully transitioned through a change of editor to Elizabeth Barrett after the first two issues of 2015: “West Point, The Landmark” in Winter 2015 and “West Point 24/7” in Spring 2015. The Summer 2015 issue, themed “Technology at West Point,” introduced the concept of adding a topical cover feature story, in this case “Every Cadet an Athlete: Academy, Army Traditions Inspire Classic New Look for Athletics,” detailing the launch of new Army West Point athletic uniform designs and branding. The year concluded with a Fall issue dedicated to “West Point and the World,” examining the global impact of the Academy and its graduates and comparing the mission, training, and admissions requirements of West Point with the other U.S. Federal service academies and with 16 leading international military academies.

The magazine continued to evolve in 2016 with an ambitious theme for the Winter 2016 issue, “The Arts at West Point: An Essential Part of an Officer’s Education,” expanding the content of the magazine to 64 pages for the first time. The Spring 2016 issue reprised the popular “Day in the Life” of Cadets concept introduced in 2012, this time focusing on “The Corps’ Battle Rhythm.” This issue also introduced “RD=FC,” a cadet-written column. Summer 2016 featured a cover story marking the anniversary of admission of women to the Academy (“Commemorating 40 Years of Women at West Point”) in addition to an overall theme, “Legends, Lost and Lore.” The Fall 2016 issue cover feature, “West Point and America’s Space Program,” highlighted West Point astronauts, commemorating 2016 as a year where three different West Point graduates commanded the International Space Station: Colonel (Retired) Tim Kopra ’85 for Expedition 47; Colonel (Retired) Jeff Williams ’80 for Expedition 48 and Colonel (Retired) Shane Kimbrough ’89 for Expedition 50. The rest of the fall issue covered the theme “USMA Behind the Scenes,” which looked at graduation, R-Day, and the West Point Museum. This “Astronaut” issue later made history by rocketing into space aboard the International Space Station with USMA Astronaut Colonel Drew Morgan ’98 MD—a feat pictured on the magazine’s Fall 2019 cover.

In Winter 2017, the presses stopped and the magazine was completely redesigned to highlight the Army West Point Football Team’s first victory over Navy in 14 years, with a new cover and eight pages of coverage. This scoop pushed West Point to 72 pages for the first time. The rest of the issue focused on the theme of: “The Four Pillars of West Point Leader Development.” This issue’s theme resonated with many readers and resulted in a surge of complimentary letters from Old Grads, many of whom were especially interested in the MX400 capstone course in “Officership.” The next issue on “The Legacy of Research and Innovation at West Point,” again set a page-count record—76 pages—dedicating most of them to profiling West Point’s various academic research centers and institutes, many of which receive philanthropic support from graduates through WPAOG. The Summer 2017 issue celebrated “West Point Milestones,” including the bicentennial of Sylvanus Thayer’s superintendency. It also introduced a new department for the magazine: “West Point Parents Corner,” highlighting news for cadet parents. Finally, the Fall 2017 issue celebrated the legacy of General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. ’36, the Academy’s fourth African-American graduate, and the new barracks bearing his name, receiving a tremendous response from readers in the form of letters to the editor.

West Point magazine initial concept paper

Photos: (top to bottom) Ted Spiegel; Danny Wild

“Above all, the magazine must be about the Cadets, but it should also project a sense of the place of West Point. We want the reader to feel as though he or she has been on the fields and in the hallways of the Military Academy.”

Choosing the Cover for West Point Magazine

Vision and Impact:

Choosing the cover of West Point magazine is perhaps one of the most important and rewarding challenges that we tackle. Each cover is inspired by the theme or cover feature story of the issue. The editorial and design team reviews hundreds of photos, narrowing the field down to a few choices that have that special quality and impact: images that will catch the eye and invite readers to open the magazine. Multiple cover concepts are created for the publisher to review before the final image is selected.

The goal is to have the cover of every issue of West Point stand the test of time, to look attractive on your coffee table or to inspire curiosity in a fellow traveler on a plane or train. Often, the magazine design team is lucky enough to find suitable photos taken by WPAOG’s communications team photographers or by the West Point Public Affairs Office. Other times, noted photographers are commissioned to shoot special events or locations specifically for the magazine, such as a performance of “The Iliad” at Cullum Hall, the opening of the Frederic V. Malek West Point Visitors Center, the new Army West Point Athletics uniforms or the Grant Statue dedication. West Point magazine has also partnered with organizations to use photos, such as NASA for the astronaut issue photos or with architects for photography of building design and construction. Finally, the magazine’s in-house designer has created many original covers for abstract feature concepts such as West Point’s Research Centers, West Point and the World, Combating Terrorism, cyber defense, and the Modern War Institute. One cover designed for the dedication of Davis Barracks even featured a combination of historic photos and architectural renderings of the new barracks. The goal is always to uplift and inspire you, our readers, through the power of images, and to create a connection with West Point and the Long Gray Line.

Cover images top row, left to right: Photo collage featuring image of then Army Air Corps COL Benjamin O. Davis Jr. ’36 by Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM 2004-55822). Night image of Davis Barracks–Ty Cole Studios, Inc., Photographer and Clark Nexsen Inc., Architect/Engineer of Record; NASA; Shutterstock; WPAOG archives. Bottom row, left to right: Jim Smith Photography; Photo collage featuring Shutterstock image and USMA center logos, Shutterstock; Photo collage featuring WPAOG archive photo and stock image.

The Winter 2018 issue, themed “Faces of West Point,” previewed West Point’s new “front door,” the 31,000-square-foot, $25 million, fully donor-funded Frederic V. Malek West Point Visitors Center, supported by lead donor Fred Malek ’59 and numerous West Point classes. The year’s remaining issues featured West Point’s unique research centers and new warfare training domains. Spring 2018 highlighted West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center, Summer 2018 detailed how USMA is preparing tomorrow’s cyber warriors, and Fall 2018 profiled West Point’s Modern War Institute. These issues also continued the tradition of themes: Spring 2018-“USMA Teams”; Summer 2018-“Did You Know?”; and Fall 2018-“Seasons of West Point.” This last issue featured one of West Point’s most popular articles in recent memory, “TalentBased Branching: The Army’s New Approach to Satisfying Both Supply and Demand.”

In 2019, WPAOG launched a yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary, and West Point magazine inaugurated a series to strengthen the grip of the Long Gray Line. Each issue detailed a particular era of AOG history, the collection of which was introduced into the Congressional Record of the 116th Congress (First Session) by Representative John Shimkus ’80. The Spring 2019 issue also featured an interactive “Flat Cullum” insert, encouraging graduates to take pictures with the cardboard cutout of legendary alumnus George W. Cullum, Class of 1833, and share them with WPAOG and on social media. Grads from Classes from 1938 through 2019 responded enthusiastically with true West Point spirit: we received more than 350 Flat Cullum photos, from locations from Kazakhstan to Kentucky, from Machu Picchu to Mount Rushmore, from Cuba to China and at reunions, tailgates, weddings and parties. The cover of the Summer 2019 issue highlighted the dedication of the new Ulysses S. Grant (Class of 1843) monument on the Plain, and the Fall 2019 issue cover featured the Fall 2016 “Astronaut” issue of West Point magazine and Flat Cullum celebrating the 150th anniversary flying high aboard the International Space Station with West Point astronaut Colonel Drew Morgan ’98 MD.

Photos (counterclockwise form upper left: Jim Smith Photography; Ted Spiegel; Lee Ross ’73; Astronaut Nick Hague USAFA ’98, courtesy of NASA

“The mission of West Point magazine is to tell the West Point story and strengthen the grip of the Long Gray Line.”

