By Bill Murphy Jr.

I first met Joseph Kopser '93 six years ago in Mosul, Iraq. He he was an Army major serving in a cavalry squadron at the time, and I was a reporter for The Washington Post.

Kopser, 42, who retired from the military last week, is now the CEO and co-founder of an Austin, Tex. start-up called RideScout -- a smartphone application that aggregates all of a user's potential ground transportation options in real time, everything from buses and Zipcar to rideshare options with friends or strangers.

On Memorial Day, we remember members of our military who made the ultimate sacrifice. I've interviewed thousands of soldiers over the years. One thing they've told me repeatedly is that the best way to honor that sacrifice is to remember those who gave their lives -- and to live lives worthy of them. Today, I'd like to start telling you about some veterans who do just that. These are men and women who become entrepreneurs, trying to change the world for the better.

Veterans bring amazing advantages to the entrepreneurial game -- things like discipline, perspective, leadership ability, and the learned skill of seeing problems as opportunities -- to say nothing of having accomplished ambitious goals with the weight of a gigantic bureaucracy on their backs.

Read more from Inc.

Fort Bliss and El Paso said goodbye to its native commander and hello to a new leader with proven combat chops on Thursday.

Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard '81, an El Paso native, relinquished command of Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division to Maj. Gen. Sean B. MacFarland '81 during a ceremony attended by more than 1,000 soldiers, family members, and El Paso civic leaders.

"It's been an absolute pleasure to command the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss," Pittard said during the ceremony. "To command a division in my hometown has been an incredible experience.

"I'm blessed to be able to turn over command to an old friend and West Point classmate," Pittard continued. "I've known Gen. MacFarland since we were teenagers" at the U.S. Military Academy.

MacFarland, a native of upstate New York, most recently served in a dual role as deputy chief of staff for operations for the International Security Assistance Force in Afghan istan and as deputy commanding general for operations for U.S. forces there.

MacFarland is a "combat seasoned leader," Gen. Daniel B. Allyn '81, commander of Forces Command, said after the ceremony.

"He knows Fort Bliss from multiple tours here," Allyn said. "He knows how to lead. That's what he'll bring to the team. It's going to be exceptional."

Read more

Five All-Americans, the first American to walk in space, a Heisman Trophy runner-up, an Army Athletic Association Award winner, two legendary coaches and an administrator who also contributed as a multi-sport athlete, are among the candidates selected into the Army Sports Hall of Fame. Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Boo Corriganannounced the Class of 2013 today.

The 10th induction class into the Army Sports Hall of Fame includes women's basketball standout Julie DelGiorno '86, two-time football All-American selections Paul Bunker (Class of 1903) and Richard "Dick" Nowak '64, lacrosse coach Jack Emmer, cross country and track and field mentor Carleton Crowell, three-time soccer All-American Jose Gonzalez '65, football, baseball player, and administrator Al Vanderbush '61, football, men's basketball, and lacrosse star Charles "Monk" Meyer '37, tight end Gary Steele '70, and Ed White '52, the space walker who first starred in track and field and soccer at the Academy.

The Class of 2013 brings the total of Army Sports Hall of Fame inductees to 99 and encompasses nine sports.

"Once again, the Hall of Fame committee has done a tremendous job," said Corrigan. "This worthy class of leaders on the field and off the field ranges from 1903 to 2005 and includes 10 individuals who have selflessly served their country. We are excited to showcase these leaders of character in September and honor their hard work, dedication and excellence."

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For the first time in four years, the weather cooperated and the Corps of Cadets, dressed in their full-dress gray uniforms, marched in the Alumni Review parade honoring those classes that have returned to West Point during Graduation Week. This year, the Classes of ’38, ’43JAN, ’43JUN, ’48, ’58, and ’63 came home to their alma mater. As part of the ceremony, the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) recognized six individuals with the Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA): Robert G. Yerks '51, John W. Foss '56, Lee R. Anderson '61, Theodore G. Stroup Jr. '62, Joseph E. DeFrancisco '65, and Boonsrang Niumpradit '71. With this group of recipients, the number of Distinguished Graduates crossed the 100 threshold. Edward C. Meyer '51, former Chairman of WPAOG, devised the Award in the early-1990s to recognize those graduates whose character, service, and stature draws wholesome comparisons to the qualities for which West Point strives—Duty, Honor, Country. "West Point’s motto works for any country in the world and is a requirement for all citizens of a democracy," said Boonsrang, who finished his military career in 2008 as the 26^th Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (equivalent to the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff). While their credentials reminds one of the oft-heard West Point phase, "Much of the history we teach was made by those we taught," all the recipients were humbled to be recognized as a Distinguished Graduate. "I went through the sally port on R-Day with a toothbrush in a brown paper bag," said Anderson, "and I had no idea how four years at West Point would change my life." For those whose lives are about to change on Saturday with the words, "Class Dismissed!" Foss offered these words: "Graduates of the Class of 2013 will have great careers as long as they understand their leadership responsibilities." When asked what he meant by this, he said that 58 years after Graduation he often thinks of his time as a cadet at the Academy, but more than that he thinks of his soldiers.

See DGA photos.  See Alumni Review photos.

It was finals week at NYU and Lindsey Melki '04 was racing from grueling exam to exam in courses like foundations of finance and corporate finance, grinding toward dual master’s degrees in business administration and public administration.

But this was easy duty.

Especially for a lady with a bachelor's degree from West Point and more than seven years in the military behind her, including 500 combat hours in Black Hawk helicopters over Baghdad in the 4th Battalion of the 3rd Aviation Regiment of the U.S. Army.

"This fall, I will start NYU's Wagner School of Government working on a master's in government administration," she says. "I'd like to work in city government, in veterans affairs, helping my fellow veterans. I was lucky to be chosen for a David Bohnett Fellowship that is paying for my tuition."

No, lucky us.

We could use more women with real-life experience in city government.

Read more from the Daily News.

The West Point Class of 1967 arrived at the United States Military Academy during the heady days of the early 1960s when it appeared that America was destined for a century of unrivaled success. Four years later, when the members of that class were graduated and commissioned as officers in the United States Army, the country was embroiled in a strange and unpopular war in Southeast Asia. The Class of 1967 paid a high price in that war, yet most stayed strong, bonding as brothers and as soldiers in a way that has endured through to the present.

Into Harm's Way, a feature documentary produced by the West Point Center for Oral History, is an honest look at the shadow war casts long after the guns have fallen silent, and at how the Vietnam War in particular continues to occupy an unsettled place in the American psyche.

PBS will be airing the documentary for the first time this month. Check your local listings!

Scheduled Airings Through June 15, 2013

Freedom Child has enjoyed an eventful career for a sophomore runner who only had one win, but everything finally went right for the Malibu Moon ridgling May 11 at rain-whipped Belmont Park.

Romping in the slop by 13 1/4 lengths to take the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes, the chestnut runner punched his ticket to the June 8 Belmont Stakes.

Owned by West Point Thoroughbreds (no affiliation to the Military Academy), St. Elias Stable (owned by Vinnie Viola '77), and his breeder, Spendthrift Farm, Freedom Child rebounded off a 10th-place finish in the April 6 Wood Memorial Stakes, in which he ran for purse money only after being held in the gate by an assistant starter and getting away poorly.

Three starts prior to the Wood, Freedom Child tangled with eventual Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands winner Orb, but was passed by that one after setting the pace. He would finish second by two lengths in the one-mile maiden special weight Nov. 24 at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Freedom Child eventually went on to break his maiden in his fourth start by 5 1/4 lengths going 1 1/8 miles wire-to-wire at Gulfstream Park March 10.

"We thought we were set to run well in the Wood; we just had a little bit of bad luck," said Terry Finley '86, president of West Point Thoroughbreds. "The next day we put a circle around the Peter Pan. I think we're going to the Belmont Stakes in about four weeks [now].

"I hope Orb runs well in the Preakness and the whole world is watching for the Belmont, and I hope we upset the apple cart."

Read more and watch the win

GEI Consultants, Inc., one of the nation's leading geotechnical, environmental, water resources, and ecological science and engineering firms, has elected six individuals as new vice presidents.

"I am very pleased that our leadership team continues to expand and advance with the promotion of these highly regarded senior professionals," said Ray Hart, president of GEI. "We appreciate their growing leadership contributions and continuing commitment to GEI's success."

One of the six new vice presidents will be Christopher W. Dailey, West Point Class of 1992. As senior environmental and construction services manager, branch manager, and vice president in GEI's Mount Laurel, N.J. office, he is responsible for expanding GEI's market presence and operations in southern New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Dailey has more than 20 years of experience in construction and environmental consulting, which has included a large number of projects for the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He is a proven project manager who provides quality work products and close client coordination for both the public and private sector. Dailey received his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; his Master of Science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri, Rolla; and his MBA from Drexel University, where he has been an adjunct professor for 14 years in the university’s construction management program.

