Hobey Hewett, the grandson of MG Hobert Hewett, Class of 1919, and the first presenter at the 20th Annual West Point Class Ring Memorial Melt, captured the significance and sublimity of the ceremony perfectly when he told the amazing story of how his grandfather's ring became part of the Ring Melt for the Class of 2021.

General Hewett died in 1967, and his class ring passed on to his daughter, Hobey Hewett's mother. The ring was missing for decades, but, about two weeks ago, Hewett and his brother were cleaning out his mother's house and found the ring. He then learned about WPAOG's Ring Memorial Program and worked feverishly with WPAOG's Class Support & Membership Services to get the ring into this year's program on short notice. View photos.

"It was the spirit of the ring that got it here," Hewett said, offering an explanation as to why the ring was serendipitously found. "It wanted to be here, it wanted to come home, and it wants to be worn on the fingers of the cadets in the Class of 2021." The Class of 1919, as it turns out, entered as the Class of 1921, but they were graduated early due to the need for officers during World War I. Video.

Despite this, his class maintained their 1921 crest; so, General Hewett's ring could be considered a centennial gift to the Class of 2021. The power and magnitude of this story caught CDT Katarina Christianson, President of the Class of 2021, a bit off guard, and she had to wipe away a tear from her eye before announcing the name of the next ring presenter. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1978 | 1983 | 1989. Class Notes

Colonel R. Taft Blackburn has joined the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) as a Research Staff Member in IDA’s Intelligence Analyses Division. Blackburn is a member of the Foreign Area Officer Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

IDA is a nonprofit corporation that operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers in the public interest. IDA answers the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

Darcy Anderson has been appointed as a new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony in the Perot Building January 8. The Honorable Ryan D. McCarthy, Secretary of the Army, selected Darcy Anderson to represent Texas (North).

"Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army are an integral part of sharing the U.S. Army story," Anderson said. "I am proud to be appointed as it will allow me to continue serving my country and assist both the secretary and key Army leaders. I look forward to using my network and platform as a business and community leader to build bridges of understanding between the U.S. Army and the public."

"I am thrilled Darcy agreed to serve in our program," McCarthy said. "I can't think of a better person to represent the Army in Dallas. He is a true icon in this area. Our Army is an all-volunteer force. Now, more than ever, we rely on our volunteers, such as CASAs, to help build networks, foster relationships and tell the Army story to your communities. They are my first phone call into the city and the last handshake as I head back to D.C. I am confident Darcy will have an immediate positive impact."

Anderson served in the Army five years in various capacities with Corps of Engineers combat units. He has served as a board member for both West Point Association of Graduates and West Point Society of North Texas and as a member of Congressmen Marc Veasey and Van Taylor's service academy selection boards.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1954 | 1962 | 1966 | 1967 | 1974 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 2019. Class Notes

In a letter that recommended now-2LT Camm Johnson as a candidate for the LTG Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor Award, he was described as universally loved and respected by his peers for having an infectiously positive personality by Company C-2 Tactical Officer MAJ Jonathan Leggett. Johnson was someone who went through major obstacles yet emerged from the West Point journey successfully and was recognized as excelling within the four pillars of the academy: academically, militarily, physically and as a leader of character. Johnson received the award December 19, one day before graduating. Full story.

Governor John Bel Edwards has been sworn in for his second term. There was the traditional 19 gun salute, and the West Point Glee Club performed the national anthem.

In his inaugural address, Edwards' recapped his first term. He praised Democrats and Republicans for coming together to solve a budget crisis, better fund education and infrastructure projects and to enact landmark criminal justice reforms.

He also outlined his top priorities for his second term, namely, workforce development, raising the state minimum wage and early childhood education. Read more.

Steven L. Bray has been appointed Executive Director at the Western Asbestos, J.T. Thorpe, Thorpe Insulation, and Plant Asbestos Settlement Trusts.

“We’re truly fortunate that Steve is joining the Trusts as he brings the right mix of professional experience and skills to the position and is deeply committed to the Trusts’ goal of treating all claimants equitably,” said Managing Trustee Jack Luikart. “The Trustees believe he will provide effective and efficient management of the Trusts.”

Mr. Bray most recently served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Johnson Matthey Inc. where he was the chief legal officer overseeing all functions of the Americas legal department for the international, publicly traded manufacturer of specialty chemicals and lithium ion battery materials. Prior to that, he served in positions of increasing managerial and legal responsibility with Albemarle Corporation, BP and The Hartford.