Before COVID-19 altered life at West Point and work at WPAOG, West Point magazine put out its Winter issue and was in the midst of production of the Spring 2020 issue. Winter 2020 looked at West Point’s newest academic majors, Space Science and Applied Statistics and Data Science, and Spring 2020, themed “Corps 2020,” examined how a new generation of cadets is upholding the legacy of the Long Gray Line. When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, the spring issue was in final layout and review, and it was a small victory to get the issue uploaded, printed and sent in early May with only a minimal delay from its original schedule. Plans for the content of the Summer 2020 issue, already in progress, were thrown into tumult, with spring events canceled and the Corps away from Post. The magazine’s staff shifted into overdrive to chronicle how grads were fighting the virus on the front lines and also held the summer publication date to include coverage of the USMA 2020 graduation ceremony, which was delayed until June 13. The summer issue also featured articles dedicated to its original theme: “The Directorate of Cadet Activities,” updated for a spring semester when many cadets were learning and living remotely. West Point magazine’s first decade of publication closed with the Fall 2020 issue reporting on the impact of COVID-19 on summer training and how USMA 2024 joined the Corps, as well the “Legacy and Impact of West Point Athletics,” which, like the 39 issues before it, tells aspects of West Point story in an attempt to further strengthen the grip of the Long Gray Line. Throughout 2020, although working remotely, the innovative staff of West Point magazine introduced original video content to supplement print coverage. 

An archive of all past issues of West Point magazine is available online at the WPAOG website by visiting WestPointAOG.org/WestPointMagazinepastissues ANNIVERSARY

The West Point Magazine Poster

A Moment for Reflection and Inspiration

From its very beginning in 2011, one of the most distinctive features of West Point magazine has been the “Poster” in each issue. This double-page photograph with an inspirational quotation at the center of each issue is intended to offer a break in the middle of the magazine for readers to pause and reconnect with West Point through a picture that evokes a sense of place. For every issue, the editorial team sifts through hundreds of photos to find the one that feels just right, whether it be a beautiful seasonal shot of West Point or a photo of cadet activities. West Point magazine’s team hopes these unique photos evoke pleasant memories and that you enjoy them as much as we do.

On the next page is a selection of some of our favorite posters from over the years.

Photo credits for the poster images:

FALL 2016: SFC Willie Calohan/West Point Band FALL 2018: Michelle Eberhart/ USMA PAO WINTER 2018: Ted Spiegel

WINTER 2016: Anthony DiNoto/WPAOG SUMMER 2014: Anthony DiNoto/WPAOG WINTER 2019: CDT Caleb Kelly ’20/USMA PAO

SUMMER 2017: Ted Spiegel FALL 2019: Matthew Moeller/USMA PAO WINTER 2020: Ted Spiegel

“One picture is worth a thousand words”

Fred R. Barnard

Everycadet commits this Douglas MacArthur (Class of 1903) quote to memory as “plebe knowledge.” Thus, in almost every issue of West Point we have brought you an inside look at one of Army’s teams. Whether it is a corps squad team or a competitive sports club, our goal has been not only to tell the story of each team, but also to showcase the variety of sports available to cadet athletes. Our hope is to generate pride in teams representing the Academy and, by association, make you prouder of your alma mater. Sometimes we did not cover a specific team, but instead featured a topic related to athletics such as lifetime sports, athletic facilities, character development, sports technology, and more recently West Point Olympians. All but two issues in 10 years have included some aspect of the physical pillar of the cadet experience. (The Winter 2014 issue was devoted entirely to the Long Gray Line, and Winter 2015 focused on the physical plant of West Point.) One issue, Fall 2013, focused primarily on Physical Education. Athletic topics even provided two covers of West Point due to newsworthy events. Summer 2015 highlighted the uniform rebranding to Army West Point. And while the theme of the Winter 2017 issue was the “Four Pillars of the West Point Leader Development System,” there was no ignoring the fact that Army had just BEAT NAVY for the first time in 14 years! Below is a handy index of features focused on Army Athletics. 

2011

Winter Women’s Soccer

Spring Hockey

Summer Men’s Rugby

Fall Developing Team Captains

2012

Winter Volleyball

Spring Swimming & Diving

Summer Boxing, Fencing

Fall All Army Sports Program

2013

Winter Q&A with the Athletic Director

Spring Baseball

Summer Track & Field

Fall Margin of Excellence Athletic Facilities

2014

Spring Women’s Basketball

Summer Gymnastics

Fall Golf

2015

Spring Sailing

Summer Rebrand: Army West Point

Fall Sandhurst

2016

Winter 2015 Army-Navy Football

Spring Department of Physical Education

Summer Rifle

Fall Women’s Lacrosse

2017

Winter Cross Country

Spring Wrestling

Summer Men’s Lacrosse

Fall Marathon Team

2018

Winter Men’s Basketball

Spring Sprint Football

Summer Tennis

Fall Women’s Rugby

2019

Winter Men’s Soccer

Spring Water Polo

Summer Volleyball

Fall Pistol

2020

Winter Parachute

Spring Hockey

Summer Selected Club Sports

Fall West Point Olympians

“Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, on other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory.”

Past in Review:

Whetherit is discussing long lost facts about the Academy or detailing cadet events from back in the day to which all Old Grads can relate, “Past in Review” has consistently been a fan favorite with readers of West Point magazine, judging by the number of “Letters to the Editor” received in response to its topics. This is natural; West Pointers love history, and the U.S. Military Academy, which extends back in time to 1802 (or even earlier for West Point itself), is full with history. “Past in Review” capitalizes on this fact, covering all sorts of historical topics relating to the Academy: uniforms, buildings, monuments, and, of course, people. “Past in Review” has also been West Point magazine’s way of recognizing some milestone anniversaries, such as the centennial of USMA’s World War I classes, the 100th anniversary of General MacArthur’s tenure as Superintendent, the 25th anniversary of the first USMASoviet exchange program, and 150 years of WPAOG leadership. Since its inception, 15 authors have written for the “Past in Review,” including three articles by the U.S. Military Academy’s Command Historian, making it a must-read for those who like a wide variety of guest voices. And while the stories in “Past in Review” are great, don’t discount the pictures! Rare photos, often from the USMA Library’s Special Collections department or another prestigious national archive, typically accompany the text. Catch up with your favorite “Past in Review” topic covered in the last 10 years by using the index below. 

2011

Winter The 1841 Library and the 1891 Gymnasium

Spring Battle Monument

Summer Sedgwick’s Spurs

Fall Army-Navy Football

2012

Winter Henry O. Flipper’s Legacy

Spring The Long Gray Line in Five Handshakes

Summer Cadet Summer Training Over the Years

Fall Venerable Cullum Hall: Now and Then

2013

Winter West Pointers Lead the Way to Military Medicine

Spring Cadet Gray

Summer The Long Research Line at West Point

Fall Colonel Calabro’s Cartoons

2014

Winter A History of AOG

Spring Pandemonium in the Old Mess Hall

Summer Goethals and 100th Anniversary of Panama Canal

Fall USMA Entrance Requirements and Exams in the mid-1800s

2015

Winter Fencing at West Point

Spring West Point, the Gate

Summer The “Goldcoats”

Fall Cullum Knowledge

2016

Winter The 100th Night Show

Spring Demerits and Area Tours

Summer The Egg Nog Riot

Fall The USMA Diploma

2017

Winter “Ducrot Pepys” as Every Cadet

Spring Flying Cadets, Flying Grads

Summer Before Stabilizing the 47-month Experience

Fall West Point Semester Abroad Program with the French Military Academy

2018

Winter Past West Point Visitor Centers

Spring From Deviling Plebes to Pie-Cutting

Summer Napoleon of West Point

Fall West Point’s World War I Classes

2019

Winter A History of Class Notes

Spring Oldest Living Graduate

Summer The Arrival of MacArthur as Superintendent

Fall 150 Years of AOG Leadership

2020

Winter Origins of Army’s mascot

Spring 1990 Soviet-USMA Exchange

Summer Quarters 100

Fall ’49er Lodge

“Past in Review” has appeared in every issue of West Point magazine since the magazine’s founding in 2011.

West Point Magazine BY THE NUMBERS

55,110

Number of copies of the magazine printed on average for each issue

Amount of $ it costs grads to receive a subscription of West Point magazine

500+

Number of copies mailed internationally per issue

35,387 lbs.

363 Average amount of paper used to print each issue

106,000

Distance in miles that West Point magazine travelled from earth to be read on the ISS

Number of “By the Numbers” entries compiled over the years

9" 10.875" wide long

Trim size of West Point magazine

Cover photo: Astronaut Nick Hague, USAFA ’98, courtesy of NASA; Image: Shutterstock

2018 WEST POINT MAGAZINE READER SURVEY

91% Percentage of respondents of the 2018 Reader Survey who said they feel more connected to West Point because of West Point magazine

95% Percentage of respondents of the 2018 Reader Survey who said that the magazine helps them understand cadet life, academics, military training, and the extra-curricular opportunities at today’s USMA

2,336 West Point magazine pages printed since inception

HOURS ON PRESS

6-7 hours to print text pages

3-4 hours to print covers

32.5 MB

nine

Total cadet contributors to West Point magazine Average file size of digital edition of West Point magazine

ISSUES PER YEAR

three 80+ Advertisers appearing in West Point magazine over the last 10 years

Number of “Departments” appearing in every issue of West Point magazine since inception: Poster | Gripping Hands | Past in Review

THANK YOU for your support!

