The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1961 | 1981 | 1988 | 1996 | 2007 | 2013. Class Notes

Stephen Wilkins has been named the interim superintendent of Shaker Heights Schools. He will temporarily replace the departing Gregory Hutchings, while the Board of Education seeks a full-time, permanent replacement. The interim superintendent will be appointed at the May 8 Board of Education meeting. The district will then begin its search for a permanent replacement in the late summer of 2018.

Wilkins is currently the district's assistant superintendent of business operations and human resources. He will return to that role when his time as interim superintendent comes to an end. Wilkins is a retired Colonel who served in active for more than two decades. He was an assistant professor at West Point and had stints at the Pentagon and the White House.

His academic career included stints with the Chicago Public Schools, the Alexandria Public Schools in Virginia, and the Dekalb County Schools in Georgia before he came to Shaker Heights. He has a Masters of Public Administration from Harvard University and is fluent in Spanish. he recently earned his doctorate degree.

When Bob Eisiminger, former Air Defense Artillery Officer, realized that gaps in his company's recruiting and HR processes were costing him tens of thousands of dollars every month, he knew it was time to blow something up.

Eisiminger's company, KnightPoint Systems, is a $150 million government contractor based in Washington, D.C. But since all staff are required to get security clearance through the federal government before they can start work, even the smallest bottleneck could create problems felt throughout the organization. "The hiring process in the government contracting industry has quite a few pieces to it," Eisiminger explains. "It wasn't working because it was—and in some cases still is—taking too long to hire folks. Slow recruiting causes a lot of downrange effects."

When Eisiminger added it all up, the paperwork and process around wasteful recruiting practices was costing the company as much as $75,000 a month.

Since he came to accept that one of the responsibilities of a leader is to kill out-of-date legacy processes, Eisiminger hired a new recruiting coordinator to communicate with job candidates more often to make sure nothing falls between the cracks; instituted a systems of quarterly check-ins instead of elaborate performance reviews; and, streamlined the security clearance process internally. Read More

"Today, those who serve face profound and difficult challenges. In recent years, mental health needs have become an ever-increasing concern for our veterans, military personnel, first responders, first care receivers, and their families. Hoplite is driven to make a positive impact in the lives of these individuals by addressing this concern."

These are the words of Brendan McNichol '07 founder of the Hoplite Resilience Center, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that looks to empower individuals who have served, and may continue to serve, this nation through their service in the military, emergency services, and emergency hospital care.

Brendan and his team of professionals hope to be able to accomplish the goal of "Building Resistance, Enhancing Resilience, and Speeding Recovery" by offering a continuum of care to those who may benefit from behavioral and mental health services. This continuum of care system, modeled after the Johns Hopkins construct of human resilience, will provide pre-acute, acute, and post-acute care through several advanced resilience-based and science-based programs.

Captain Hamid Nasir '13, has been awarded a fellowship from The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program. Nasir's award will support work toward a juris doctor degree at Georgetown Law School.

The son of immigrants from Pakistan, Captain Hamid Nasir was raised in the great State of Alaska. When he was sixteen, Hamid was appointed as a Senate page by the late Senator Ted Stevens. The experience changed his life and propelled him to West Point.

While learning and developing as a leader at the Academy, Hamid felt uniquely positioned to foster understanding. He soon realized that he might be the only Muslim his classmates would meet before deploying overseas. He taught his friends about Islam, Urdu and Arabic, and the cultural nuances of operating abroad. He was hopeful that one day this knowledge might save their soldiers' lives—and the lives of innocent civilians in the region. Read More

To learn more visit https://www.pdsoros.org/meet-the-fellows.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1958 | 1961 | 1978 | 2008 | 2011. Class Notes

For the first time in a long time Captain Gavin White will be able to live a better quality of life thanks to the donation of a new smart-home for him and his wife. Gavin White served in Maiwand, Afghanistan with the 137th Sapper Company Engineering Battalion charged with Route Clearance and Counter IED Operations. Life changed forever for Gavin and his wife Karissa on August 24, 2013, while leading combined Afghan U.S. patrol. Gavin stepped on a pressure plate IED which resulted in the amputation of his right leg, the loss of use of his left leg, chronic pain and other injuries.