“I look forward to contributing to the Trusts’ efforts as we continue to tirelessly serve our claimants with transparency, efficiency, fairness and respect,” Bray said. “I am delighted to be joining the Trusts and am privileged to be working with such a dedicated and talented team of professionals.”

Mr. Bray graduated in 1989 as a distinguished cadet from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Following military service as a field artillery officer in the United States Army, he received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a Master of Business Administration degree (Risk Management and Decision Processes) from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1945 | 1956 | 1959 | 1962 | 1965 | 1966 | 1967 | 1969 | 1970 | 1978 | 1982 | 1985 | 1992 | 1998 | 2003. Class Notes

LTC Frank Rubio is among the first 11 astronaut candidates to graduate under NASA's Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the moon by 2024, these graduates will be qualified to fly to the International Space Station and, soon enough, take Artemis missions to the moon, the Lunar Orbiting Platform-Gateway and Mars. 

"After completing more than two years of basic training, these candidates will become eligible for spaceflight, including assignments to the International Space Station, Artemis missions to the Moon, and ultimately, missions to Mars," NASA officials said in a statement. Read more.

Craig Ackerman has been named to the new role of vice president for operations and transformation at MITRE, a new organization comprised of the business transformation program, corporate real estate, contracts and acquisition management, and a newly formed operational risk management function.

"As we continue to grow our team and build strong internal capabilities at MITRE, Craig's track record of leading strategic transformation with agility and developing the talent to facilitate adoption across the enterprise will be a real asset," said Usha Chaudhary, senior vice president for corporate operations and chief transformation officer.

Ackerman most recently served as a principal in the federal practice at Chazey Partners, a global advisory firm, working with federal and local government clients to develop more efficient service delivery operations. He also served as the firm's global head of robotic process automation, helping clients harness the evolution of process automation tools to improve efficiency, productivity, control, and compliance. His previous roles include senior leadership positions at Day & Zimmerman, Parsons Brinckerhoff, and SAIC.

Herman Bulls Company JLL has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the 2019 World's Most Ethical Companies. For the 12th consecutive year, JLL has been honored for its commitment to improve communities, build capable and empowered workforces and foster a corporate culture focused on ethics and a strong sense of purpose. The Ethisphere Institute is a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

"he values of teamwork, ethics and excellence are an integral part of JLL," said JLL Global Chief Legal Officer Alan Tse. "We are committed to building a better tomorrow for our clients, our people and our communities, and we are honored to be included in the Ethisphere Institute's list of the 2019 World's Most Ethical Companies for the 12th consecutive year."

"Today, employees, investors and stakeholders are putting their greatest trust in companies to take leadership on societal issues. Companies that take the long view with a purpose-based strategy are proven to not only outperform but last," said Ethisphere's Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Erblich. "I congratulate everyone at JLL for earning this recognition."

Clients and third-party organizations continue to recognize JLL globally for its ethics, corporate citizenship and commitment to being an employer of choice. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1949 | 1953 | 1956 | 1959 | 1962 | 1966 | 1974 | 1984 | 1988. Class Notes

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1972 | 1981 | 1982 | 1988 | 2005. Class Notes

Douglas H. Wise was inducted as a senior member of the Honorary Board of the International Spy Museum in November of this year. He retired from CIA as a member of CIA’s Senior Intelligence Service on 30 August 2016 completing nearly three decades of service. His finished his career with CIA in a Joint Duty Assignment as the Deputy Director of the Defense intelligence Agency. As the Deputy Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Doug was the Chief Operating Officer for a 20,000 employee, global defense enterprise supporting senior Defense and National policymakers and the war fighting commands.

He currently serves on a number of corporate boards (including the Board of Advisors to an entertainment startup: Spycraft Entertainment) and provides management and leadership coaching and mentoring to the leadership teams of large corporations. Doug also serves as a strategic advisor and risk identification/risk mitigation subject matter expert for the world’s largest law Firm. He also is a leadership advisor to Los Alamos National Laboratory. In addition, Doug spends significant time providing interagency leadership and clandestine tradecraft training as well as role playing as a chief of station for special operations warriors. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the National Security Studies Program at the University of New Mexico.

Doug’s government post-government service reflects a deep understanding/experience with risk and threat identification as well as working within Government and with private sector clients to identify brand, reputation and security exposure/risks and then develop and help implement risk mitigation strategies and programs.