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - When the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, occurred, many Americans were deeply affected and some were moved to serve their country. Because he grew up in New York state, Capt. William Denn III '06, commander of Alpha Company, 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 704th MI Brigade, found that the events made him more determined than ever to serve.

Denn, who received his acceptance letter to West Point dated Sept. 11, 2001, said he wasn't initially sure if the Army would be a career for him but after his first couple of years he realized it would be.

"I grew to love the Army, and I realized how much I admired and respected the American soldier," he said. "I love leading soldiers in combat."

The intelligence officer, who once served as an M1A2 Abrams Tank platoon leader during a 15-month tour in Iraq, is a recipient of the General MacArthur Leadership Award. This is given to company-grade officers who demonstrate outstanding leadership characteristics and embody the ideals held up by Gen. Douglas MacArthur: duty, honor, and country. Fewer than 30 officers receive this honor each year.

Photographed: Capt. William Denn III, commander of Alpha Company, 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 704th MI Brigade, poses with his team during the Bataan Memorial Death March.

Read more about Denn

Denn is in good company. Five of his classmates -- Captain James Perkins, Captain Shane Sullivan, Captain Benjamin Summers, Captain Jasmine Walker, and Captain Andrew Webb -- also received the MacArthur Leadership Award. Captain Michael Kelvington and Captain Widmar Roman, both Class of 2005, are also recipients this year.

Read more about the award

Gen. Daniel B. Allyn '81 assumed command of the Army's largest organization -- U.S. Army Forces Command -- during a ceremony last week at Fort Bragg, N.C.

FORSCOM is responsible for 265,000 active-duty Soldiers and 560,000 Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers stationed across the country. These men and women are the strength of the United States and the U.S. Army, Allyn said during his remarks.

"They are why it is such a privilege and joy to serve and lead, and [they] have borne the brunt of the nation's burden since 9/11 with grace, confidence, competence, and quiet professionalism," he said.

"Our mission in Army Forces Command remains vital to our nation's defense," Allyn said. "Forces Command sustains its legacy of excellence because of a solid foundation based on commitment to service and our Army values. On this foundation stand the determined Soldiers and talented civilians of Forces Command who understand the importance of the work the Army is doing at home and around the world."

During the ceremony, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno '76, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, promoted Allyn to the rank of general before passing him the FORSCOM colors in front of an audience of nearly 300, including U.S. Army and local civilian leaders.

Read more

Hundreds of Army officers and senior enlisted soldiers were given a pep talk Thursday from a coaching legend, as Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski '69 paid a visit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Known in some circles simply as "Coach K," Krzyzewski coached Lt. Gen. Robert Brown '81, commanding general of I Corps and Lewis-McChord, when Brown played basketball at West Point from 1977-81. The two men have remained close friends.

Krzyzewski, who has won more games than any other men’s Division I college basketball coach, discussed his experience guiding the U.S. men’s basketball team to gold during last year’s London Olympics. He said it offers lessons about team-building that apply as much to the battlefield as the hardwood.

“There’s nothing more important that we do than build a team,” Brown told the audience in introducing his mentor.

South Carolina's State Superintendent of Education Mitchell M. "Mick" Zais, West Point Class of 1969, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Public Education from The Citadel Board of Visitors on Saturday. His citation reads as follows:

Mitchell M. "Mick" Zais, Ph.D. is passionate about education. As South Carolina's State Superintendent of Education, he believes that every student should attend an excellent school and be taught by outstanding teachers. In pursuit of this ideal, Dr. Zais has dedicated his career to excellence in education.

Zais graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds master's and Ph.D. degrees in organizational behavior and social psychology from the University of Washington. He also holds a master's degree from the School for Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and was a research fellow at the National Defense University.

After graduation from West Point, Zais served in the Army for 31 years, retiring as a brigadier general. He was assigned to infantry units in Vietnam, the United States, and Korea and served as commanding general of U.S. and Allied forces in Kuwait and of Operation Provide Refuge. In that role, he led the task force that cared for 4,000 Kosovo refugees in the United States. He also taught leadership, organizational behavior, and management consulting on the faculty at West Point. His career culminated as the chief of staff of the U.S. Army Reserve Command.

His numerous military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. After military service, Zais became president of Newberry College, a private, liberal arts institution that saw its enrollment and endowment nearly double under his leadership. During his tenure, Newberry was named one of America's best colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

In 2011, Zais became South Carolina's 17th State Superintendent of Education. In recognition of his military service to our country and his leadership in education in South Carolina, The Citadel Board of Visitors is proud to present Dr. Mitchell M. "Mick" Zais with the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Education.

Inspiration is the good that comes from tragic loss.

That's the view of aspiring recording artist Daniel Rylander as he and his family mark the one-year anniversary of his brother’s death in Afghanistan.

Army 2nd Lt. David Rylander '11 died a year ago today of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated under his vehicle in Logar province. He was 23.

The loss prompted Daniel Rylander to follow his heart and compile a CD in his brother's memory.

"I felt very passionate and very strong that I had to do something," Daniel said in a recent interview. "When life blows up in your face, now is the time."

Daniel, 20, said his brother's death inspired him to jump into his passion, music, in a big way. David also was very interested in music and sang in the choir at West Point and played bells at the U.S. Military Academy.

After David was killed, Daniel decided not to go back to school but rather sought to record a CD when not working at Becker's Bake Shop in Cleveland.

He has been recording Strawberry Skyline for several months with the assistance of Wes McCraw at McCraw's Creekside Audio studio in Norton and hopes to complete it in a few months.

Read more

(Photographed, left to right, Sarah Rylander, Stephen Rylander, Daniel Rylander, and parents John and Jackie Rylander taken at the Boy Scout Camporee held in 2nd Lt. David Rylander's memory at West Point, NY.)

Hargrave Military Academy hosted Lieutenant General William Caldwell '76 for their Distinguished Speaker Series Tuesday.  

Caldwell, a Hargrave graduate who went on to the United States Military Academy at West Point, visited campus to share his military experiences with the cadets.

He shared lessons he's learned over his military career, which spans almost 40 years. Caldwell also offered advice to cadets considering a future in the military, telling them that college should be a top priority even if you choose to serve.

Caldwell also stressed the importance of humility, which he said has kept him grounded as he rose through the ranks to become a three star general.

Read more

Watch newscast

The Army provides many areas to serve, but for one soldier, his path was always predetermined. It just took a specific point in time to acknowledge it to himself.

U.S. Army Maj. Kenneth Bolin '96, the chaplain for the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, always knew he would end up serving in the ministry. He just didn’t know how long it would take him to get there. 

Bolin, a West Point graduate, served four years as an infantry officer, then three years as a signal officer before finally accepting his intended mission.

"That was God's calling. I had always known that I was going to end up in ministry, but I didn't know when. It was while I was in company command that God effectively said that it was time to go. Enough running from God," said Bolin.

Bolin entered the ministry service through a non-denominational Bible church and then became an Anglican minister. 

Read more

When Capt. Alexander McRae, Class of 1851, saw his cause was lost beyond hope, he "drew out his pistol and, calmly seating himself on one of his guns, defended it until he was shot to death."

That's how a lieutenant who witnessed the Battle of Valverde in February 1862 described the death of McRae, who was raised in a prominent Fayetteville family and died a Civil War hero.

But unlike his brothers and neighbors, McRae did not fight for the Confederacy. Despite the pleas of his father and the pull of his Southern homeland, the West Point graduate remained loyal to the Union.

"Alexander was a West Point graduate," Daws said. "As an officer, you take an oath of allegiance, and that oath of allegiance weighs heavy. Swearing on the holy Bible that you will remain loyal, that carried a lot of weight back then."

The family has bought a paver for Alexander at Fayetteville's Airborne & Special Operations Museum.

"It's going to be interesting to see how it's perceived by the Southerners," James McRae said. "My experience growing up and talking to folks from the North, they don't seem to remember the Civil War like the Southerners do."

Fayetteville city historian Bruce Daws plans to incorporate the marker into the downtown tours he gives to hundreds of schoolchildren each year.

The marker will include a citation from McRae's commanding officer, Col. Edwin Canby: "Pure in character, upright in conduct, devoted to his profession, and of a loyalty that was deaf to the seduction of family and friends, Capt. McRae died as he lived, an example of the best and highest qualities a man can possess."

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When Colonel (Ret.) Benjamin W. Heckemeyer ’35 was a cadet, the United States Military Academy at West Point had a course in hippology, the Army had more boats than the Navy, and one of his tactical officers was Major Omar Bradley ’15. Some things, however, haven’t changed much in the eight decades since he squared corners as a plebe: he poured coffee and milk for upperclassmen as part of dining duties; he dressed in full uniform for Saturday morning inspections; and his time at Beast was absolutely “beastly.” Would he do it all over again? “With no hesitation,” he says. “I have to say that, even after all these years, my proudest moment was receiving my appointment to West Point.” Today, the Long Gray Line celebrates Colonel Heckemeyer’s 102nd birthday. Read more about Colonel Heckemeyer’s recollections as a cadet and watch an interview MAJ Ranee Rubio ’99 conducted with the Head of the Long Gray Line.