Since that time - he says he's faced more challenges than ever before. For White, even the smallest tasks like even going into his own closet or using the bathroom has been extremely hard to do without help. White explained "Problems that I never considered started appearing in my home. Not being able to use the kitchen, not being able to do laundry and not being able to get clothes out of my closet to wear for the day. At one point every time I wanted to use the bathroom, I had to get out of my chair on to the floor and walk on my hands to get to the toilet."

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation honored Gavin with a custom-designed smart home. The home is made for severely injured heroes so they can live a more independent life. "Until today this was just a house where I lived. Now I feel like it's my home" said White. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation created its "smart home" program to give independence back to those who have paid a daunting price for our freedom. Story

Congratulations to CPT Charles Harris, CPT Scott Clark '08 and CPT Adam Jannetti '08 who have been named 2019 Olmstead Scholars. The Olmsted Scholar Program, named after George H. Olmsted, awards scholarships to highly qualified, active duty junior officers in the United States military to pursue language studies and overseas graduate-level education. Created in concert with the Department of Defense, the Scholar Program provides one year of foreign language training followed by two years of study at a foreign graduate school.

The Scholar Program was established with an initial grant from George and Carol Olmsted in 1957. In his original Statement of Donor, Olmsted noted, "Fundamental to the initial purpose of creating the scholarship program is the conviction that the greatest leaders must be educated broadly." Since its inception, the Olmsted Scholar Program has provided grants for over 600 officers, many of whom have gone on to the highest levels of leadership and responsibility in the military, government and private sector.

JLL Vice Chairman, Americas, Herman Bulls has been recognized by Savoy magazine for his executive and business leadership in national and global corporations as one of the Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America.

Bulls said, "It's an honor to be one of the Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America again. In nearly 30 years with JLL, it's been rewarding to play a role in the company's tremendous growth while helping to maintain its focus on diversity, integrity and ethics."

Selection of the Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America begins by examining several spheres of influence including: corporate sector influence, scholastic achievement, career growth, community outreach and recognition. The information received from over 500 prospective candidates in diverse fields was pre-screened by the selection committee. Read More

A pictorial saga of James A. Scott's military service, from enlisted soldier to West Point graduate, Class of 1961, and decorated Vietnam Aviator, recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and the Distinguished Flying across. The book includes Scott's awards with photos of citations and presentations, plus rare photos of shoulder patches, devices and medals. Scott now battles another lethal and rare enemy, Inclusion Body Myositis. Proceeds will go to research a cure for that disease. Available at Blurb.com.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1976 | 1978 | 1986 | 1988. Class Notes

Dr. Bruce D. Jette, COL(R) ’76, was recently formally sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology ASA(ALT) to serve as the Army Acquisition Executive, the Senior Procurement Executive, the Science Advisor to the Secretary of the Army, and the Army’s Senior Research and Development official.

A veteran Armor and Acquisition Corps officer, Dr. Jette served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait; established the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force; and served as a Project Manager, a Product Manager, and the Science Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA). Upon retiring, he founded Synovision Solutions and provided consulting, engineering, and project management services in support of industry, military, and government. Introducing Dr. Jette, Secretary of the Army Mark Esper declared him "the right man for the right job at the right time."

Speaking after being sworn-in, Dr. Jette attributed much of his success to those who have supported him throughout his career. A Two-Percent Club member, he also recognized "the beauty, the grace, and the astounding patience of [his] bride," Cathy, thanking her for supporting him in every way. Regarding his current charge, Dr. Jette pledged to improve how the Army engages acquisition to ensure "better value for the taxpayer and better results for the Soldier on the battlefield." Read More

Recently, Mr. Roger Smith was servicing a washing machine from a laundromat in Manhattan, Kansas, close to Fort Riley. The washer had finally broken down after 29 years of faithful service. When Mr. Smith got the washer apart, there shining, was a ring from the class of '78. The Ring belonged to Joe Gonzalez Jr. and has been missing for 29 years. The ring has now been returned and is back with its rightful owner.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation announced the election David Seymour, senior vice president of Integrated Operations for American Airlines in Ft. Worth, Texas as a Director.