Kirk Hotelling has been promoted to Vice President of Corporate Real Estate at American Airlines. In his new role, Hotelling will oversee relationships with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and 265 non-hub airports. He will continue to oversee redevelopment of American's campus in Fort Worth and lead American's extensive ongoing construction projects at airports around the system. Hotelling will report to Steve Johnson, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs.

"Kirk's experience in leading large, complex projects, his extensive relationships with our airport and airline partners, and his unique approach to partnering, collaboration and team building make him the perfect person to succeed Tim and lead our extensive development and construction efforts," Johnson said. "Kirk now will play an even more important role as we continue to invest to improve the customer and team member experience."

Hotelling began his career with US Airways in November 2000. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of Campus Properties and Airport Affairs, a role in which he led both the design and negotiations for the re-imagination of American's terminal space at LAX and the redevelopment of American's 300-acre campus named for the airline's retired Chairman and CEO, Robert Crandall. Currently home to more than 12,000 team members, the campus will soon include a hotel and hospitality complex to welcome visiting team members from across the system for training sessions and meetings.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1957 | 1959 | 1965 | 1968 | 1986. Class Notes

John Boulé II, a senior vice president at Dewberry, has been named president of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) New York City Post. Boulé manages Dewberry’s New York City office and has more than 30 years of experience in the engineering industry, specializing in resilience, risk mitigation, water resources, environmental restoration, infrastructure and facility services.

From 2009 to 2012, Boulé was commander of the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). In this role, he was responsible for the USACE’s water resource development, and regulatory activities in much of New York State and New Jersey, as well as Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Boulé also served as district engineer responsible for the design and construction of facilities and infrastructure at Army and Air Force installations in New Jersey, New York, and Greenland.

"I’m honored to serve in this new leadership role within SAME," says Boulé. "I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to greater community connectivity by being involved with other members in solving some of the nation’s most challenging infrastructure projects and initiatives."

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1957 | 1962 | 1971 | 1975 | 1980 | 1990| 1996. Class Notes

Mike Slavin released the first book in his vigilante series: Kill Crime, a Jeff Case Novel-stunning crime thriller full of twists with an unpredictable ending. Normal, everyday people are tired of waiting for justice. They're killing murderers and getting away with it, thanks to a controversial, best-selling how-to book. Jeff Case, intrigued with the book and its mysteries, becomes the hunted after witnessing the author's murder.

Case is also hit with tragedy on more than one front, and some friends and family are murdered. He becomes frustrated with the police when leads run out, and he's forced to grapple with the moral decision about ultimate justice. Revenge killing is something he's had to wrestle with before, on the battlefield. A West Point graduate and decorated combat veteran, he has the skills to hunt and kill, but he can't do it alone. He turns to private investigator Trish Teal and hand-picks friends who have certain valuable talents.

Case and the team he builds go on the hunt for the killers and for justice that takes them on a frantic chase from Houston and throughout Texas to Reno and Vegas. They must take on the dark side of the oil industry and gambling, while still coming alive on the other side.

Jim Melesky has started ESS Energy Products Inc. in the family garage about 10 years ago, making the Energy Guardian attic access cover, an energy seal for attic entrances.

Initial distribution of the Energy Guardian was within about a 90-mile radius before going wider.

"We literally started with a product in the garage, then to having our own workshop and seeing the trucks pull up almost daily and then going to different distributors across the county and now into Canada. It is terrific to see it happening," Jim Melesky said.

Joined by sons Mike and Dennis Melesky the company has expanded its national retail profile and has stepped onto the international stage as well.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1957 | 1959 | 1965 | 1971 | 1977 | 1981 | 1995| 1996. Class Notes

Heath Bates has been appointed to the new RM EMEA Sales Training Manager role and Kara Bates has been appointed Director Commercial Contracting EMEA at Boston Scientific. Heath is currently CRM Principle Sales Representative in Houston, Texas. Heath will start his new role on January 1st, 2020 for a three-year assignment. He will relocate to Paris with his wife Kara.

Kara is currently Director of Sales, Endoscopy for the Central Division of United States since January 1 2017. Through her leadership, the division achieved over plan performance in 2017, 2018 and is on pace to be over plan in 2019. Kara is perfectly placed to lead to Commercial Contracting to the next stage in its evolution.