On March 7, 2013, Thomas P. McKenna '53 received the Wiliam E. Colby Award for his 2011 book Kontum: The Battle to Save South Vietnam.  The Colby Award recognizes a first work of fiction or nonfiction that has made a major contribution to the understanding of military history, intelligence operations or international affairs.

"Assigned as a miltary advisor to the 23rd Division, McKenna participated in the battle of Kontum and in his book combines his personal experiences with years of interviews and research from primary sources to describe the events leading up to the invasion and the battle itself."

Full Story

Brig. Gen. Nadja West '82, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1/4/6 for the United States Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) will be promoted to Major General. This promotion will make West the first African American two-star general in the United States Army Medical Command.

Come Monday, Tennessee Titans fullback Collin Mooney '09 will arrive at the team’s facility for the first day of off-season workouts.

The former Army football standout, West Point graduate and current 1st lieutenant in the Army Reserves will try to make the Titans roster for a second straight season in 2013.

But for the past two weeks, the uniform he has donned is that of the military. He is completing a two-week obligation to the Army Reserves by recruiting high school students at some 90 area schools as potential Army recruits.

Is Mooney a military man playing professional football? Or is he a football player who just happens to have a military gig as a commissioned officer?

“I am a military man playing football,” he said firmly. “That’s what I came out of high school wanting to do. The NFL came out of nowhere, really.

“I had planned on serving my country and going to West Point and being an officer. The opportunity just presented itself to go to the NFL, and I just couldn’t pass that opportunity up.”

Read more from Fox Sports

As West Point conferences go, it was a great event at the United States Military Academy this past weekend. Graduates from many different walks of life attended; a 2002 grad, currently leading the Illinois Dept. of Veterans' Affairs, talked about how Army and Academy experience informed support for veterans. A cadet panel impressed the "Old Grads" with their tales of tough field training and international adventures -- one combat-arms-destined senior joked about being nicknamed "Ranger Roger" by other cadets.

In a panel about healing, a survivor of severe spinal cord injury from a parachute accident (not the only grad in the room with that experience) joined a cancer survivor to talk about their work helping others with more serious problems. A two-star general spoke movingly of 11 soldiers lost on deployment in Iraq, while another general nodded mutely; another senior officer talked about realizing that a third deployment had triggered PTSD symptoms.

The head of the Academy's Psychology curriculum talked about "resiliency training," preparing troops to survive the emotional challenges of battle. A Navy Captain talked about flying combat aircraft.

Most moving was the memorial. The reading of names of those lost: on the battlefield, to cancer, some tragically to suicide. The Chaplain -- yet another West Point grad -- reminding us of the business we're in, and how the reminder of death can keep us living life, every second, in support of our values and our personal missions. The playing of taps. And the sound of voices raised, many tear-filled, singing the verses of the Alma Mater.

In particular, that last -- the raised voices -- was stunning. Because all the voices were female.

This was the West Point Women's Summit, and each of those mentioned above (except Navy Captain Michelle Guidry) was a woman graduate (or cadet) of the Academy: Erica Borggren '02, Cadet Sara Roger '13, Nancy Hogan '95, Joan Grey '80, Lil Pfluke '80, MG Heidi Brown '81, BG (ret) Anne McDonald '80, COL Donna Brazil '83, Donna McAleer '87, Cynthia Lindenmeyer '90.

Read more by Sue Fulton '80

See photos of the summit

The memory is still fresh for Pamela Sykes-Barrett, even eight years later.

As she stood on the Strip outside the Cosmopolitan at the Windy25 Memorial 5K on Saturday, her mind drifted back to that tragic day in 2005. Her eyes welled up with tears as she stared off into the distance, looking back on the day she heard the bad news.

The day she learned her son, Spc. Pendleton Sykes II, and 15 others died in a helicopter crash in Ghazni, Afghanistan.

She's not alone. Sykes-Barrett is surrounded by mothers, fathers, spouses, children, and extended family, who also lost loved ones in the crash. For the past three years, many of them have gathered for this race. They form a family forever unified by a single tragedy, and this race is their reunion.

"It's hard every year," said Gloria Hackwith, who lost her son Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Clint Prather. "We're glad to be here because we've become a family. It's nice."

The Windy25 Memorial 5K is held to commemorate the 11 passengers and five fallen members of the Windy25 flight crew and to raise money for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Race organizer Craig Wilhelm '93, who was the commander of the Chinook Company when the helicopter crashed, said about 500 participants signed up for the third annual race, raising more than $46,000 for TAPS.

Wilhelm said the race has raised about $130,000 in three years, but more importantly, it has increased awareness of the people who died in combat and the families they left behind.

Read more from the Las Vegas Sun

An active volunteer, honor student, and varsity athlete from Fort Lee, Va., 17-year-old Nicole Daly, is the Army's 2013 Military Child of the Year.

Growing up in a military family, Daly (the daughter of Ed '87 and Cathy '91 Daly) has moved nine times and attended three high schools. Despite her busy life, she still finds time to volunteer for military-related activities and maintains a 4.7 grade point average.

Daly received the award last week from Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno '76.

"The thing that impresses me the most about Nicole is she's taken a difficult situation -- many deployments by her dad -- to use that as an inspiration for her to help others," said Odierno at Operation Homefront's Military Child of the Year award ceremony.

"By doing that, she's become an inspiration to me," he said.

Daly has earned varsity letters in cross country and track and runs half-marathons with her father, the Chief of Ordnance and Commandant of the Ordnance Center and School at Fort Lee, Va. Her mother is a former Quartermaster Officer.

Read more via Army.mil

The Wakefield High School Education Foundation will induct seven new Hall of Fame members at an awards ceremony at the school on May 17.

The Hall of Fame was created to recognize alumni or staff who have made significant contributions to society or who have brought acclaim or recognition to Wakefield. Those selected for the Hall of Fame have a widespread reputation, and serve as models to which students can aspire, foundation officials said.

Those honored as the sixth class inducted into the Wakefield High School Hall of Fame include Dr. William Lang, who graduated from Wakefield in 1979 and from West Point in 1983. Lang served as the Army White House Physician from 1996 to 1999 and was deputy director of the White House Medical Unit and deputy physician to the president in 2000. He also has served as assistant chief medical officer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Read more

Fort Bragg's commander is taking a new post, but he won't have to move far. Lieutenant General Daniel B. Allyn '81 was selected for appointment to the rank of four-star general and to become commanding general of Forces Command, which is based at Fort Bragg. The appointment requires congressional approval. Allyn, the commanding general of the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, has been in his current post since June 2012. A native of Berwick, Maine, and a 1981 graduate of West Point, Allyn has commanded troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. He will replace General David Rodriguez '76, who was introduced last week as the new head of U.S. Africa Command. Read more.

The regional combine process has produced at least one signing by an NFL team as the Indianapolis Colts have inked former Army standout pass rusher Josh McNary '11 to a contract.

According to Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star, McNary's mandatory enlistment in the Army following his time in West Point kept him from being drafted after graduating in 2011. McNary was one of more than 200 players invited to the Super Regional Combine in Dallas on Sunday.

The 6-foot, 250-pound McNary is Army's all-time sack leader. He recorded 28 sacks as a rush linebacker for the Black Knights during his college career.

via NBC Sports
Photo by Tommy Gilligan

Watch one of the greatest plays in Army Football history, McNary's touchdown return in the Armed Forces Bowl!

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is pleased to announce that the 2012 recipient of the Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award is Dr. Robert K. Tener '57, P.E., Ph.D., DBIA. The Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor DBIA can bestow. It is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the design and construction industry through outstanding leadership and the advancement of integrated design-build project delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the DBIA Board of Directors, 2012 Chair Robert Nartonis praised Tener: "Bob Tener has dedicated his career to serving his country, his industry, and the next generation of construction and engineering professionals. His work exemplifies the kind of diversified and significant accomplishment that DBIA honors with the Bruelleschi medal. I can think of no one more deserving."

Tener's career spans the spectrum of design and construction: He has worked in the public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he later served on the civil engineering faculty, Tener earned Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in structural engineering from Iowa State University. He became a registered professional engineer in 1963 and was named a Fellow of ASCE in 1988.

Accepting the award, Tener, who now volunteers with the ACE Mentor program in Southern California, urged the audience composed of design and construction professionals, specialty contractors, and public and private owners to promote engagement between industry and schools of design and construction.

Forty-four years ago, Lt. William G. Haneke was pronounced dead five times over 48 hours.