Seymour, a Ranger School graduate, was assigned to the 82ndAirborne Division as a Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer. Seymour has worked extensively with American Airlines Skyball which benefits the Airpower Foundation. The Airpower Foundation funds projects that directly support the members and families of all branches of our military, veterans and wounded, ill, or injured service members and their families.

"I have seen first-hand the difference the Foundation makes in the lives of Americans by teaching the values of the Medal of Honor," said Seymour. "I’m honored to be invited to join the board and am looking forward to ensuring that the stories of these gentlemen are never forgotten and their acts of heroism are held up as an example for us all." Read More

First-ever West Point Founders Day in Botswana. It was held on March 22, 2018 at the Avani Hotel & Resorts in Gaborone, Botswana.

Photo L-R: Dean Chang '84 (oldest grad); Consul, US Embassy Botswana; Oagile Merifhe '95; Chief Information Technology Officer, Stanbic Bank, Botswana; Ravi Balaram '01 (youngest grad); Deputy Defense Attaché, US Embassy Botswana.

Brian Mennes '88, Director of Force Management, G-3/7, received his promotion order to the rank of Major General from Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson '81 Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, during a ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at The Pentagon on March 30, 2018. There are 22 General Officers from the Class of 1988 currently serving in The Army.

Photo: Major General Brian Mennes and Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1951 | 1968 | 1980 | 1987. Class Notes

"It is cool because this is the first year they let us wear civvies," 1LT Rita Wiley '15 said. "You also get the chance to see people that you've seen around post but didn't know were West Pointers. You just don't know who you will meet here." CPT. Thomas Richardson '11, shared the same sentiment. "We share the same hardships to become Army officers and then the Army sends us out into the world," Richardson said. "But during our time at West Point we've built friendships and the Army tests that by sending us all over the globe. Founder's Day is a chance to rekindle that camaraderie."

The 77th and current Commandant of the U.S. Corps of Cadets, BG Steve Gilland was the guest speaker. Before the event, he floated from group to group introducing himself and reminiscing on shared trials and tribulations at the academy. In his speech, Gilland outlined the million-dollar updates incoming cadets would be experiencing at the USMA. West Pointers shared in laughs as Gilland reported updated and air-conditioned barracks – a luxury that most graduates could only dream of during their stay. "Think about it, it's Founders Day, look around we have graduates from multiple decades," Gilland said. "There are a lot of people that are here and you may not see each other for very long, so this is one of those opportunities, cherish it."

For COL(R) Bill Adams '79 and president West Point Society of the Heart of Texas, the event was a chance to relate to younger graduates. "My favorite thing is meeting the younger guys," Adams said. "As older graduates there is a tendency on our part to talk about the way things were but the corps has always kept its traditional values and West Point still produces a quality product." Although the times have changed West Point has modernized with those changes and represents the society that is out there today and you see that with us being at the forefront of what is required by the rest of society, Adams said. Read More

Registration is now open for the 25th Annual Alumni Golf Outing. It will be at West Point, June 7-9, 2018. Reconnect with alumni, former classmates, and your alma mater. Registration fee includes two rounds of golf, all meals, a boat cruise, and some great prizes! (View Agenda) All graduates and guests are invited. Registration closes June 1.

It was on March 29, 1973, when American combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam. However, by the war’s end in 1975, more than three million American men and women would serve in Vietnam, including hundreds of members of the Long Gray Line. As a proud partner of the Vietnam War Commemoration, WPAOG would like to recognize that March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. In particular, we honor the members of the Long Gray Line who served our Nation during the conflict, especially the 334 who gave their lives. Learn more about how your Class or Society can join the Commemorative Partner program. Pointer View article: “Reflecting on the National Vietnam War Veterans Day.”

1st Lt. Robert F. Niemann's children, siblings and other family members will hold a memorial tribute at the New Ulm Soldiers Rest Cemetery on May 12. Veterans Services Officer Greg Peterson is the local group leader arranging for family transportation, flags flown at the cemetery and downtown New Ulm, motorcycle riders flag line, family dinner and a Brown County Historical Society tribute to Niemann to premier at 1 p.m. May 12.

The U.S. Air Force authorized a 21-member Military Honors Detail to perform at 10am in addition to an authorized military aircraft fly-by. Minnesota Congressman Tim Walz, two U.S. senators, Minnesota veterans' leaders and Korean veterans' groups have been invited to attend. In addition, Peterson will ask commissioners to name May 12 as "Robert Niemann Day" via a proclamation to be brought before the board in the coming weeks.