WPAOG Hosts West Point Entrepreneur Virtual Speaker Series

Afterthe overwhelming success of the virtual 2020 Entrepreneur Summit in July featuring keynote speaker Anthony Noto ’91, CEO of SoFi (former COO of Twitter and CFO of the NFL) and Guy Filippelli ’97, Managing Partner, Squadra Ventures, WPAOG has continued to host monthly virtual events for graduates operating as entrepreneurs, executives and investors across the business community. The new West Point Entrepreneur Virtual Speaker Series is led and organized by a group of graduate entrepreneurs, including Summit co-chairs Craig Cummings ’93, Joseph Kopser ’93, Brian Cox ’95 and Joe Beard ’96, with the support of Filippelli, who serves as President of the Entrepreneurship and Business Shared Interest Group.

Through the series, more than 900 entrepreneurs within the Long Gray Line have been able to connect and learn from some of West Point’s most highly respected graduates in the business world. The Q&A format allows for attendee questions and has the feel of a true “fireside chat,” even when hosting over 150 participants, which have even included USMA Superintendent LTG Darryl Williams ’83.

Discussions have ranged from how business leaders can scale their businesses from startup to exit, to how business executives, entrepreneurs and investors can adapt to the changing landscape as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September, grads heard from Jarvis Hollingsworth ’85, General Counsel at Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., a leading alternative investment firm across energy, real estate, credit and specialty growth capital. Attendees also heard from Clay DeGiacinto ’95, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Axonic Capital LLC, a top investment company in New York City.

In early October, Kathy Hildreth ’83, Co-Founder of M1 Support Services, a leading Texas aviation-maintenance company that maintains military aircraft, addressed the summit. Hildreth is also included on the 2020 Forbes List of America’s Self-Made Women. Grads also heard from Emily McMahan ’01, Director of Programs at the Common Mission Project, an international network of entrepreneurs driven to solve challenging national security and social challenges. McMahan is also a General Partner at the Academy Investor Network (AIN), a virtual platform created for U.S. Service Academy graduates to invest in veteran-led startups and civilian-led startups within the government technology space.

At the end of October, the guest speaker was Joseph Anderson Jr. ’65, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, TAG Holdings, LLC, a group of companies that provide supply chain management, vacuum impregnation and modular assembly products and services within automotive, defense, aerospace and heavy equipment industrial sectors. The session also included remarks from Rob Braggs ’94, Vice President, P&C Distribution and Service Experience, USAA.

Before the regular session began, the film “The Anderson Platoon” was shown, an Academy Award and Emmy-winning documentary feature about the Vietnam War, named after Anderson, who was leader of the platoon. One grad commented in the chat feature, “I just grabbed my son, who is home doing schoolwork, so we can listen to Joe Anderson together.”

Participants in the series report that they enjoyed listening and being with esteemed colleagues, connecting with West Pointers within the entrepreneurial space, and the excellent commentary from the guest speakers. 

Photos: Submitted, Shuttersrock

Left: Joseph Anderson Jr. ’65, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, TAG Holdings, LLC.

Center: Kathy Hildreth ’83, Co-Founder of M1 Support Services.

Right: Jarvis Hollingsworth ’85, General Counsel at Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P.

EXPERIENCE YOUR FUTURE IN THE ARMY VIRTUALLY

As the simulation behind the U.S. Army’s Games for Training and Close Combat Tactical Trainer programs, Virtual Battlespace (VBS) helps prepare infantry, armored vehicle crews and aviators for real-world combat situations. Developed with input from hundreds of SMEs, VBS gives cadets the experience of operating Apaches, Abrams, and many other Army vehicles in eXtended Reality.

VBS4 is an easy-to-use, whole-earth virtual and constructive simulation. It supports hundreds of individual and collective training tasks including call for fire, land navigation, military terrain analysis, small unit tactical training, 3D modeling and testing of experimental vehicle designs, and virtual staff rides.

Angelus Pacific Co

West Point Alumni Glee Club

At Ease Candles

Authentically American

Cambridge Apparel

CDI Corp

Chronomatic

Church Hill Classics

Collinson Enterprises

Cornwall Local

Dale Martin

Devant

Dorian Remine

Elm Press

Frumpy Acres

Grays Watercolors

JRL Artistry

JT Inman

K Patricia Designs

Legacy

ME Mullin Art

MV Sports

New Hampshire Clocks

Photografx

Pine Decals

Potter Decals

Oldani Brothers

RFSJ

Rustico

Service First Jewelry

Standard Chair of Gardner

Storm Duds

Strand Art Co

TCK Collegiate

Tervis

The Russel Cusick Gallery

Third Street Sportswear

US Apparel Corp

Vineyard Vines

Waterbury Button Co

Wesco Enterprises

Photos: Shutterstock; courtesy The Gift Shop

Duty, Honor, (and especially) Country: WPAOG’s Gift Shop Sells “Made in the USA”

By Joanie Prins, WPAOG staff

Navigating

the collegiate retail market is a challenging endeavor. Competition is fierce, with large corporations controlling the lion’s share of the industry. University bookstores and fan shops, once owned locally, are now part of corporate retail establishments, which increases the challenges for small shops. Vendors supplying collegiate licensed products who do not have a foothold into the large corporate companies struggle to remain in the industry. Brands once popular when shops were locally owned either leave the college market or declare bankruptcy, unable to make it without the opportunity to sell to the big shops. The onset of COVID-19 added an additional wrinkle to the industry, causing long delays, less product availability and additional closures.

In order to remain relevant in the constantly changing collegiate retail market, stores must adapt. Fortunately, the West Point Association of Graduates’ Gift Shop anticipated these challenges. In 2014 the Gift Shop introduced a new buying strategy, which added new vendors, unique products and exclusive designs, offering something different for those seeking West Point themed goods. The Gift Shop has much to be proud of since the change in strategy—increased class swag for reunions, a remodeled website, an entirely in-house annual catalog, and more—however, the strategic accomplishment that brings the most satisfaction to the staff is the constantly increasing number of USA vendors and USA-made merchandise.

The Gift Shop takes a two-part approach to buying American. The first option includes selling products from companies with collegiate licenses who purchase fabrics overseas and sew their products in the States. Vineyard Vines is an example. Their ties, which are sold by the Gift Shop, are made in the United States from imported silk. The second option creates partnerships with licensed companies that offer products made in the United States from materials sourced in the United States. Each year, the Gift Shop grows this category. Currently, just over 45 percent of all the vendors the Gift Shop uses offer American-made products. The percentage will increase quickly thanks to a recent agreement between WPAOG and CLC/Learfield, West Point’s licensing partner, which will introduce new and unique companies to the Gift Shop’s selection.

The current vendor list of USA-made products (shown at left) reads like a page out of an American history textbook. The Gift Shop’s partners include artists and craftsmen representing all corners of the country and working with traditional methods that span generations. The list also includes new and innovative companies whose talented employees represent the best the country has to offer.

Take Chronomatic, the company which provides the Gift Shop with jewelry, for example. Chronomatic is a woman-owned company based in Rhode Island and founded in the early 1960s. In 2015, the USMA Department of Social Sciences presented a Chronomatic-created brooch to former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, following her keynote address at the Student Conference on U.S. Affairs (SCUSA). A retro Army A pin, added to the Gift Shop’s collection this past fall, is also one of their creations. Ann Marie DaSilva, Chronomatic’s president and owner, states, “It has been an honor and privilege to work with the West Point Association of Graduates and some of our country’s finest.”