The National Park Service officially dedicated the Charles Young Buffalo Soldier National Monument on April 2.  Born to enslaved parents, Charles Young, Class of 1889, was the highest ranking African American commanding officer from 1894 until his death in 1922.  He served nearly his entire military career with the all-black 9th and 10th Calvary regiments, the “Buffalo Soldiers.” He was the third African American to graduate from West Point in 1889 and the last African American to complete West Point until 1936, the first African American superintendent of a national park, and the fourth soldier to be honored with a funeral service at the Arlington Amphitheater before being buried in Arlington Cemetery.

Another graduate, Brian Shellum ’76, shown here on the left briefing Secretary Salazar, helped bring Young’s story to light.  He has written two books on Young, Black Cadet in a White Bastion: Charles Young at West Point, and Black Officer in a Buffalo Soldier Regiment: The Military Career of Charles Young.  Shellum is working closely with the National Park Service on the layout and content of this 401st and newest unit of the National Park System.

Read more about this story by clicking here.

KABUL, Afghanistan - Lt. Gen. Kenneth E. Tovo '83 assumed command of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan (NTM-A) and Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A) from LT. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger at a ceremony at Camp Eggers.

Lt. Gen. Tovo is a 1983 graduate of the United States Military Academy. He holds master's degrees from the U.S. Army War College, and the Army Command and General Staff College. Prior to his new assignment he was commander of Special Operations Command Central in Tampa, Fla. As the dual-hatted commander of both NTM-A and CTSC-A, Lt. Gen. Tovo leads coalition support of the International Security Assistance Force to enable accountable, Afghan-led security by Dec. 31, 2014. 

"The coming months will continue to be marked by transition and change especially within this organization," Lt. Gen. Tovo said. "Functions and processes may migrate to other units; some elements may be downsized or eliminated as their mission ends. But one thing will not change: the nations of NATO and the entire coalition remain committed to assisting [Afghanistan] to continue the build of effective security forces -- from the individual soldier and policeman all the way up to the ministerial level."

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The Department of Defense has announced the selection of six appointees to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). Three of the new appointees are West Point graduates: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lindenmeyer '90, Donna McAleer '87, and Retired Army Lt. Col. Hae-Sue Park '87. 

"The committee's work continues to be vital to the Department of Defense, especially as we move forward integrating women into previously closed occupational specialties and units within the U.S. military," said Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica Wright. "I am thankful for the service of these new committee members as they join the ranks of those who have been catalysts for change in our Armed Forces."

The committee, established during the Korean War in 1951 by Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall, is an independent advisory committee that provides the department with advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces.  

Read more from the Department of Defense

Kevin Batule (left) ‘83, Peter McCall (middle) ‘70, and Barret Haight (right) ‘59, unveil a plaque with the details of the new Army Baseball Dedication Room at the Historic Thayer Hotel at West Point on March 30. All three graduates are former Army baseball players and were on the committee that designed the concept for the dedication room. The room is filled with Army baseball memorabilia and is one of many dedication rooms in the hotel’s inventory which recognize distinguished West Point graduates.

DONGDUCHEON, South Korea - A very modest Capt. Andrew C. Webb '06 would have you believe he's just like any other soldier, and clearly hoped the talk about his behavior would quietly go away. But that's the burden you reap when you stand head and shoulders above your peers.

"In this battalion there are a number of great company commanders, I don't really feel like I'm better than any one of them on any given day," said Webb, commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. "It's just our guys have had a number of really good successes and that's what has paid off."

But Webb is certainly doing something right. This month he was notified that he is one of only 28 officers from across the Army being awarded the 2012 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. Webb, from Lynchburg, Va., was the winner of the Eighth Army board composed of the best company-grade leaders from across the Korean peninsula, and was selected again at the national level. 

"The key is to set the structure up so [my Soldiers] can succeed," said Webb. "We have to break people of the ARFORGEN [Army Force Generation] habit where they just show up and get training, and instill a sense of initiative in them.

"My advice for other commanders is just to set the structure up for your people to succeed and then get out of their way and let them do it."

Read more from Army.mil

Tune in to Shark Tank on April 19 at 9pm EST on ABC to watch designers Ashley Jung '04 and Paige Dellavalle '09 pitch their jewelry company, stella valle.

Critically acclaimed Shark Tank gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true, and possibly make a business deal that will make them a millionaire.

The designers know their experience as West Point cadets and U.S. Army officers doesn't make them obvious choices as chic arbiters of style. While they donned the drab, olive, camouflage fatigues that came with military life, their vision for life after the military remained lucid.

Founded in 2009, stella valle reflects the designers' pursuit to live out their lifelong aspirations in fashion and design despite their unique past. Capitalizing on their military background, they fused their mechanical training with a strong, diverse aesthetic sense -- and with the desire to create a brand that represented their innate sense of style and unique background -- came stella valle.

Just like the designers, the line perfectly marries masculine and feminine characteristics. The strong lines and geometric metalwork represent their strength and military past. These masculine design elements are balanced by feminine details and dainty crystals to portrait their inherent femininity and fashion future.

Tune in on April 19 to see if they get a deal!

Earlier this month, West Point alumni were among a group of 30 recently wounded U.S. military veterans and their guests who came to Vail through the Vail Veterans Program (VVP). All 30 wounded veterans received an all-inclusive expenses-paid trip that offered private adaptive ski/snowboard lessons and nightly group activities.

"We have a number of alumni come through the VVP and it goes beyond being a West Point grad or even being in the military, this program is an extension of service that represents hope and possibilities," said Col. Greg Gadson '89, VVP mentor. "For me, it was a window into the future possibilities of things I can do since losing my legs and about finding a new normal."

For Captain Seth Nieman '05 (pictured), who was injured in November 2012, it was his first chance to travel with his fiancée, Amy, since his injury occurred. "It's been a lot of fun to be here with my fiancée. I've loved being outside and re-learning how to ski. I've been on a bi-ski and have gone to the top of the mountain!"

The VVP is in its 10th year and is committed to bringing military injured and their families to Vail in both summer and winter. 

Watch video of the program featured on the TODAY show.

The Obama administration on Monday will officially designate the Wilberforce, Ohio, home of Col. Charles Young -- West Point graduate, military veteran, and the first black national park superintendent -- as a national monument, becoming part of the National Park System.

Young's home has been a National Historic Landmark since 1974. It will join the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico, First State National Monument in Delaware, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Maryland, and San Juan Islands National Monument in Washington state on the list of new monuments, the White House said.

Young, the son of former slaves, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1889, eventually rising through the ranks to become the first black man to reach the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. He became head of the park system in 1903. Young died in 1922 while visiting Nigeria; he was eulogized by historian and civil rights activist W.E. B. DuBois, and buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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This year was the debut of what may become an annual West Point Society of Tallahassee Founders Day event -- so far called "Ring Thing."

Created by Ron Morrell ’74, the concept is to gather all the West Point class rings and miniatures of those who want to participate. Rings are then arranged in a jeweler's display for everyone to look at during the event.  

Here are just some of the interesting things the Tallahassee Society learned along the way ...

• Rings represented classes from 1925 through 2009
• Two rings were lost and returned. One guy bought another... so he has two!
• Four replaced the original stone due to damage or owner choice.
• One original stone was switched, bezel copied, and the new item became a gift -- a lapel pin / tie tack
• Two couldn't get their rings off in order to participate.
• One is allergic to his ring and didn't know about Ring Thing so didn't bring it.
• One had never taken it off and didn't intend to ever do so!   
• Purchase price of one 1954 ring was $70 -- $60 for the gold ring and $10 for the stone!
• Some younger grads also have battle rings
• Three miniatures were presented as engagement rings
• One miniature's diamond was removed, pieces stored separately, and is maintained that way by the original owner's daughter who is also the wife of a grad
• One ring was removed surgically, cut off in the ER, re-sized later, and is again a part of daily wear

Top row (L to R) Wayne Lambert '59; Tom Moorhead; Alfred Devereaux Sr. '25, Alfred Devereaux Jr. '59, Melissa Devereaux; (owned by) David Rich '78; Doris (PeeWee) Lambert

Second Row (L to R) Greg Jones '69; Brad Boone '09; Bob Werner '55; Jodie Glore '69; Sandy Glore, Joann Boone; Elsie Bennette Mabry (PeeWee Lambert's Mom; Wayne's mother-in-law, Dwight Harvey's wife)

Third Row (L to R)  Dwight Harvey '25; Bill Wallis '70; Doug Boone '79; Leigh Fairbank '63; Robert Morris '54; Bisig '81, Marcia Moorhead

Bottom (L to R) Bill Webb '57; Lew Killian '69; David Rich '78; Ron Morrell '74; Steve Hammond '69; Adam Grant '09

The best ideas come from the American people. Everyone has a story to tell, everyone has a part to play.