Niemann was flying an F-86E Sabre when he and three other Sabres were engaged by two Russian MIG-15s while patrolling near the Sui Ho reservoir. Although presumed dead, he was in fact wounded in the incident, interrogated by Soviets, and "disappeared," according to a detailed account of his last known activity written by Peterson Here.

"The former Soviet documents prove that he was alive for an unknown period of time, and in their custody, and reported that he died in Siodvio (Sinuiju) region of North Korea," Peterson wrote. "He was well-remembered for his resistance to interrogation. Soviet veterans confirm Niemann was alive long enough for Soviet forces to record the fact that Niemann refused to answer questions. He said he was wounded and it was an international law violation for him to answer questions (in a wounded condition)." Story

A few grads celebrated an informal Founders Day at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Troop Medical Clinic earlier this month.

From left to right: Dr Steven Finder '76, Dr Brian Malloy '82, Dr Raul Palacios '94, and Dr K. Albert Yazawa '89

The Army West Point Ticket Office and Army A Club have announced that tickets for the 2018 Army-Navy Game, presented by USAA, are on sale now.

Fans can purchase tickets by phone only and can call the ticket office 1-877-TIX-ARMY or the Army A Club 845-938-2322.

The ticket pricing for this year's clash is set at $105 for priority and $160 for club seating.  For more information on Army-Navy ticket purchasing requirements, Click Here.

America's Game is set for Dec. 8 in Philadelphia and will be televised live on CBS.

New full season ticket memberships are on sale now.  Current season ticket members can expect their renewal information packet in the next week or renew now by signing into their ticketing account by Clicking Here.

Satellite Beach High School has named a track and field meet after Reggie Johnson, the Reginald E. Johnson Invitational. He set a West Point long jump record (24 feet, 3 1/4 inches) while here. Reggie was a Sandhurst team leader in the annual Sandhurst competition in the Spring of 1980. He died tragically by drowning during the land navigation phase of the competition on April 11, 1980 at West Point, only 21 days prior to graduation obtaining a Special Forces assignment to Ft. Benning, Georgia. Read More

West Point Graduates serving/working in Nangarhar and Laghman Provinces, Afghanistan recently celebrated Founders Day. Their Founders Day had Thirty-four people in attendance that came from two different provinces and five different units. Third generation grad, BG Richardson spoke about lineage. Fourth generation grad, MAJ Jackie Stilwell was also in attendance.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1959 | 1984 | 1987 | 1989 | 2000 . Class Notes

Scientific Games Corporation announced the appointment of Robert O'Connor as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sheehan. "Rob brings nearly three decades of government service and advocacy experience at the global, federal, state and local levels," said Scientific Games Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sheehan. "We look forward to capitalizing on his leadership, as we continue to grow and prosper in current jurisdictions, as well as expand into newly regulated territories."

O'Connor joins Scientific Games from Goldman Sachs, where he served as Vice President, Executive Office, Government Affairs. At Goldman Sachs, he managed political, legislative and regulatory advocacy with the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and led company advocacy efforts in New York State, New York City and New Jersey. He also served as Treasurer of the Goldman Sachs Political Action Committee (GS PAC).

Prior to Goldman Sachs, O'Connor served as Majority Staff Director for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, where he led all Committee operations, strategy and personnel management. As Staff Director, he oversaw the successful passage of four significant pieces of legislation that were signed into law. Previously, he was Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. Peter King(NY). Read More

Sempra Energy’s board of directors has elected Jeffrey W. Martin, currently executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sempra Energy, to succeed Debra Reed as CEO when she retires in December. Martin also has been appointed as a new member of Sempra Energy's board, effective May 1.

Martin has served as Sempra Energy's executive vice president and chief financial officer since January 2017. In his 13 years with the Sempra Energy family of companies, he has held a variety of increasingly responsible leadership positions. From 2014 through 2016, he was CEO (adding the titles of chairman and president in 2015) of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), one of Sempra Energy's regulated California utilities. From 2010 through 2013, Martin was president and CEO of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and Sempra Generation, the predecessor companies of Sempra Energy's renewable energy and midstream businesses. Prior to that, he was vice president of investor relations for Sempra Energy. He first joined Sempra Energy in 2004 as a principal working in Sempra Energy's mergers and acquisitions group.