The Pennsylvania glassware company RFSJ has partnered with the WPAOG for close to 30 years. Those who have toasted West Point with Academy-themed glasses likely did so using an RFSJ glass. Robert Smithnosky Jr., RFSJ’s president and owner, is personally involved in this partnership because he believes in the mission of West Point and is proud to serve a small part in helping cadets and the Long Gray Line. Partnerships with companies that offer custom work for reunions or other events are also in the “Made in the USA” mix. New Hampshire Clocks creates handcrafted timepieces and customizes them using any class year. Wooden ring boxes, popular with classes as legacy gifts presented to graduating children, are made in Pennsylvania by craftsman Dale Martin. Martin also offers tailor-made flag cases. Standard Chair of Gardner, in business since the early 1800s, personalizes any chair in their West Point collection. JT Inman, the producer of the replica mess hall napkin ring bracelet, customizes these sterling bracelets with a cadet name in the same manner of the original napkin ring. Wooden tabletop designs from Pennsylvania-based Legacy are available with class mottos, class year or any version of “Beat Navy” desired. Rustico Leather, located in Utah, specializes in journals, portfolios and logbooks, all of which are made to order with name, initials, class year or motto. Rustico is the first of the Gift Shop’s new partners under the new licensing agreement.

Several artists provide custom and sometimes exclusive product for the Gift Shop. Mary Mullin, the wife of a USMA grad and the mother of four grads, created (among other designs) the WPAOG 150th Anniversary Memorial Window watercolor print, which depicts the stained glass over the altar in the Cadet Chapel. Army spouse and lifelong Hudson Valley resident Dorian Remine creates whimsical ornaments, prints and notecards highlighting West Point themes and events. Russell Cusick, another Hudson Valley artist, supplies unique

DUTY, HONOR, (AND ESPECIALLY) COUNTRY: WPAOG’S GIFT SHOP SELLS “MADE IN THE USA”

landscapes of West Point and plaques depicting the Cadet Prayer, the Alma Mater and more.

For those grads with diplomas still rolled in a tube, the Gift Shop offers custom-made frames from Church Hill Classics. Based in Connecticut, the company works closely with the Gift Shop to produce a variety of diploma options, including the “Dempsey Dollar” style. The matting in this frame has a spot for the dollar that General Martin Dempsey ’74, commencement speaker for the Class of 2015, gave to each graduate of that class. Somewhere out there, more than three dozen 2015 grads saved this memory in a special Church Hill Classics diploma frame.

The Gift Shop also works with several companies owned by West Point grads. Vic Losure ’86, owner of Elm Press, provides the Gift Shop with stationery and prints, including items created to commemorate the unveiling of the Ulysses S. Grant statue in 2019. Michael Burns ’00 and Albert Vallejos ’07, business partners in Service First Jewelry, joined the Gift Shop’s vendor list in 2017.

In the apparel category, Dean Wegner ’93, owner of Authentically American, matches the Gift Shop’s passion for “Made in the USA.” Wegner’s company is chipping away at the decades-long reduction in American-made goods by producing t-shirts, polo shirts, and other apparel.

Sticking with apparel, Missouri-based Third Street, a children’s clothing company, provides spirit wear worn by generations of young Army fans. US Apparel and MV Sports supply additional apparel options, including several t-shirt styles. Cambridge Apparel’s ties and formal wear accessories expand the Gift Shop’s apparel selection.

For those looking to buy “Made in the USA” products, look for “Shop by USA” links on the Gift Shop’s website and browse the new virtual gift guide for American-made products. The commitment to growing the assortment from American companies is strong. As retail continues to fluctuate, WPAOG’s desire to offer the best and most unique products continues. 

Calling All West Point Authors!

Reserve your space in the West Point Authors Bookshelf, a specially priced advertising section in West Point magazine showcasing books by West Point affiliated authors. The Bookshelf appears in our Fall and Spring issues to enable our more than 56,000 magazine readers to discover and support these books. Learn more about the Bookshelf and other WPAOG advertising and sponsorship opportunities on our website at WestPointAOG.org/Advertise

Consistency - noun

Conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness:

Synonyms: steadiness, reliability

Antonym: Fickleness (found often in weather and financial markets)

Photo Credit Gregory D. Gadson

Fall Class Reunions Go Virtual

While the pandemic did not allow for large gatherings and reunions at West Point this fall, several classes decided to make the best of the circumstances and meet virtually. In total, more than 750 members of the Long Gray Line from the Classes of 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015 virtually “gripped hands” at their reunions.

“You are the role models and the shoulders upon which this [new] generation of cadets stand,” USMA Superintendent Lieutenant General Darryl Williams ’83 said in a message to attendees. “The

strength of the Long Gray Line is its resilience and timelessness. Each of you serves as a link to the past, sharing our heritage and the numerous lessons about excellence and honorable leadership, both from your own experiences as well as from the generations of Old Grads who came before you. You also serve as a bridge to the future, with each new class of graduates carrying those lessons and your legacy forward to pass along and cement the unbreakable bond that extends from generation to generation.”

Several classes also virtually presented their class gifts to Williams and Todd Browne ’85, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates. Mr. Tom Kilgore ’80, who served as Class Fundraising Chairman for the Class of 1980’s successful 40th Reunion Campaign, virtually presented a 40th Reunion Gift of $1,500,000 to support the Class of 1980 Cyber Research Center Endowment. The Cyber Research Center (CRC) is one of three research centers in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and focuses on opportunities and research that span the entire continuum of cyberspace operations.

Mr. Omar Ritter ’00 and Mr. Lorenzo Smith ’00 presented a 20th Reunion Gift of $500,000 to support the Class of 2000 Cyber Research Center Endowment for Research. Captain Rebekah Jadrnak ’10 and Captain Patrick Ryan ’10 presented a 10th Reunion Gift of $500,000 to support the new Cyber and Engineering Academic Center (CEAC) at West Point. These generous gifts will leave a lasting impact at the Academy.

Photos: courtesy of Alumni Support

A few of the 750 members of the Long Gray Line from the Classes of 1990, 1995 (upper left), 2000, 2005 (upper right), 2010 (lower left) and 2015 (lower right) who virtually “gripped hands” at their reunions.

Superintendent LTG Darryl Williams ’83 welcomed virtual reunion participants via a video presentation.

In addition to receiving a welcome message from the Superintendent, attendees also received a welcome from Browne, as well as their respective Class President. Business meetings, a memorial service, cadet company networking sessions, and a class toast were all part of the standard program to help keep the same look and feel as a live event.

Overall, the virtual reunions were a success, with attendees appreciating the ability to see and share stories with their classmates, even if it was through a screen. “The virtual tailgate was a lot of fun, people really opened up with stories from the last five years and during our time as cadets,” said a member of the Class of 2015.

“I really appreciated the Class Memorial,” said a member of the Class of 2005. “Despite being done virtually, it was super impactful to me regardless. Definitely a little emotional.”

WPAOG wishes to thank all of the alumni who made these reunions a success and who continue to support the Academy, the Long Gray Line and the Corps of Cadets. 

The Alumni Support virtual reunion team includes (left to right) Dawn Congiusti, Nicole Corbin, and Kathleen Donohoe.

The Class of 1990 Roll Call payed tribute to deceased class members.

Reunion participants also received a virtual welcome from Todd Browne ’85, President and CEO of WPAOG.

Virtual programs included Memorial Services for fallen class members (Class of 2005, left) along with various presentations and social events. A day schedule from the Class of 2000 reunion is shown on the right.

A virtual toast for the Class of 2005.

SHUTOUT!

ARMY BEATS NAVY 15-0

On December 12, 2020, the Army West Point Football Team beat Navy 15-0 at Michie Stadium in a game that will go down in the history books. For the first time since 1943, the game was played at West Point due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions placed on gatherings in its originally planned location, Philadelphia. Going ahead despite the pandemic, the 121st meeting of “America’s Game” was played in front of an audience limited mostly to the Corps of Cadets and the Brigade of Midshipmen. The win marked Army’s first shutout victory against Navy since a 27-0 win on November 29, 1969.

The week leading up to the game saw many Army-Navy spirit traditions maintained, such as the Goat-Engineer game and the Beat Navy bonfire, as well as a virtual game ball run by the West Point Marathon Team. In addition, the West Point and Naval Academy Sandhurst teams competed in the Patriot Games throughout West Point and Annapolis on December 11, with an Army win culminating with the final event—a tug of war— taking place on the field at Michie Stadium during the ArmyNavy Game.