All across the country, ordinary Americans are doing extraordinary things in their communities to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. Every week, the White House invites these Champions of Change to share their ideas to win the future.

This week, the White House honors 14 women veterans as Champions of Change. After honorably serving their country, these individuals went on to provide exemplary leadership in many areas at the local, state, regional, or national level.

Becky Kanis '91 is among this week's group. She graduated from the Academy in 1991 and served for nine years as an Officer in the US Army. Unwilling to continue deceiving her colleagues about her sexual orientation, she resigned her commission in 2000 and soon began working to end homelessness in New York City. After leading an effort that successfully reduced street homelessness in Times Square by over two thirds, Becky became the Director of the 100,000 Homes Campaign, a grassroots nationwide effort to find and house 100,000 of the most chronic and vulnerable homeless people by July 2014. The Campaign is coordinated by the New York City-based non-profit organization Community Solutions. Under Beckys leadership, it has already helped communities find permanent housing for more than 37,000 homeless Americans, including 13,000 veterans.

Read more from the White House

As U.S. Army Major Brent Skinner ’97 walks the streets of Kabul, he sees a population no different from those living anywhere else in the world. They push their children to study, they work hard, and they seek peace when they walk out their front door.

It's the same in every country the Staten Island native has visited in his 16-year military career.

"At the end of the day, a lot of people in these countries are just like us," said Skinner.

"They want to be safe, they want to be secure, have stability, and provide for their families. Everyone wants those basic human needs that we take for granted."

Skinner arrived in Afghanistan in September as the executive officer to Maj. Gen. Ken Dah ’82, the deputy commanding general for US Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A), responsible in part for the transfer of power back to the Afghan military and government.

"I travel around Afghanistan quite a bit," said Skinner in a recent interview with the Staten Island Advance at 7:30 p.m. Kabul time -- roughly nine hours ahead of New York.

"For the most part, they love to see us. We help the economy, we help provide for their safety and security, and the whole time we're doing that, we're trying to transition to the Afghan-led forces."

In his State of the Union address, President Obama announced the withdrawal of 34,000 American troops -- about half the U.S. force -- by February 2014. 

Skinner believes the time is right for self-government, despite continued reports of suicide bombings, including one last Wednesday that killed seven people at a traditional sporting event in the northern part of the country.

The following day, the American commander in Afghanistan put his troops on security alert after Afghan President Hamid Karzai made a string of anti-American statements.

"A lot of what you see is probably negative because that sensationalizes things and makes headlines," Skinner said. "But being on the ground day-to-day, interacting with the Afghan people, getting out to different parts of the country, you see the progress is real and tangible."

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Six generations of West Pointers in one family continue to tell stories of those who have committed to the demands of the Long Gray Line since it was founded by Congress in 1802. It is no coincidence that the United States Military Academy, as the oldest continuing U.S. Army military post, holds the high ground overlooking the Hudson River dating back to the Revolutionary War when it was first occupied by the Continental Army on January 27, 1778. Holding the high ground in service is what is demanded of each and every member of the Long Gray Line.

Over the last three years, James Malony '45 has recorded his life's stories with many humorous episodes in a book titled Kaleidoscope, Stories of a Free Spirit. In a second volume, Stories My Father Told Me, Malony compiled stories that are a history of his father's military years (1912-1945) including serving as a Division Commander in World War II in the 94th Infantry Division. (Both e-books are now available.)

Kaleidoscope, Stories of A Free Spirit covers a wide variety of situations and geographical locations, both domestic and abroad, several wars, two assassinations, four coups, and assignments in Philippines, Japan, Germany, Italy, Liberia, Nigeria, and Russia. The stories are filled with humor and show Malony's ability to survive and succeed against overwhelming odds. 

In Stories My Father Told Me, you will find a general's view of leading a Division in WWII, as well as many historical accounts of life in the Army before and during the war. These stories reflect a keen insight into the social and physical environment of the times. The stories represent a great collection of events that you will not find in history books, but are both fascinating and detailed.

Join Malony in tales that will take you from the building of the Panama Canal to diamond smuggling, from Hiroshima to the designing of the Edsel! Let him take you on a reality tour from the impact of a Marguerita to the "Cadet in the Red Sash" who starts each cadet's journey on the Long Gray Line.

Pull up an easy chair, brace yourself, you are in for an unforgettable ride down History Lane.

Malony is the latest member of a line of graduates that started in 1854. He will be celebrating his 90th birthday in September. Pictured, Malony as a cadet stands with his parents. His father, General Harry Malony, graduated in West Point's Class of 1912.

In 2011, Andrew Jensen '04 formed a 501c3 organization called Polar Vision. The group was formed with a former submarine officer, Alan Lock, who lost his eyesight at 23 to a disease known as macular degeneration. Undeterred, Lock went on to set a world record as the first visually impaired person to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Last January, Jensen and Polar Vision helped Lock set another world record as the first visually impaired person to ski from the Antarctic shoreline to the South Pole -- a distance of more than 570 miles.

Proceeds from that journey were used to make a donation to the oldest and largest provider of sight dogs in the US, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and for a group called Sightsavers International, which works on preventable blindness in developing countries.

At the time, their trek was covered by the NY Times and Bloomberg Businessweek.

A documentary about the trip is now finished and is set to be released later this month, exclusively through YouTube on their PolarVisionChannel. This is where we'll upload the release, along with tons of bonus material we shot. We're encouraging people to pass along this link and "Subscribe,"

"We're hoping learning a bit about what Alan overcame as someone who lost his eyesight will be encouraging to other veterans who may find themselves in similar positions and being challenged to overcome their own obstacles," Jensen says.

Lt. Col. Celia FlorCruz '82 and Maj. General Kenneth Dahl '82 have been married 30 years. General Dahl, a deputy commanding general for United States forces in Afghanistan, is stationed in Kabul, helping to oversee the withdrawal of troops from the country. Colonel FlorCruz flies Army helicopters and is currently commanding a medical unit of 700 at Fort Drum in upstate New York. He has done four tours overseas, she has done two. They began dating in 1980 during their junior year at West Point and have two college-age daughters. Their interviews have been edited and condensed.

How did you start dating?

Celia: My father was a West Point grad, a retired colonel. From the beginning my goal was to have a career in the Army and retire with 30 years in 2012 as a colonel. I hadn’t planned on marriage or kids. So when I met Kenny, I was not looking for a relationship.

Ken: My junior year we had a class near each other. I'd be trying to find a reason to pass her. I had a friend from the lacrosse team with a first-floor room and I'd run to his room, look out the window and when she was about to pass, I'd run out and we'd have a chance encounter. I finally got up the courage to ask her to the movies.

Celia: "It Came From Outer Space," at Thayer Hall, one of those 3-D movies with the glasses -- awful.

During the movie he handed me a Starlight peppermint; they didn't have refreshments. He had it in his pocket, which was a nice surprise. There aren't really pockets in dress grays -- just a tiny one at the hem. You have to unzip the bottom of the jacket, which you're not supposed to do in public.

Ken: I'm thinking, "What can I do to make this special?" To let her know it was not just a movie. The peppermint turned out to be a big deal. The rest of the time we were at West Point, I was leaving peppermints on her desk.

Read more from the New York Times

Alumni and guests are invited to the 20th Annual Alumni Golf Outing, 6-8 June 2013! The event includes two days of golf, prizes, all meals, a scenic boat ride on the Hudson, and dinner in the Haig Room of Jefferson Hall – with a spectacular view of West Point! Register now.

The West Point Women’s Summit is open to all.  Topics include ‘Connecting at the Point’, ‘Facing Challenges, Fostering Hope – Inspiring Wisdom, Wellness, Wit’ and ‘A Call to Action—Still Serving’.  Register now by clicking here.

West Point Founder's Day 2013 for the West Point Society of the Philippines enjoyed its biggest turnout in recent years with over 30 Old Grads coming together to celebrate the founding of our Alma Mater. Grads serving in government, the US Embassy in the Philippines, and who are actively serving the Philippine Army celebrated West Point's 211th year.  

Of course when a former President of the Philippine Republic and one of two Filipino Distinguished Grads of West Point asks you to punch the ceiling while yelling "Beat Navy!" you do so with the proper Army spirit! CPT Mark Posada '04 actually hit the ceiling with a ridiculously high jump so it looks like Army will finally break the 11 year losing streak. 

pictured from left - right: Federico Sanchez Jr '80, Jim Cizek '74, Mark Mistal '92, CPT Mark Posadas '04 (in uniform), and Former Philippine President Fidel "Eddie" Ramos '50.

A Joint Base Lewis-McChord Stryker brigade leader recently home from Afghanistan handed his post to a new commander today and closed the book on his 30-year career in the active-duty Army.

Col. Charles Webster filled his remarks at his change of command ceremony with "thank yous" to his fellow soldiers in the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and to his peers among Lewis-McChord's senior officers.