Martin currently serves on the board of directors of the California Chamber of Commerce, where he is a member of its executive committee, and the board of trustees of the University of San Diego, where he is a member of the executive committee and chairs the athletics committee. He recently served on the boards of directors of the Edison Electric Institute, National Association of Manufacturers and San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Read More

The first time he noticed something was off, Chuck Schretzman was in Afghanistan.

Then an active lieutenant colonel in the Army, Schretzman was serving the last of four combat tours back in 2011 when he began having trouble with balance. He also developed an issue with his gait and would take an occasional tumble for no apparent reason.

"Toward the end, I started getting off-balance," said Schretzman, the Elk & Elk Military Salutes honoree at the Blue Jackets game Dec. 23 against the Philadelphia Flyers. "It was weird. I was falling down stairs, and I was like, 'I don't know what's going on.' I was falling down and hitting my head."

It would've been strange for any solider to deal with, but especially Schretzman, a lifelong athlete and fitness aficionado. Each time she put Chuck's symptoms into the search engine, the same website kept popping up at the top. It belonged to the national ALS Association, which advocates and lends support for those battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease. "Her pulse quickened. She knew about ALS because it was 2014, and that was the year of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, a fundraising effort that swept across the country and raised millions for ALS research.

One of those donations was made by Stacy Schretzman, who dumped a bucket of icy-cold water over her head, along with their youngest daughter, Chloe. She wrote out a check to help fund research for the disease, which she didn't know much about. » Full Story

Karl Hanson ’00 was appointed to serve as a judge on the Wisconsin, Rock County Circuit Court. Judge Hanson is on a criminal rotation, hearing misdemeanor and felony matters.

"I am honored to appoint Karl Hanson to the Rock County Circuit Court," said Governor Walker. "Hanson is a distinguished attorney and individual who has demonstrated impeccable character, service, and integrity throughout his career. His legal acumen, dedication to public service, and commitment to the rule of law give me great confidence that he will make an excellent judge."

Hanson currently serves as an Assistant Attorney General at the Wisconsin Department of Justice where he represents the state of Wisconsin and its interests in litigation before state and federal trial courts. Hanson is also a municipal judge in the Towns of Milton, Harmony, and Lima where he presides over the municipal court by hearing citations issued for the violation of municipal ordinances and issuing judgments. Read More

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1962 | 1965 | 1973 | 1988 | 1989 | 1996 . Class Notes

West Point's role in our nation's history dates back to the Revolutionary War, when both sides realized the strategic importance of the commanding plateau on the west bank of the Hudson River. General George Washington considered West Point to be the most important strategic position in America. Washington personally selected Thaddeus Kosciuszko, one of the heroes of Saratoga, to design the fortifications for West Point in 1778, and Washington transferred his headquarters to West Point in 1779. Continental soldiers built forts, batteries and redoubts and extended a 150-ton iron chain across the Hudson to control river traffic. Fortress West Point was never captured by the British, despite Benedict Arnold's treason. West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America.

Several soldiers and legislators, including Washington, Knox, Hamilton and John Adams, desiring to eliminate America's wartime reliance on foreign engineers and artillerists, urged the creation of an institution devoted to the arts and sciences of warfare. On 16 March 1802, Thomas Jefferson signed the document that founded the United States Military Academy. It read, “that the said corps, when so organized, shall be stationed at West Point in the state of New York and shall constitute a military academy.”

PenFed Credit Union President and CEO James Schenck has joined the Board of Directors of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "I personally have accepted the mission of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to facilitate the success of Latino and other minority-owned businesses and the communities they serve”, said James Schenck. Schenck joins the 10-member Board of Directors led by Chairman Margarita Dilone, President, Crystal Insurance. Schenck will serve a four-year term.

"We're so proud to welcome James Schenck to the GWHCC board," said Nicole Quiroga, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "We feel this addition reflects our commitment to diversify our board and believe PenFed's mission aligns with the mission of our chamber. James' steadfastness to serve enables us to widen our reach, extend our network, and increase our impact."