Photos: CDT Angeline Tritschler, CDT Ellington Ward/USMA PAO

ARMY VS. NAVY

2020

121st Meeting

December 12, 2020

Also in keeping with recent tradition, the Black Knights’ uniforms honored a legendary Army division, saluting the soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division during the Korean War. The “Tropic Lightning” Division served with speed and fast strike precision as their motto symbolizes.

To connect the Long Gray Line for the game, WPAOG hosted a virtual Army-Navy tailgate, offering games, prizes and camaraderie to graduates worldwide. 

Photos: CDT Ellington Ward/USMA PAO

ARMY WINS PATRIOT GAMES

MARCH ON

ARMY SINGS SECOND

WELCOMING NAVY

BALL RUN

CIC TROPHY AND LIBERTY BOWL RECAP: SWEET VICTORY AND SO CLOSE!

With the Army West Point Football Team’s historic 15-0 shutout of Navy, the 2020 Commander-in-Chief's Trophy came down to the Army-Air Force Game, originally scheduled for November 7 but moved to December 19, becoming the final game of the regular season due to COVID-19 factors. As expected between service academy rivals, it was a close game throughout, with running back Jakobi Buchanan ’23 scoring from one yard out on fourth down with 1:13 left to play in the game, capping a 16-play, 80-yard drive that ate up more than seven minutes and ultimately gave the Black Knights the win and their ninth CIC Trophy. The victory over Air Force also gave the firsties on the team their 35th “W,” an Academy record.

The team was then scheduled to play in the Independence Bowl, but the Pac-12, the conference from which Army West Point’s opponent was to come, opted not to participate in the postseason. Fortunately, searching to fill its own void when Tennessee dropped out due to COVID-19 affecting its players, the Liberty Bowl invited Army West Point to take on West Virginia on December 31, 2020. The Black Knights played the Mountaineers valiantly, with the lead changing four times throughout the game, which ended in a tough 3-point loss for the Brave Old Army Team. But it was a loss that could not detract from a great 9-2 regular season and the loads of optimism Army fans have for the team in 2021.

Photos: Mark Wellman, Danny Wild/Army West Point Athletics

Gripping Hands

1940 1973

COL (R) Renola celebrates 104th Birthday

Colonel Raymond Renola (Retired), West Point’s oldest living graduate, celebrated his 104th birthday in November!

1978

Bulls Honored With Achievement Award

Herman Bulls has been honored with the Executive Leadership Council’s 2020 Achievement Award. The accolade recognizes an African American leader whose career achievements highlight personal and professional excellence with noteworthy business success. Bulls is Vice President, Americas, of JLL and a member of the WPAOG Board of Directors.

Shull Receives Distinguished Service Award

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Director/CEO

Tom Shull received the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award from the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) at the organization’s virtual fall meeting on October 8, 2020 for “transforming the Exchange into a thriving benefit supporting military readiness, recruiting, retention and resiliency.” Shull also received the Spirt of Oklahoma Outstanding Veteran Supporter of the Year award from the state of Oklahoma, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Oklahoma Veterans Support Team.

Holland Appointed

1990

In October 2020, President Donald J. Trump appointed Major General Diana M. Holland as a member and as the 41st President of the Mississippi River Commission. The Commission, created by an Act of Congress on June 28, 1879, plans and provides for the general improvement of the Mississippi River. This includes improving navigation, preventing destructive floods and facilitating commerce. Holland currently commands the Mississippi Valley Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

 General Officer Announcements 

The following officers were confirmed by the Senate:

Major General Dennis S. McKean ’90 for appointment to the rank of Lieutenant General.

Brigadier General Sean C. Bernabe ’92 for promotion to the rank of Major General and assignment as Commanding General, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, Fort Bliss, TX.

Brigadier General Rodney J. Fischer ’92 to Commanding General (Troop Program Unit), 104th Training Division (Leader Training), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.

The Chief of Staff of the Army announces the following general officer assignment:

Major General Joseph P. McGee ’90 to Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell, Fort Campbell, KY.

“Grip hands—though it be from the shadows—while we swear as you did of yore, or living or dying, to honor the Corps, and the Corps, and the Corps.” —Bishop Shipman, 1902

West Point Breaks Ground on CEAC

The groundbreaking ceremony for the long-anticipated Cyber & Engineering Academic Center (CEAC) took place on December 11, 2020. The CEAC will house the engineering laboratory functions of the Departments of Civil & Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, and Systems Engineering together under one roof. This 136,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility is expected to open in academic year 2025, and will enable West Point to remain at the forefront of engineering education. Margin of Excellence enhancements to the Center funded through private donations include a fourth floor offering conference and collaborative space and a bridge connecting the new facility with Mahan Hall. These enhancements are made possible by Mike Fisher ’90, and his wife Ashley Fisher; Bell Textron Inc.; the Classes of 1979, 1975, 1973, 1972, 1997, 2010, 2009, 2003; and the West Point Parents Club of Maryland, DC, and Virginia.

WPAOG Hosts Cadet Class Officer Breakfast

On September 30, the WPAOG Class Services team hosted its annual outreach event for the class officers from the Classes of 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. At the breakfast, cadets had the opportunity to meet with WPAOG staff and others from the Academy with whom they will work in the future. Following the breakfast, breakout sessions were held for each of the different classes to allow class officers to engage in discussions of how WPAOG serves them and their classmates now and in the decades ahead. The cadets provided valuable feedback and insight into their experiences and we are thankful for their time and participation.

Photos: Jacobs-EwingCole JV, architect; Nile Clarke/WPAOG

WPAOG Annual Meeting Election Results

At the WPAOG Annual Meeting on November 17, 2020, the following members were elected to positions on the Board of Directors and the Advisory Council. To serve their terms from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023:

DIRECTORS

Robert A. McDonald ’75

Ronald L. Johnson ’76

Curtis A. Harris ’78

Deirdre P. Dixon ’84

Felisa (Sally) Lewis ’90

ADVISORS-AT-LARGE

Michael W. Yap ’67

Dale W. Hansen ’68

Donna S. Alesch White ’80

Holly E. West ’91

Brandi B. Peasley ’94

Erica Jeffries Purdo ’98

Nominations for the next election for WPAOG Board of Directors and Advisory Council are due July 1, 2021. Graduates wishing to serve the Long Gray Line can learn more about the responsibilities of Directors and Advisors online at: WestPointAOG.org/ResponsibilitiesofBoardMembers.

WPAOG Remembers Graduates with Holiday Wreaths at West Point Cemetery

On December 5, 2020, the West Point Association of Graduates Memorial Support Team, along with other WPAOG colleagues, participated in the annual Wreaths Across America holiday wreath-laying ceremony honoring veterans. WPAOG participants went to each headstone or columbarium niche in the West Point Cemetery for families who had received WPAOG Memorial Support in 2019-20, spoke the name of the loved one laid to rest out loud, and placed a wreath. Handwritten cards, along with photos of their loved one’s marker, were sent to each family to let them know they are in our thoughts during this first holiday season without their loved one, and to recognize their contribution and sacrifice to our nation. This year, the entire West Point cemetery was covered, totaling more than 7,000 wreaths.

The WPAOG Memorial Services Assistance Program was originally made possible by a generous donation from Mrs. Betty Dettre in memory of her husband Major General (Retired) Rexford H. Dettre Jr. (Class of January 1943). Mrs. Dettre’s gift, along with the continued support from the Long Gray Line and others, enables the West Point Association of

Graduates to provide the services of a Memorial Support Coordinator to assist the families of West Point Graduates who are being buried at the West Point Cemetery with respect and dignity. To learn more about the Memorial Services Assistance program, please visit the WPAOG website at: WestPointAOG.org/DettreMemorialProgram.

Announcement of WPAOG 2021 Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the membership of the West Point Association of Graduates shall take place on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 5pm Eastern Time at the Herbert Alumni Center, West Point, New York. At the Annual Meeting, the 2021 election of members of the Board of Directors and at-large members of the Advisory Council shall take place. Information on the nomination process for Director and Advisor-at-Large positions is published at: WestPointAOG.org/NominationPolicy.

Photo: Erika Norton/WPAOG

WPAOG News

Classes of 1980, 2000 and 2010 Present Reunion Class Gifts

While the pandemic did not allow for large gatherings and reunions at West Point, the Classes of 1980, 2000, and 2010 pivoted to virtually present their class reunion gifts to the Academy. These generous gifts will leave a lasting impact.