"What a day, one of I've been dreading for, oh, about 30 months (since he took command)," he said in his prepared remarks. "But what an adventure, not only the last 30 months, but also the last 30 years."

He's being followed by Col.Hugh Bair '90, who recently served as the operations officer in the Army's Warrior Transition Command. He led soldiers in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina for much of the past decade. He deployed with the airborne troops three times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.

Webster looked back at his time in the Army and praised the soldiers at his ceremony for volunteering to serve after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

"Over the past 12 years, we all witnessed an Army that transformed -- one that not only met the challenge of protecting our homes, but one that transformed to meet the enemies of our country in their home," he said.

Webster and his wife, Caroline, have three children. Their eldest daughter is a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy.

For the first time (that WPAOG is aware of) the 50-Year Affiliation Class has received a nod of appreciation in the cadets' class crest.

Everything in a class crest is symbolic. The bald eagles continues to maintain its traditional representation of freedom, spirit, and the pursuit of excellence. "USMA" serves as not only a representation of our alma mater but also as a physical embodiment of the core values engrained in each cadet: Duty, Honor, Country.

This year, the stars and stripes on the American flag are also symbolic. There are six stars on the left and six stripes on the right to honor the Class of 1966, the 50-Year Affiliation Class.

"To think that these plebes, who haven't been at West Point very long and who really do not yet understand the Long Gray Line, would even think to include a symbol of our class on their crest was unexpected and overpowering," said Al Nason '66, who attended the dinner with Cooper Wright '66. 

Read about past class crests

More about this year's crest:

The soldier in the center of the crest represents each member of the Class of 2016. With the class motto "With Honor We Lead," this soldier represents a warrior leading from the front as he or she rallies his or her soldiers and calls them forward. Placed between the cadet saber and officer saber, the soldier is leading the way from cadetship to officership, as all the members of the Class of 2016 must do for each other.

The eagle's wings are downward as if it is taking to flight. This motion represents the class's drive to reach newer heights and achievements. His wings are wrapping around the soldier representing protection, and, above all, the class coming together and internalizing the ideals and values of West Point.

The oak leaves to the left of "USMA" represent the endurance and strength of the class. The olive leaves on the right symbolize the peace and victory for which the cadets strive. The oak leaves are positioned in a place of honor to represent that it is this class's strength and endurance that will always see them through.

The class motto, "With Honor We Lead," is placed at the bottom of the crest to represent that it is their foundation, their bedrock, their crux. When all else fails, they WILL lead with honor.

USMA is placed at the top of the crest as a representation that it is the institution overseeing their soldierization and development into leaders of character.

The United States flag is placed in the background to represent that it is our nation that has made them who they are today. It is their heritage, and their reason for their call to serve. It is adorned with six stripes and six stars to forever connect the class with their 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1966. This serves as a reminder to not forget those who assisted them in getting where they are today and to remember where they have all come from.

The class year is placed separated, signifying that the class of 2016 is made up of what is contained within.

Finally, the compass refers to the direction a leader must provide for his or her soldiers; while, the Loral, with its 16 leaves, represents the Class of 2016 and the honor with which they have committed themselves to serve the sons and daughters of America's Army.

Austin Mohawk and Company, Inc. is pleased to announce that Thomas P. Giglio '95 joined the company as its Chief Executive Officer.  

Giglio joins Austin Mohawk after most recently serving as Business Unit Manager for Cooper Standard Automotive in Oscoda, Michigan. At Cooper Standard, Giglio was responsible for overseeing 190 employees and the daily operations of two automotive business units that supplied fuel and brake bundles to various OEMs and Tier One suppliers. Under Giglio's direction over the past five years, plant margin, on-time delivery, and quality ratings all improved dramatically for the more than $100 million in annual revenue he was responsible for.

During his career, Giglio has also served as COO and VP of Operations for Turbine Generator Maintenance, Inc. in Cape Coral, Florida. He also proudly served nine years in the United State Army, where he reached the rank of Captain, and served as Special Forces Battalion Operations Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Commander of Special Forces Operational Detachment, and Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of Fort Polk, Louisiana.  

"I am confident that we have found the right leader to take the reins and continue to grow the company. Tom's deep experience with time-sensitive manufacturing operations and uncompromising commitment to product quality is exactly what we were looking for in a CEO. His strong operations experience at a range of levels, including in the US military, is a perfect fit to lead Austin Mohawk through the next phase of growth," said company Chairman, John Millet. 

Focused on growth and bringing Austin Mohawk's operations to a new level, Giglio is eager to build upon the already strong Austin Mohawk brand, while keeping an eye on operational progress for the company.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to take over what Mr. Millet and his team has built over the years at Austin Mohawk," said Giglio. "I'm excited for what the future holds for this company and our people."

With pomp and circumstance and with a room filled to its rims, the ceremony for retiring Col. Y.T. Pak '83 was as it should be.

At the auditorium at the Asian-Pacific Center for Security Studies, his family sat in the front row.

His son 1st Lt. Jason Pak '11 was there marking a milestone of his own, making this day extra special.

"It happened in the blink of an eye," began Jason.

On December 12, 1st Lt. Pak, while on duty in Afghanistan, stepped on an IED.

In that instant, he lost his legs and two fingers, and broke several bones.

"I will never forget that day. I just wanted him to stay alive," said his father, Ret. Col. Pak.

Survive he did.

Fight he would.

See video from the ceremony

PwC US announces the addition of Greg Szczesny '94 as a managing director in the firm’s expanding Risk Assurance practice, where he will play a leading role developing the firm's conflict minerals service offering.  PwC is making significant investments in helping companies address provisions within the Dodd Frank Act around conflict minerals.  Szczesny will help drive this service, which includes delivering large-scale readiness projects to clients across all industries, focusing specifically in healthcare, retail and industrial products.

“Joining PwC’s Risk Assurance practice is the perfect fit for my background and I look forward to leveraging my previous experience working in conflict minerals to guide my clients through these new regulatory issues,” said Szczesny. “In addition, I’m happy to be joining a prestigious company such as PwC, and working with a team of valued and dedicated individuals.”

Szczesny received his B.S. in systems engineering and he earned his MBA in finance from Auburn University. He is a certified Project Management Professional, an ASQ certified Six Sigma Black Belt as well as a Senior Professional Human Resources. Szczesny is an active member of the Auburn University MBA Advisory Board and serves on the leadership committee for his local chapter of the American Society for Quality (ASQ). 

Before placing her father's ring into the crucible at the 13th Annual West Point Class Ring Memorial Melt held on March 4, 2013, at the Pease & Curren refinery in Warwick, Rhode Island, Catherine Downing, daughter of Colonel John P. Downing Jr. '45, told class officers present from the Class of 2014: "In ancient times, people believed that the blood that flowed from one's ring finger went straight to the heart. I know that the values my dad learned at West Point -- Duty, Honor, Country -- went straight to his heart. I hope for you cadets that my dad's heart's blood will strengthen you in your future." In fact, the strength coming from Colonel Downing's ring and the donated rings of 36 other graduates is making an impact on the cadets now.

Cadet Jeff Ferebee, President of the Class of 2014, noted that a strong feeling "swept over" him at the Ring Melt. "This event showed a special side of the West Point family paradigm," he said, "a group of those who have lived the dream and continue to live the dream by giving to us, the ones joining that family."

Family figured prominently in this year's Ring Melt. This year's ceremony saw the most family members of donors in attendance, including Colonel Richard Norton and his son Tim, who placed their uncle's ring, Colonel Robert McCord '47, into the crucible. Mr. Jake Ruppert '76 was also on hand to donate his own ring, wanting its gold to be part of the ring of his nephew, who is a member of the Class of 2014. Another living donor, Colonel (Ret) Kenneth Webber Jr. '48, divided his ring in two: half was donated last year so that its gold could be part of his granddaughter's class ring, Candace Webber '13, and this year his grandson, Cadet Kenneth Webber '14, and his son, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Kurt Webber '79, placed the other half into the crucible.

The most rings in this year's program came from the Class of 1964, the 50-Year Affiliation Class to that of 2014. Before placing the ring of her husband, Colonel Leon Yourtee III '64, into the crucible, his widow, Mrs. Roberta Yourtee, foretold of the familial bonds awaiting the cadets as members of the Long Gray Line. "The greatest gift my husband left me was the Class of 1964," she said.

The rings in the crucible, along with gold shavings taken from all Ring Melt ceremonies dating from the inaugural one in 2001 and now representing 293 rings, were melted in a 2,300-degree furnace and poured into a mold to form a solid gold bar weighing nearly two pounds. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the bar was turned over to Jayne Roland, a representative from Balfour, the jeweler contracted with manufacturing the rings that will be handed out to the Class of 2014 during Ring Weekend in August.