Schenck also serves on the boards of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Carriage Services, Lasermax Defense, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and the Northern Virginia Technology Council. A graduate of Harvard Business School, Schenck flew Blackhawk helicopters in Korea. While in the military, Schenck served on the Army Staff in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans and was later selected to serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. He received the Legion of Merit for his contribution to the Army by overseeing the creation of the $453 million Army University Access Online educational initiative. He remains an active advocate on behalf of military and veterans' issues nationwide. Read More

Rick D. Wilkerson, DO is the recipient of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2018 Humanitarian Award. Dr. Wilkerson was honored at the Academy's 2018 Annual Meeting for his nearly three decades of work serving underserved populations around the globe. The Humanitarian Award recognizes living fellows, international and emeritus members of the Academy who have distinguished themselves through outstanding musculoskeletal-related humanitarian activities in the United States or abroad.

In addition to being a skilled orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Wilkerson is passionate about helping countries develop and improve their orthopaedic capabilities, and he knew that with his experience, resources, and determination he could make an enormous impact on peoples' lives. His global humanitarian pursuits have taken him to more than 14 countries such as Haiti, Iraq, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya and Uganda. His colleagues credit his West Point education and military medical experience as a key factor for the special instincts and skill set required to thrive in environments of war, hostile governments or natural disasters.

Dr. Wilkerson has been greatly involved with Health Volunteers Oversees (HVO) and the International Medical Corps. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Wilkerson has made annual trips to Iraq, initiating a total knee replacement (TKA) program for Iraqi residents, leading to more than 1,500 TKAs performed. He also sponsored eight Iraqi orthopaedic surgeons in his private practice for postgraduate training. During their time in the U.S., these surgeons lived with Dr. Wilkerson and his family. As a result of his commitment, Dr. Wilkerson was named honorary professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Basrah in Iraq. Read More

Photo: Doctor Wilkerson (right) with Dr. William Maloney President of the AAOS

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1946 | 1954 | 1968 | 1972 | 1990. Class Notes

The Dick Renfro Distinguished Official Award “Exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and moral character”. Named in honor of Dick Renfro who in the early 1990’s was the only USILOA trained and approved Lacrosse Official and Trainer in Kentucky. Dick was the original instructor for Lacrosse Officials in Kentucky and was instrumental in providing the guidance for the Organization which became BLOA. Dick played at Army 1951 thru 1953, and became an Assistant Coach in 1954.

While his career serving his country took him to many areas of the US and around the world, Dick was able to continue with his passion for lacrosse as an Official in the North East: New York; South West: Texas; overseas in England; returning to the North East and finally settling in Kentucky in early 1989. Dick officiated many levels from High School to NCAA as well as the International World Lacrosse Games in England in 1978.

This award seeks to recognize and honor officials who have a distinguished record of excellence and integrity on the field, leadership in BLOA, and a commitment to work for the growth of Boy’s Lacrosse. All of the Characteristics exemplified by Dick Renfro. This Award is Recognizing Dick for his instrumental help in getting Lacrosse Officiating in Kentucky off the ground. It is with Honor we present to Dick Renfro the original Julip Cup that will be used as the trophy to honor the future recipients.

The West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) has named the 2018 recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award. This annual award is bestowed upon those West Point graduates 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."

The awards will be presented in a ceremony at West Point on May 22, 2018.

The 2018 Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients are:

Dana G. Mead '57
Thomas C. Barron '65
Larry R. Jordan '68
William S. Wallace '69
Sloan D. Gibson '75
Douglas E. Lute '75

Todd Fath is the new president of the Somers Point Board of Education. He was chosen to lead the district by Atlantic County Executive Superintendent of Schools Richard Stepura. Fath is serving his third year on the board, and is field engineer for Linde LLC, an industrial gas and engineering company. Read More

Chief Assistant District Attorney Paul Capofari has been given the prestigious Morgenthau Award for his devotion to justice and public safety. "His years of military service in the U.S. Army were instrumental in helping my administration to establish the borough's first dedicated Veterans Court part, which has flourished under his leadership and allowed his fellow veterans to connect with much-needed resources," McMahon added.