Class of 1980 Presents $1.5M 40th Reunion Gift

The Class of 1980 presented a 40th Reunion Gift of $1,500,000 to support the Class of 1980 Cyber Research Center Endowment. Mr. Tom Kilgore, who served as Class Fundraising Chairman for the Class of 1980’s successful 40th Reunion Campaign, virtually presented the gift to West Point Superintendent LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83 and WPAOG President and CEO Mr. Todd A. Browne ’85. The Cyber Research Center (CRC) is one of three research centers in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and focuses on opportunities and research that span the entire continuum of cyberspace operations. Thank you to the Class of 1980 for your outstanding support of West Point—“Pride and Excellence!”

Class of 2000 Presents $500K 20th Reunion Gift

During their 20th Virtual Reunion in October, the Class of 2000 presented a 20th Reunion Gift of $500,000 to LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83, 60th Superintendent, and Mr. Todd Browne ’85, WPAOG President and CEO. On behalf of the class, Mr. Omar Ritter ’00 and Mr. Lorenzo Smith ’00 virtually presented the gift to support the Class of 2000 Cyber Research Center Endowment for Research. Thank you Class of 2000 for your outstanding support of West Point— “With Honor in Hand!”

Class of 2010 Presents $500K 10th Reunion Gift

On behalf of the Class of 2010 during their virtual reunion in October, Captain Rebekah Jadrnak ’10 and Captain Patrick Ryan ’10, who were at West Point, were able to personally present a 10th Reunion Gift of $500,000 to West Point Superintendent LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83 and WPAOG President and CEO Mr. Todd Browne ’85. This gift will support the new Cyber and Engineering Academic Center (CEAC) at West Point. Thank you Class of 2010 for your outstanding support of West Point—“Loyal ’til the End!”

Photos: courtesy of WPAOG Alumni Support

Mr. Omar Ritter (left) and Mr. Lorenzo Smith, (below) both Class of 2000.

Mr. Tom Kilgore, Class of 1980 CPT Rebekah Jadrnak and CPT Patrick Ryan, Class of 2010, presented their class gift to Superintendent LTG Darryl Williams ’83 and WPAOG President and CEO Todd Browne ’85.

Parents Corner

Cadets Enjoy TEE Snacks from Parents Clubs

Through the generosity of current cadet parents, WPAOG was able to provide 4,800 burrito dinners to the Corps and USMAPS cadets on December 6, 2020 just before the start of Term-End Exams (TEEs). WPAOG staff delivered pre-boxed dinners from Chipotle to various locations around West Point, where a few cadets from each company met the delivery vans to take meals to their companies. Not only was this a wonderful opportunity to “feed the Corps” and boost morale as cadets prepared for exam week, but also a percentage of all dinner sales went back to the West Point Parents Fund to support the Margin of Excellence and future activities. Go Army!

WPAOG News

WPAOG Hosts “Appreciation Tailgate” for USMA 2022 Ring and Crest Reps

On October 5, 2020, at the Herbert Alumni Center, WPAOG hosted the Company Ring and Crest Representatives for the Class of 2022 for an “appreciation tailgate.” It was an informal evening and a time for both groups to get to know each other better. The Company Ring and Crest Reps play an important role in helping their classmates understand the mission and vision of WPAOG and how we support the Academy and the Long Gray Line. The idea for the event came from their class president, Cadet Xavier Williams, and Ring and Crest Chairman, Cadet Claire Jones. Williams said, “We wanted to have this event as a way to give back to our Company Ring and Crest Reps for the hard work they have put in for our class events over the past couple of years. Partnering with WPAOG made the event possible and we are very thankful for what the WPAOG staff has done for us.”

Women’s Lacrosse: Patrick Tewey; Women’s Track: Mike Strasser/USMA PAO; Men’s Rugby: Tommy Gilligan; Cross Country: Tom Connelly; Diving: Mark Aikman; Sailing: Anthony DiNoto/WPAOG ; Women’s Track: Mike Strasser/USMA PAO; Hockey: Danny Wild/USMA; Water Polo: Anthony DiNoto/WPAOG; Tennis: ODIA; Pistol: Dustin Saunders ̓72 ; Women’s Rugby: ODIA; Women’s basketball Eric Bartelt/Pointer View.

Photo credits from page 36, in rows (left to right, top to bottom)—Central Area: USMA Library archives; Cadets in Gray: Courtesy of WP museum: Eileen Harkless Moore; Cadets at blackboard: USMA Library archives; Hundreth Night program cover: WPAOG archives; Rugby Team: WPAOG archives; Cadets marching in France: courtesy of Dr. Julia Praud, DFL; Oldest living Grad: WPAOG archives; Old visitor center: WPAOG archives; Graduation: WPAOG archives; Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte: Courtesy of the collection of Denis Gaubert, Thibodaux, LA; John Calabro ’68 cartoon: submitted; Old print of West Point: Library of Congress; Mule: Bingham Family collection; Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte: Courtesy of the collection of Denis Gaubert, Thibodaux, LA; Football: USMA archives.

Photo credits from page 34, in rows (left to right, top to bottom)—Men’s Basketball: ODIA; Diving: Mark Aikman; Army Navy Branding: Ted Spiegel;

Unlock the Power of the Long Gray Line with

WPAOG’s

Career Services

369 740 3,270 2,000+

GRADS PLACED Grads engaged with Career Services

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PORTFOLIO SINCE 2019

Employer posted jobs on average in Career Services portfolio

In today’s market, networking is the most effective way to get a new job! WPAOG Career Services is the hub of your Long Gray Line Network!

We’re here for you every step of the way.

All USMA graduates have lifetime free access to Career Services, including the following services and employer connections:

• Dedicated transition coaching by our experienced team members

• Quarterly SACC Job Fairs including new virtual events

• Tailored networking events and webinars

• Workshops relevant to each facet of the job search, including preparing for SACC

• Grad-only access to Career Services Job Board

• Employer partnerships across diverse industries

TOP INDUSTRIES

Information Technology (IT) Financial Services

Consulting Defense Engineering & Construction

• Networking opportunities through our database of 500+ industrial and regional advisors

• Access to Korn Ferry Advance career coaching platform and job board

For more information on this program, please contact a member of WPAOG’s Career Services team at careers@wpaog.org or visit us online at WPAOGCareers.org Text “careerservices” to 51555 for instant careers updates

Pre-Order 2021 TAPS

TAPS, the official memorial magazine of the Long Gray Line, contains the fascinating and inspiring life stories of West Point graduates. Advance orders for the 2021 edition may now be placed online. A limited number of copies of 2020 and prior years’ editions are still available for purchase—call 845.446.1545 to order.

WPAOG Military Retiree Recognition Program

WPAOG’s new Military Retiree Recognition Program honors our military retirees for their service and sacrifice. If you retired on October 1, 2017 or later, you and three guests are eligible for a free Grad Insider Tour, as well as a free night at The Thayer Hotel, subject to restrictions. We will also publish your name in West Point magazine, with your permission. If you wish to participate, please contact retiree@wpaog.org to learn more.

Planning a career transition? Start here.

 The only military career fair exclusively for Federal Service Academy Graduates.

 Meet one-on-one with corporate recruiters looking for the unique skills and experience of Academy graduates.

 Get peer advice on managing the challenges of career transitions.

 Learn how to get your foot in the door for your desired civilian career.

 Explore graduate school options.

 NEW: Text “CareerServices” to 51555 to subscribe for updates on announcements, hot jobs, webinars etc. ,

Jacksonville, FL Feb 22–26, 2021

Washington, DC May 3–7, 2021

San Diego, CA Aug 19–20, 2021

Dallas, TX Nov 4–5, 2021

To register for any SACC as an attendee or employer, go to sacc-jobfair.com

COL Matthew J. Kennedy 1990

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: Jack Farrell ’59

Enjoyed your article on the West Point Olympians; however, I did not see my former West Point hockey teammate Larry Palmer, a member of the 1960 gold medal-winning U.S. Hockey Team.