Upon inspecting the shiny new rings on their fingers, may the lessons and values contained in the gold reach the cadets’ hearts and may the gold reflect the faces of the Long Gray Line family to which they now rightly belong.

See photos

Watch video

Twenty-two years to the day when Operation Desert Storm ended, the general who commanded the coalition force ground offensive was laid to rest at West Point, N.Y.

A memorial service for retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, a U.S. Military Academy Class of 1956 graduate, was held at the Cadet Chapel Feb. 28 with family, friends and colleagues in attendance.

Following the service, Schwarzkopf was buried near his father, Maj. Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf Sr., at the West Point Cemetery. His father, a 1917 USMA graduate and cavalry officer, was a World War I veteran and founder of the New Jersey State Police and served as its first superintendent. A contingent of N.J. State Police officers, and also more than 100 USMA cadets, senior leaders, and staff and faculty, attended the services.

Retired Maj. Gen. Leroy Suddath '56 delivered the first memorial tribute, having met Schwarzkopf at the academy 61 years ago. At 21, Suddath had three years of college but admitted to not being so academically-inclined when he entered West Point. Having Schwarzkopf for a roommate was truly fortunate. At 17, Schwarzkopf was among the youngest in the Corps of Cadets and his classmates benefited from his knowledge of Middle Eastern culture and his dedication to the motto of "Duty, Honor, Country."

"He was a leader in the Corps of Cadets and, for Norman, academics were a piece of cake," Suddath said. "He spent more time helping his roommates than on his own studies."

Schwarzkopf graduated 43rd among 480 cadets in the Class of 1956 and commissioned from West Point as an infantry second lieutenant. After earning his master's in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California, Schwarzkopf returned to West Point where he instructed cadets for two years in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

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When the party is over, don’t forget to share the memories!  Send us a few photos from your celebration and we will post your story in our Society News Feed.  And don't just stop with Founders Day, shout out all of your Society's events all year round!

The name of former Bringham Young University student and West Point graduate Scott Pace '05 was added to BYU's Wall of Honor Friday in a memorial service commemorating his death in combat in Afghanistan.

Family members and friends watched while a plaque with his name was unveiled. Members of the BYU ROTC and others watched the ceremony via closed circuit television. Lieutenant Colonel Marc Boberg '92 (pictured) also presented the Pace family with a Helaman 200 plaque.

Scott's father, Pat, said his son loved sports, especially basketball. When he came to BYU, he participated in open tryouts for the team, but was not accepted. While he was serving a Latter-day Saints mission in Argentina, his brother, Rick, received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Rick wrote to Scott and told him he would probably be able to play basketball at West Point.

After he returned from his mission, he began a physical fitness program to help him qualify for the military academy and transferred there from BYU. Rick and Scott ended up graduating from West Point together.

During his military career, Pace received two Purple Hearts, the Army Air Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War On Terror Service Medal, NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, Army Aviation Badge and Combat Action Badge.

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The WPW Summit Connecting, Empowering, Inspiring is swiftly approaching.  Registration is now open, and all are welcome to attend.  Visit the WPW Summit page for full details.

This spring numerous graduates, young and old, here and abroad, will gather in various locations to celebrate the West Point tradition known as Founders Day.  Is there a Founders Day celebration on your calendar? If not, look for a local event on WPAOG's West Point Calendar.

Nate LaMar '89 recently represented Indiana at the annual National District Export Council (DEC) Forum in Washington, DC. Each state has at least one DEC, comprised of international business practitioners appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce. LaMar was first appointed to the Indiana DEC by US Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans in 2003, and has been re-appointed twice. DECs work with US Department of Commerce staff to advise small and medium enterprises interested in exporting their products overseas. LaMar also serves the Indiana DEC as legislative liaison to the members of Indiana's Congressional delegation.

You are invited to the 20^th Annual Alumni Golf Outing. The outing includes 36 holes of golf, great meals, and prizes. Join us and reconnect with Classmates and friends!

Schedule of Events 

Thursday, 6 June 2013
Registration, Herbert Alumni Center
Welcome Reception and Dinner, Herbert Alumni Center 

Friday, 7 June 2013
Breakfast at the West Point Golf Course
18 holes of Golf (Captain’s Choice / Scramble Format)
Lunch at the West Point Golf Course
Boat Cruise on the Hudson
Cocktails and Dinner in the Haig Room, Jefferson Hall 

Saturday, 8 June 2013
Breakfast at the West Point Golf Course
18 holes of Golf (Individual Play)
Lunch and Awards Presentation at the West Point Golf Course 

Awards
Top 3 Teams (Friday)
Best 3 Individual Scores (Saturday)
Other individual and Class prizes

Click Here to Register http://daa.kintera.org/2013alumni-golf-outing

Miscellaneous Information
USMA POC is Vince McDermott, 845-938-3700/3024
For information on the West Point Golf Course, click here.

The Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) is to be given to graduates of the United States Military Academy whose character, distinguished service, and stature draw wholesome comparison to the qualities for which West Point strives, in keeping with its motto: "Duty, Honor, Country."

Congratulations to this year's recipients:

LTG (R) Robert G. Yerks '51

GEN (R) John W. Foss '56

Mr. Lee R. Anderson '61

LTG (R) Theodore G. Stroup Jr. '62

LTG (R) Joseph E. DeFrancisco '65

GEN (R) Boonsrang Niumpradit '71 

Click here to read more about this year's recipients

The DGA will be presented on May 21, 2013.

Factors to be considered in selecting individuals as Distinguished Graduates include accomplishments, contributions to the greater good, and other actions that favorably reflect the principles upon which West Point was founded as well as the excellence, spirit, integrity, and character that it seeks to ingrain in graduates. International graduates should be judged using the same criteria, but in the context of service to their own nation or the international community.  They should have served and contributed at home in a manner that has enhanced the reputation of West Point  and has encouraged partnerships between the United States and their country. 

"Some of you may be surprised," newly-minted Brigadier General Andrew Poppas '88 said at the beginning of his remarks, "but my first act as a general is to be out of uniform."

Sure enough, below the impeccable uniform Poppas wore a pair of decidedly outdated brown leather boots.

"I ask your forgiveness," he said, "because I'm wearing the jump boots worn by my father when he was a paratrooper back in the 1950's."

There was no real need to ask forgiveness. Everyone in attendance had just heard the story as told by 101st Airborne Division commander Major General James McConville '81 during the introductory remarks.

The new brigadier general's father, George, was a quintessential American success story.

He had come to the U.S. as an immigrant in 1946 following World War II.

He arrived speaking no English, starting out in the restaurant business and working until his country called in 1950 at the beginning of the Korean War.

Because he spoke Greek, he was sent to Europe, where he served his country proudly.

Following that, he raised three successful children and steeped them in the American Dream, together with the values that the son listed like prized possessions -- "family, honor, good name, and perseverance."

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H.J. Russell & Company, the nation's largest Minority Business Enterprise Real Estate Development and Construction Company, is pleased to announce William Lampley '87 as its new Chief Operating Officer.  Lampley oversees day-to-day operations and leads the development and execution of the company's strategic plan.

With more than 25 years of operational and management experience, Lampley brings a fresh, yet experienced, perspective to the COO position. "H.J. Russell is an iconic 60-year-old brand built upon a foundation of customer-centered service and excellence, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it," Lampley said. "By streamlining business processes, collaborating more effectively across platforms, and being very intentional with our business goals, we will operate more efficiently without losing focus of the customer experience, which is paramount to the culture that exists at H.J. Russell & Company." 

Lampley has held a variety of high impact leadership roles in the industry. Most notably, he was President of Strategic Accounts with Grubb & Ellis and a member of the firm's Executive Management Team. During his tenure at Grubb & Ellis, Lampley also served as President of the Eastern Region. Lampley was also with Jones Lang LaSalle for more than 10 years and was Senior Vice President in the Corporate Solutions Group. 

It is important to note that Lampley took a two-year sabbatical from commercial real estate to become the President of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. William has always been passionate about giving back to the community and could not think of a better way to engage than by working to benefit children. 

Boyd Collar Nolen & Tuggle, LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of founding partner Robert D. Boyd '73 as president of the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. A fellow of the national organization for 20 years, Boyd assumes his leadership role this month, overseeing the 37-member state chapter.

Boyd has practiced exclusively in family law since 1988. He was recently named Atlanta Family Law Lawyer of the Year for 2013 by Best Lawyers in America, the oldest and most respected lawyer rating publication in the U.S., in which he has been listed annually since 2001. He has also earned accolades from his peers and clients with inclusion among lists published by Super Lawyers and Georgia Trend. He is actively involved in the State Bar of Georgia's Family Law Section, of which he has previously served as chair. Boyd is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the West Virginia University College of Law.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick officially swore in John W. Polanowicz '84 as Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) on January 22.