As an assistant district attorney, Capofari was a major consistent of multiple pivotal cases, including prosecuting various homicides, members of a prominent cocaine drug ring, and was lead counsel in a 2003 multi-defendant state prosecution of Ronell Wilson - who assassinated two undercover police officers, and who was ultimately convicted in federal court, according to a press release from the Office of the District Attorney.

Capofari's 19-year career included assignments in the Investigations Bureau, the Criminal Court Bureau as a deputy bureau chief, and as the chief of the Supreme Court Bureau, where he offered his experience and knowledge while supervising ADAs in the prosecution of felony offenders. Capofari's tenure ended in 2012, but he was asked by McMahon to join his new administration as chief assistant district attorney in 2016. Read More

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1964 | 1968 | 1969 | 1973 | 1982 | 1992. Class Notes

Chuck Gibbs was named the new head football coach at LaGrange High, and he takes over a program that has struggled of late. Gibbs, who has been a head coach at Scottsdale Christian Academy in Phoenix for the past four years, is familiar with the proud tradition of the LaGrange football program since he grew up close by in Auburn. It's up to Gibbs to try to get LaGrange's program back on track, and he's ready and eager for the challenge.

"Straight up, we're going to take back the city," Gibbs said on the phone from Arizona. "That's my mission, and that's my mantle that's on me. I know there are two other great schools there. We've got to get it going back in the right direction. There's a ton of talent there, it's how to we coach'em up and love'em up and put them together so they can perform together on a Friday night and start to experience a little bit of success on the field."

In 2004, Gibbs gained some valuable coaching experience with the Atlanta Falcons as part of an internship program. Gibbs was not only able to work with an NFL team for six weeks, but he also coached alongside his father, who was the offensive-line coach with the Falcons at the time. In 2005, Gibbs was an assistant coach at Kapolei High School in Hawaii, and he moved to Arizona the following year and spent a season as a coach at Arcadia High School in Phoenix. In 2007, Gibbs founded the Arcadia Youth Football Program, and as the head coach he guided the team to four league championships and a 42-8-1 record.

Gibbs added that "we're going to restore that Granger pride. We're going to defend the star." Gibbs said he wants the players he'll coach to know that he cares about them not just as football players, but as people. Gibbs said he has been, and will remain open, to meeting with anyone he thinks can help him get LaGrange football moving back in the right direction. Read More

Tom Shull, Director and CEO, Army and Air Force Exchange Service has been named to the Retail Leader 18 leaders to watch in 2018 list. Retail Leader offers a subjective look at 18 individuals influencing their organizations and the retail industry in unconventional, diverse, less than obvious and potentially profound ways in the coming year.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is often overlooked in conversations about retail competitors, but that is a mistake with Tom Shull serving as CEO. He led a major digital effort that opened a new competitive front for AAFES in late 2017 that is estimated to have an annual sales impact of $200 million.

Long restricted to only serving shoppers on military posts and overseas locations, AAFES increased its addressable market by about 18 million people in November when honorably discharged veterans became eligible to make online purchases from AAFES. Prior to a Department of Defense ruling in early 2017 only active duty, reserve and Guard members, 100% disabled veterans and their dependent family members could shop with AAFES. Read More

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1959 | 1962 | 1965 | 1990 | 2014 | 2016. Class Notes

Garret Thul '14 and John Glesener '16, former Army West Point Lacrosse players, were selected in the Major Lacrosse League Supplemental Draft on Wednesday night.

Thul returns to the league with the Ohio Machine. He was selected as the ninth pick in the second round as the 18th overall.

Glesener was picked up by the Chesapeake Bayhawks as the fourth pick in the seventh round. He was tabbed the 58th pick overall.

For more information on the draft, please follow this link to majorleaguelacrosse.com

Kevin Dodson has been hired as VP Channel Solutions at Thinfilm. Dodson oversees the management of convertor/packaging firms, digital agencies, and other channel partners. He is a veteran strategy, business development, and product management executive with more than 20 years of experience working for early-stage Internet technology companies. Most recently, he was VP of Strategy and Partnerships for Beckon, a data management and analytics SaaS platform for enterprise marketers. Prior to Beckon, Dodson co-founded two startups – YapMap, a search engine for social content, and In.Vu, a search engine for machine-generated data. He was VP of Product for Quigo Technologies, a contextual ad network (acquired by AOL), and a Sr. Director of Strategy and Analytics for the advertising agency, Razorfish, where he started the digital analytics practice. Dodson holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. Read More

The following classes have added updates this week/last week to their Class Notes pages. 1952 | 1953 | 1956 | 1959 | 1960 | 1965 | 1966 | 1978 | 1981 | 1993 | 2005. Class Notes

LTG Walter Ulmer releases the book, A Military Leadership Notebook: Principles into Practice.