FROM: Jim Warner ’67

I read Keith Hamel’s article in the 2020 fall issue of West Point magazine with great interest but was disappointed with the omission of Ronald Zinn ’62. Ron was a two-time Olympian in Race Walking. His story is somewhat unique as he was a cadet when he competed in Rome in 1960. He was also a four-year member of Army’s Track and Cross Country teams. Sadly, Ron was killed in Vietnam in 1965.

FROM: Tony Colby ’72

I have now finished reading the article about West Point Olympians in the most recent West Point magazine. Very

impressive and informative. However, I must admit to not starting it at the beginning because I was anxious to see the narrative about my classmate (and companymate) Greg Losey, who won a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics as a member of the Modern Pentathlon team. After not seeing anything I started at the beginning and still cannot find any mention of Greg.

RESPONSE:

Thanks to the many readers who wrote to us about the West Point Olympians article in the 2020 fall issue. Please be assured that no one was prejudicially omitted. Unfortunately, space limitation prevented us from providing the names and detailing the stories of nearly 60 percent of West Pointers who were Olympians. In the “modern era” (defined in the article as being from the 1952 Summer Olympics onward for West Pointers), this includes the following graduates not mentioned in the article:

Edward Bagdonas ’59: Men’s Hammer Throw—1960, Rome

Laurence J. Palmer ’59: Ice Hockey—1960, Squaw Valley

Ronald L. Zinn ’62: Men’s 20-kilometer Walk—1960, Rome; 1964, Tokyo

Lawrence T. Hart ’68: Men’s Hammer Throw—1976,Montreal

Robert G. Losey ’72: Modern Pentathlon—1984, Los Angeles

Peter W. Lash Jr. ’81: Team Handball—1984, Los Angeles; 1988, Seoul

Brian A. Farlow ’87 (for U.S. Virgin Islands): Swimming (four events)—1984, Los Angeles

Michael G. Thornberry ’94: Team Handball—1996, Atlanta

Lorenzo R. Smith III ’00: Bobsled-Men’s Four—2006, Torino

Stewart M. Glenister ’11 (for American Samoa): Swimming (50m freestyle)—2008, Beijing

Stephen I. Scherer ex-’11: Men’s Air Rifle, 10-meters—2008, Beijing

FROM: Brian Ashbaugh ’66

I enjoyed the article on West Point Olympians but noted a significant error concerning my classmate Mike Silliman. Mike was Class of 1966, not 1968. Further, no mention is made that he was the captain of the 1968 men’s Olympic Basketball Team.

RESPONSE:

We regret this error and have corrected the digital edition of the magazine to reflect Silliman’s true academic year; and yes, Silliman won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics as captain of the U.S. National Basketball Team. He also played for this team at the 1967 and 1970 FIBA World Championships. He also played AAU basketball from 1967 through 1970 with the Armed Forces team. In 1970, Silliman went pro, playing one season with the NBA’s Buffalo Braves. An Academic All-American at West Point, Silliman was inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, and his basketball jersey (#20) was retired by West Point in January 2015.

FROM: MG (R) Clay Buckingham ’49

As President of the Association of the USMA Class of 1949, I want to convey to you the sincere appreciation of the 76 living members of the Class of ’49 for the most excellent article about the ’49er Lodge in the 2020 Fall edition of West Point. It is our hope that members of younger classes just starting out will pick up on the fact that ’49er Lodge had its inception way back, only 10 years after our graduation. Major projects take a lot of time, planning, and perseverance. So, we ask these younger classes to start early and leave something really valuable, like our lodge, as a class memorial to the Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy. Again, the living members of our class rejoice that this article has now been published and will be a permanent part of the history of USMA.

RESPONSE:

You are welcome, and we share your hope.

Advertise with US!

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Now you can leverage West Point magazine to reach a high-achieving audience of more than 55,000 graduates, cadet parents, and friends of West Point to promote your business.

Opportunities are also available in First Call, our monthly e-newsletter, or choose an event sponsorship package to reach our premier audience.

Contact ads@wpaog.org or call 845.446.1577 to learn more about Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities with the West Point Association of Graduates.

Be Thou at Peace

COL Arthur R. Barry USA, Retired 1940

Mr. John K. Boyce Jr. 1945

COL Francis B. Kane Jr. USA, Retired 1945

COL Ralph S. Kristoferson USA, Retired 1945

COL James W. Morris USA, Retired 1945

COL William C. Trefz USA, Retired 1945

Mr. William K. Vaughan 1945

CPT John E. Barth USA, Retired 1946

LTC Richard A. Johnson USA, Retired 1946

Mr. Robert E. Kettner 1947

Mr. Charles K. Leech 1947

COL Howard L. Sargent Jr. USA, Retired 1947

CPT James B. Tatum USA, Retired 1947

COL Lee T. Doyle USA, Retired 1948

COL Cleatus J. Cox USA, Retired 1949

COL John J. Fatum USA, Retired 1949

Col Jack W. Gillette USAF, Retired 1949

Mr. Dan L. McGurk 1949

COL Duane H. Smith USA, Retired 1949

Mr. John J. Baughan 1950

LTC James F. Dunn USA, Retired 1950

Col Ira L. Kimes Jr. USAF, Retired 1950

CPT Paul C. Listro USA, Retired 1950

COL George L. Price Jr. USA, Retired 1950

Mr. John J. Ross 1950

Col Norman R. Smedes USAF, Retired 1950

Mr. Jack R. Wheatley 1950

COL Edward E. Matney USA, Retired 1951

GEN Edward C. Meyer USA, Retired 1951

Mr. George G. Ritter 1951

COL Eugene P. Flanagan USA, Retired 1952

LTC Carl B. Guess Jr. USA, Retired 1952

LTC Glenn H. Palmer Jr. USA, Retired 1952

COL Cecil R. Sykes USA, Retired 1952

COL Allan C. Biggerstaff USA, Retired 1953

MG Neal Creighton USA, Retired 1953

Lt Col James H. Elliott USAF, Retired 1953

Mr. Donald J. Hamilla 1953

CPT Jack E. Morton USA, Retired 1953

Mr. Denell D. Zander 1953

Mr. Richard M. Boyle 1954

Mr. John W. Carnahan Jr. 1954

Lt Col Stanley F. Choate USAF, Retired 1954

Deaths reported from September 13 — December 11, 2020

Dr. Thomas D. Flaherty Jr. 1954

Mr. James F. Gibson 1954

Mr. Draper B. Gregory 1954

Mr. John O. Funkhouser 1955

COL William M. Hadly USA, Retired 1955

Honorable Robert M. Hinrichs 1955

Col Roland L. Nordlie USAF, Retired 1955

LTC Robert G. Andree USA, Retired 1956

LTC William F. Crews USA, Retired 1956

COL Charles R. Kottich USA, Retired 1956

Mr. Roy E. Lindquist Jr. 1956

Dr. Griffith J. McRee Jr. 1956

LTC Hugh W. Munson Jr. USA, Retired 1956

Mr. Richard D. Sylvester 1956

Mr. Anthony L. Bullotta 1957

Maj Lee Burner USAF, Retired 1957

Mr. Thomas H. Dougherty 1957

Mr. William B. Hall 1957

Mr. Jack M. Solomon 1957

Col Francis B. Crowley III USAF, Retired 1958

Lt Col Wayne D. Hagberg USAF, Retired 1958

LTC Frederick G. Stritzinger V USA, Retired 1958

GEN William G. T. Tuttle Jr. USA, Retired 1958

COL Eugene G. Wentworth Jr. USA, Retired 1958

COL James L. Abrahamson USA, Retired 1959

COL Craig R. Bertolett USA, Retired 1959

Dr. E. J. Eberhard 1959

Reverend Thomas F. Eynon III 1960

LTC George K. Garner USA, Retired 1960

LTC John G. Hoaas USA, Retired 1960

BG Frank A. Partlow Jr. USA, Retired 1960

COL Daniel G. Barney USA, Retired 1961

Mr. Frank J. Habic III 1961

COL Bruce B. Halstead USA, Retired 1961

Mr. John R. MacLean 1961

LTC Nikolajs R. Muiznieks USA, Retired 1961

Lt Col Nicholas S. Plodinec III USAF, Retired 1961

COL Allan D. Robb USA, Retired 1962

LTC Martin M. Ischinger USA, Retired 1963

Mr. Paul D. Stanley 1963

COL Dennis L. Seiler USA, Retired 1964

Mr. Russell L. Dornier 1965

LTC Harold A. Jenkins Jr. USA, Retired 1965

COL John F. Keith USA, Retired 1965

Mr. Jon E. King 1965

COL Oleh B. Koropey USA, Retired 1965

Dr. Jack C. Turner 1965

Mr. Vincent L. Casillo

COL Jeremiah C. Moll USA, Retired

Mr. Boyce C. Morrow Jr.