"John is an incredible talent and I am pleased to bring him into our administration at this critical time," said Governor Patrick. "John will use his expertise as a health care leader to help Massachusetts increase our already nation-leading access to care, while also tackling the issue of costs. John's compassion and thoughtfulness will make him a strong advocate for our veterans, families, and individuals with disabilities across the commonwealth."

Prior to his appointment, Secretary Polanowicz served as president of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton since 2011, overseeing the largest hospital in the Steward Health Care System. He brings expertise working in a cutting-edge community health care system, serving tens of thousands of patients and families. He was also instrumental in positioning Steward as an accountable care organization to increase access and decrease cost for patients.

"I am deeply honored to serve Governor Patrick in this capacity," said Secretary Polanowicz. "I welcome the challenges ahead as we work to implement the Governor's health care reform law, enhance our public health oversight, and strengthen our safety net programs to help our most vulnerable populations."

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Julie Del Giorno '86, chief of staff at Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been named athletics integrity officer at Penn State. Del Giorno, whose position has been newly created, will be responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of policies and practices within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics that ensure compliance and ethical conduct. She will begin work on a part-time basis in March and will commence full-time work in her position on April 1.

"Julie is an outstanding choice for this position," said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. "As she begins her work here at Penn State, she will draw on more than two decades of experience in higher education and the U.S. military. Her track record of success in athletics oversight and operations, student affairs, logistics, and institutional planning has given her valuable experience that will serve the University well."

Del Giorno's position was created as part of the University's work to fulfill the requirements of the Athletics Integrity Agreement entered into in August 2012 among the NCAA, the Big Ten, and Penn State. The position will be in addition to the compliance officer already working within Intercollegiate Athletics. Del Giorno will oversee compliance with obligations of integrity, civility, ethics, and institutional control. The position is expected to report to the University-wide chief compliance officer, a position currently being filled by the University.

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Let's be honest here; when you think of a Kentucky National Guard Soldier do you picture him holding a rifle and a Ph.D. in Mathematics? Let me guess, rifle yes, Ph. D. in math no.

Sound like your answer?

Well you would picture both if you knew Task Force Longrifles Executive Officer, LTC Elliott S. Elliott '93, a Phenix City, AL., native.

Yes, his last name is his first name, and vice versa. 

Elliott is a proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. And although he's proud of being a West Pointer, he's the first to tell you that it's not the easiest route to a degree.

He has gone from cadet to lieutenant colonel since leaving the Academy and was grateful to do so debt-free, with a degree, and even a job. Elliott is now an associate professor at the University of Tennessee-Martin.

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Every war continues to dwell in the lives it touched, in the lives of those living through that time, and in those absorbed by its historical significance. Valor in Vietnam is an anecdotal history of America's war in Vietnam composed of firsthand narratives presented in chronological order. They are intense, emotional, and compelling. Connecting each chapter is a brief historical commentary of that period, the geography, and the strategy contributed by Lewis "Bob" Sorley '56, author of A Better War and Westmoreland.

LTG (Ret) Dave R. Palmer '56, who was Superintendent of West Point  from 1986 to 1991, wrote the Foreword:

"Clark…selects 21 exemplars and describes in splendid prose the exploits of each. Those accounts…merge to paint a grand panorama of the legions of young men and women who answered the call to arms….Veterans…and, of course, their descendents...will want to have this volume in their libraries. It is their story."

West Pointers will find many fellow grads throughout the pages. Tony Nadal '58 describes an early Special Forces tour and returns as a company commander in LTC Hal Moore's Seventh Cavalry at LZ X-Ray; Joel Sugdinis '60 details the ambush of the Second Battalion Seventh Cavalry in the aftermath of X-Ray; Clark's classmate, Gary Coe, relates advisory duties in the Central Highlands; Ron Brown, DSC  (1962) recounts his rescue mission of "Lonesome End," Bill Carpenter's company; Marsh Carter, NC (1962) chronicles a Marine raid on a suspected enemy camp. Other stories cover the original formation of MACV's Studies and Observation Group and its little-known connection to the Gulf of Tonkin; SSG Patrick Tadina, a Ranger's Ranger; the CIA's Operation Phoenix; an Army nurse at China Beach in Danang; culminating in a vivid description of the 1975 evacuation of Saigon.

Marshall O. Larsen '70, the retired Chairman, President, and CEO of Goodrich Corporation, has been named among the 100 best CEOs in the world by the Harvard Business Review. The global study focused on CEO performance throughout their tenure and long-term value they created for their companies.

Larsen joined Goodrich in 1977 as an Operations Analyst and Financial Manager. In 1981, he became Director of Planning and Analysis and subsequently Director of Product Marketing. In 1986, he became Assistant to the President and later served as General Manager of several divisions of the company's aerospace business. In 1994, he was elected a Vice President of the company and was named a Group Vice President of Goodrich Aerospace. In 1995 he was appointed Executive Vice President of the company and President and Chief Operating Officer of Goodrich Aerospace. In February 2002 Larsen was named President and Chief Operating Officer of Goodrich Corporation. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in April 2003.

Larsen was a former Chairman of the U.S. Aerospace Industries Association, and is currently a member of their Board of Governors. He is also a member of The Business Council and The Business Roundtable. He serves as a Director of Lowe's Companies, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, United Technologies Corp., and the Federal Reserve Bank. He was named "Citizen of the Year" by the Charlotte World Affairs Council in 2011.

Larsen, a native of Enderlin, North Dakota, received a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy in 1970. He received a Master of Science degree from the Krannert Graduate School of Industrial Management at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1977.

West Point Society of Central Florida President Jim Wartski '82 greets Major Ian Murray '98 near the finish line of the recent Walt Disney World Marathon in Orlando! Go Army!

Later this month, a group of severely injured service members will go to Whitefish, Montana, as guests of the community to learn to ski with the adapted instructors at Whitefish Mountain Resort's ski school.

Lifelong friends and neighbors of Gallant native Roy Moore '69 watched his second swearing-in Friday as chief justice of Alabama in a solemn and religious ceremony in the Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building.

Moore and Supreme Court Justice-elect Tommy Bryan took their oaths of office during an investiture ceremony that was attended by Moore's West Point classmates, family and friends, and Bryan's family, friends and associate justices on the Court of Civil Appeals.

Gov. Robert Bentley honored Bryan and Moore with commissions. They begin their six-year terms on Monday.

In the balcony of the Supreme Court courtroom were Johnny and Nancy King and Ken and Linda Sadler, Moore's neighbors in the Etowah County community of Gallant for more than 50 years.

They said Moore came from humble beginnings and took over as the man of the house after his father died. Moore was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy in 1965 by then-U.S. Rep. Jim Martin, R-Gadsden, who attended Friday’s ceremony.

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Ronald L. Johnson '76, retired 2-Star Army General and graduate of the Stewart School of Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISyE), has accepted a joint appointment at Georgia Tech. He will serve as a Professor of Practice in ISyE, and the Managing Director of the Tennenbaum Institute (TI).

The Tennenbaum Institute, the first multi-disciplinary center of its kind, uniting academic, government, and corporate experts to create industry-shaping business models to deal with real, large-scale enterprise transformation, is an integral part of Georgia Tech's Institute for People and Technology (IPaT).  In Johnson's role as TI Managing Director and member of IPaT's leadership team, he will provide overall administrative oversight for TI as well as engage and expand relationships with industry and government partners to provide knowledge and skills for enterprise transformation, engage in research and economic development, and coordinate with other Georgia Tech Interdisciplinary Research Institutes and their staff.  

As a Professor of the Practice in ISyE, Johnson will use his substantial experience and extensive background to assist the school in identifying teaching and research opportunities that support the public interest and societal needs.  He will teach a couple of courses, advise students, and work with faculty on projects and research.

Johnson is well equipped to fulfill both roles.  He received his bachelor's degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and his master's in operations research from ISyE in 1985. Most recently, Johnson served as the National Basketball Association's (NBA) first Senior Vice President of Referee Operations from July 2008 until July 2012. 

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"NFL Films Presents" gives you an inside look at the inspirational story of Colonel Greg Gadson '89 and his role on the New York Giants. Watch the video here.

William Murdy has been involved with Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, trying to build the Education Center at The Wall, from the start. The Vietnam veteran and Chairman of Comfort Systems USA provided some of the initial funding to begin the project, and now he has donated again. Like others, Murdy has accepted the challenge to become part of the Faces Never Forgotten campaign, and has contributed in honor of his 23 fallen 1964 West Point classmates.

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You can expect to see Mike Nemeth's latest children's book, West Point A to Z, in bookstores by early March. Nemeth, a Class of 2004 graduate and a recent father, realized there weren't any ways for him to introduce his new child to West Point and what it's all about, so he wrote his third book to teach kids and West Point families all about the Academy. 

Graduates may have a keen interest in "O"...