Within formal organizations like the military, individuals in charge rely on two sources of authority to get the job done: granted statutory power and personal power, which is gained by earning trust. Good leaders use both.

In A Military Leadership Notebook, Walter F. Ulmer Jr., who retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant general, explores what makes a great commander. While he focuses on the military, the leadership lessons he shares work in war and peace, on land and at sea, and in small and large organizations.

Ulmer defines leadership, shares his personal philosophy of leadership, reveals tips on measuring a leader's success, and outlines behaviors that can lead to success--as well as those that can lead to disaster.

He also wades into the debate over whether leaders are born or made, explains why it's important to respect the authority and responsibility of subordinate leaders, and how to manage organizations and large staffs.

No matter what your military rank--and even if you're a civilian leader--this guide will be a leadership teaching tool that you'll refer to for years to come. Available on Amazon.

Joshua Mantz published the book The Beauty of a Darker Soul: Overcoming Trauma Through the Power of Human Connection. This is a journey of finding beauty within darkness. Former Army Major Josh Mantz reaches into the deepest corners of the human soul to expose the most difficult emotions associated with traumatic experiences. Mantz was shot and killed by a sniper on the streets of Baghdad and flatlined for fifteen minutes. He leverages his profoundly vivid near-death experience to help others overcome life's most difficult moments. This deeply inspirational work empowers us to find meaning within suffering and demonstrates the vital role we all have in creating hope for others. Available on Amazon.

Addison D. Davis IV has been appointmented to the Senior Executive Service, and for assignment as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment. Davis was previously chief executive officer for the U.S. Army Reserve and served as deputy assistant secretary of the Army for environment, safety, and occupational health. Davis is a former Army Ranger, and Harvard University graduate. Read More

Paul R. Dillman, Jr., was appointed the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Emerald Health Therapeutics Inc. Mr. Dillman will be responsible for marketing, sales, and customer service, and will lead Emerald's brand strategy and execution as the Company prepares for anticipated legalization of adult use cannabis in Canada by July 2018.

"Paul has been instrumental in preparing for and executing sales growth as a senior leader at some of the world's most successful fast-moving consumer packaged goods companies. His strategic and tactical marketing expertise will be invaluable as we position Emerald for leadership in the Canadian and global cannabis industry," said Chris Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of Emerald.

Mr. Dillman brings three decades of experience in global marketing, sales, and general management to Emerald and has held senior leadership positions at The Coca-Cola Company, AB InBev, Philip Morris, and Kraft Foods.

"I'm thrilled to join the dynamic organization that Emerald is building," said Mr. Dillman. "With its current expansion projects and product innovation plans, Emerald is poised to be a premiere provider of cannabis for medical and adult-use consumers. I look forward to planning and executing a marketing and sales strategy that will contribute to this goal." Read More

Otter Tail Corporation announced that Jennifer O. Smestad will assume the roles of Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary.

For the past 17 years, Smestad has served in roles of increasing responsibility for the corporation's manufacturing and electric utility platforms. "Jennifer came aboard initially as an attorney for our manufacturing companies, then transitioned to support renewable and transmission expansion projects at the utility, and for the past four years has excelled as the General Counsel of Otter Tail Power Company," said Otter Tail Corporation President and CEO Chuck MacFarlane. "Jennifer is a proven leader with deep knowledge of Otter Tail Corporation. I have every confidence in Jennifer and look forward to her becoming a key member of our executive team."

Smestad will be responsible for the legal affairs of the corporation and will retain her role as General Counsel at Otter Tail Power Company. The electric utility is the corporation's largest subsidiary. Smestad earned her juris doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin. She served in the Medical Service Corps and Judge Advocate General. Prior to joining Otter Tail Corporation, Smestad worked as an associate and partner with the Pemberton Law firm. Read More