MAJ Richard R. Striegel USA, Retired

COL Alan E. Seyfer USA, Retired

LTC Gordon Crupper Jr. USA, Retired

Mr. Daniel C. Bird Jr.

COL Stephen M. Fall USA, Retired

COL Terry L. Rice USA, Retired

Mr. Leonard E. Garrett Jr.

Mr. Charles J. Kerr

Mr. Leon D. Davis

Mr. Joseph D. Jenckes

Mr. Charles A. Barlow III

Dr. Robert A. Potter Jr.

LTC Kerry L. Cailteux USA, Retired

Mr. Robert M. Gallo

Brig Gen Donald D. Harvel USAF, Retired 1976

MAJ Glen D. Krc USA, Retired 1976

COL Steven J. Hoogland USA, Retired 1977

Professor Jeffrey P. Whitman 1977

COL Robert W. Madden USA, Retired 1978

Mr. Tod W. Miller 1978

Mr. Richard W. Ede Jr. 1979

Mr. Kevin V. MacGibbon 1980

Mr. Walter R. Ledger 1982

Mr. Michael C. Wilmer 1982

Mr. Willard D. Conklin Jr. 1984

COL Tobin L. Green USA, Retired 1984

Mr. Thomas D. Wock 1984

COL Michael H. Pasco USA, Retired 1985

Mr. Anthony J. DeToto Sr. 1991

Mr. Joseph R. Carmen 1992

Mr. Thomas B. Jones 1994

MAJ Michael G. Krause III USA, Retired 1994

Ms. Micala C. Siler 2001

Mr. Lyle E. Weaver 2001

CPT Adam R. Royal USA 2010

Past in Review

are Free; You are Safe; You are Home”

By Keith J. Hamel , WPAOG staff

West Point and its Thayer Hotel recently celebrated a notable anniversary. January 25, 2021 marked 40 years since the freed Iran hostages came for a two-day respite at the Thayer Hotel, their first stay on American soil after 444 days of captivity in Iran.

According to reports from that era, the State Department had wanted a quiet reunion space for the hostages and their families. President Ronald Reagan, who was inaugurated just five days before the freed hostages came to West Point, believed that the “military city,” which the federal government could seal off to the public if needed, would protect the returning hostages from the news media.

The hostages’ West Point “Welcome Home” began 17 miles north of the U.S. Military Academy at Stewart International Airport. They landed in America at 2:55pm on January 25, 1981

and quickly deplaned “Freedom One,” the Air Force VC-137 that had flown them approximately 4,000 miles from Wiesbaden, West Germany to Newburgh, New York. The 52 hostages were met by 139 relatives, various New York state representatives and airport personnel, and Lieutenant General Andrew J. Goodpaster ’39, the Superintendent of West Point. In a simple ceremony from within the MTA Terminal, Goodpaster addressed the hostages with the following words:

“Fellow Americans: With happy and thankful hearts we welcome you home. Your prayers and ours have been answered, and you are delivered from evil. You are free. You are safe. You are home. You stand here, at last, on native soil. West Point, this historic bastion of strength and duty, stands ready to serve you—hostages and families alike—on

whom the demands of duty and the requirements for strength have fallen so heavily. Through long months you have suffered for us, taken captive in our country’s service. Now let us here, on behalf of all Americans, begin in some small measure to respond with gratitude and assistance, as we join with you and your families, through God’s grace, reunited.”

Less than an hour after they landed, the hostages and their relatives packed a halfdozen green and white motor coaches for the trip to West Point. Thousands of people, nearly 20,000 according to estimates by local police, lined the back roads near the airport and waved flags as the buses exited. Travelling what was later dubbed “Freedom Road” (NY Route 207 and Temple Hill Road in New Windsor; NY Route 32 and Quaker Avenue in Cornwall; and U.S. Route 9W,

“You

A contingent of former Iran hostages and their family members are greeted by cadets upon leaving services at the Cadet Chapel on January 26, 1981.

Mountain Avenue and the West Point Highway in Highland Falls), the hostages were cheered by a hundred thousand more Hudson Valley residents who held up handwritten, heartfelt signs and had tied yellow ribbons on everything from telephone poles to mailboxes. Normally, it would take only a half an hour to make the trip from Stewart to West Point, but on this day, with the locals’ makeshift “Welcome Home” celebration in full patriotism mode, the journey took 70 minutes.

When the former hostages and their relatives reached the Thayer Hotel, they were shown to their flower-filled rooms. The then 170-room hotel was emptied the day before so that its special guests would have the facility to themselves. Furthermore, the hotel increased its staff by more than onethird, providing approximately 250 employees for approximately 190 guests, so that the former hostages would get “nothing but the best” for the next few days. Once in their rooms, the first thing many of the hostages did, according to Thayer bell captain Wayne Steinke, was make a longdistance call to a loved one.

A little while later, the hostages and their families were treated to an AllAmerican dinner of turkey, lobster, apple pie and ice cream in the Cadet Mess Hall. Then-Cadet Becky Halstead ’81, the first female graduate of West Point to become a general officer, greeted Commander Don Sharer, one of the senior officers held in captivity and a friend of the Halstead family, on the steps of Washington Hall. After hugging him and shaking his hand, Halstead stepped back, saluted, and said, “Welcome home, sir!” Sharer smiled and replied, “It’s great to be home!” Showing their collective appreciation for their guests, cadets cheered and banged silverware against plates as the freed hostages entered the Cadet Mess.

Back at the Thayer Hotel, staff had set up a hospitality suite so that the hostages could cap their first night home doing something traditionally

seen as “American”: watching the Super Bowl. As it happens, Super Bowl XV between the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles was played on the same day that the hostages returned to the United States. According to Vic Galu, the bartender on duty that night, when the national anthem was sung before kickoff, two hostages who were Marines, still in their dress blues, stood at attention. “Then everybody stood up,” he said.

The following day, about 100 guests attended an ecumenical service, presided by a Protestant minister and a Catholic priest, at the Cadet Chapel, with the Cadet Choir taking part in the service. Throughout the day, the freed hostages walked the grounds of West Point, some jogged it, and a few of the younger former hostages hung out in the hotel’s game room, playing pinball and video games. Some of the Marine freed hostages also visited the West Point Elementary School to thank the school children for the “Welcome Home” signs they hung in the Thayer Hotel. That evening, the former hostages were treated to a filet mignon dinner in the Cadet Mess Hall, again getting a standing ovation from the Corps of Cadets as they entered.

On Tuesday, 41 of the former hostages held a press conference in Eisenhower Hall before leaving West Point for Washington, DC. “We have a love affair with this town and this

Academy,” said Bruce Laingen, former charge d’affaires of the American Embassy in Teheran, during his opening remarks. “With General Goodpaster and Mrs. Goodpaster and all of the others who have made our stay here so welcome, including the staff— And all those wonderful people over at the Hotel Thayer.” As the former hostages left the grounds of West Point later that morning, the Corps of Cadets lined the road as an Honor Guard. The former hostages have never forgotten the hospitality they received at West Point and the Thayer Hotel. Fifteen of them returned to the Academy in 2011 for a 30-year anniversary celebration, and Don Cooke, a Foreign Service officer taken hostage along with the other Americans at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, returned to the Thayer Hotel in 2016 to watch the Super Bowl, just like he did 35 years prior. During the 30th reunion, cadets lined Thayer Road to welcome the former hostages back. Barbara Rosen, the wife of hostage Barry Rosen later spoke at a panel marking the occasion, telling cadets that they gave her a second chance to truly feel everything she experienced in 1981. “When you reenacted [the welcome home] for us today, those feelings were so strong it brought tears to my eyes,” Rosen said, “and it did so for many of the others being welcomed.” 

Throngs of well-wishers packed West Point’s Thayer Gate to welcome the buses carrying the freed hostages to the Thayer Hotel, where they stayed for their first night on American soil after 444 days of captivity in Iran.