Bruce Cogossi '77 and Len Shartzer '77, both US Army retirees and members of the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), recently published some of their prose and poetry in a military veteran anthology entitled A Common Bond II. ASAP helps veterans, family members, and caregivers find their voices through the arts (comedy, improv, storytelling, writing, drawing and acting). Classes, seminars and workshops are free to participants.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1953 | 1957 | 1960 | 1966 | 1981 | 1994 | 2000 | 2005 | 2010. Class Notes

WPAOG sends warm wishes for a very happy Thanksgiving! During this season of gratitude, we wish to express our sincere thanks for all that you do for West Point.

As a token of her appreciation, 2019 Alexander Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, CPT Lindsay Gordon Heisler '12, gifted the West Point Association of Graduates with a shadow box containing an American flag. In an accompanying handwritten note, Heisler explained that she had flown the flag in her aircraft on December 25, 2015 while in Afghanistan. The flag had belonged to her grandmother.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1996 | 2008 | 1957 | 1962 | 1965 | 1966 | 1968. Class Notes

Army West Point fullbacks coach Mike Viti has been named the 2019 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Assistant Coach of the Year, it was announced on Tuesday. This comes after Viti was the eighth recipient of the Armed Forces Merit Award, announced by the Football Writers Association (FWAA) on Veteran's Day. Each year, one assistant coach from the five divisions of college football is selected for their dedication to their teams and communities. A total of 53 nominees from Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III and NAIA were nominated in 2019. Joining Viti as the FBS Finalists this year were Bob Shoop (Mississippi State) and Timothy Albin (Ohio University).

Each year, staff representatives from NCAA and NAIA football-playing schools are asked to nominate an assistant for consideration. From those nominations, the winners are selected by the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year Committee. The Assistant Coach of the Year award was first presented in 1997 and was created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment to the student-athlete, on-field coaching success and AFCA professional organization involvement.

The criteria for the award is not limited to on-field coaching ability or the success of the team and the players whom these assistant coaches work with. Service to the community through charitable work and other volunteer activities, participation in AFCA activities and events, participation in other professional organizations and impact on student-athletes are all taken into account in the selection process. As a player at Army West Point (2004-2007), Viti earned four varsity letters and was a team captain. He carried the ball 91 times during his career for 321 yards and three scores while catching 30 passes for 198 yards. Viti also served as a Regimental Commander during his senior year. Read more.

At the WPAOG Annual Meeting today, November 19, 2019, the following members were elected to positions on the Board of Directors and the Advisory Council.

To serve their terms from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021:
Chair - Joseph E. DeFrancisco ’65

Vice Chair - Stanley J. Shipley ’73

To serve their terms from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022:
Directors
Keirn C. Brown Jr. ’69 
Jeffrey A. Sorenson ’73
Clyde A. (Pete) Selleck III ’77
Herman E. Bulls ’78
Peter Carey ’92

To serve his term from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021:
Director
Robert P. Kane Jr. ’73

To serve their terms from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022:
Advisors-at-Large
Kip P. Nygren ’69
Mark W. House ’80
Joseph A. Simonelli Jr. ’87
Jon E. Tellier ’89
Stephen B. Rubright ’97
Thomas W. Oakley ’00

Steven Sims has been named as the new permanent superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site in Pennsylvania. Sims is currently serving as superintendent of Valley Forge National Historical Park, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. He will begin his new assignment in late January.

"Steve brings a broad set of skills that will be very beneficial to both park units. He is experienced at bringing partners together to work towards a common goal and values the importance of community engagement," said Vietzke. "His background as a West Point graduate and military officer will provide the valuable leadership that is needed to define and carry out the mission of the parks. In his current assignment, Steve has made significant strides in reducing the park's maintenance backlog and preserving park resources. In addition to millions of dollars in completed projects Steve has led Valley Forge National Historical Park through a $14M visitor center renovation and the production of five new park orientation films which are scheduled for completion in summer of 2020."

"I am honored to have been selected to serve as the superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site," said Sims. "As a former Army Officer, I feel a deep responsibility to care for the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, moreover, honoring the legacy of one of the most notable military generals and presidents of our nation is a privilege. I look forward to serving these parks and our neighbors in this new role." Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1966 | 1995. Class Notes

On Monday, November 11 Loudoun County High School dedicated its NJROTC annex to the memory of Captain James F. Adamouski as part of the 10th anniversary of this program. Army Captain James F. “Jimmy” Adamouski was killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq on April 2, 2003. He was 29, and the first West Point graduate to die in Iraq during the Global War on Terror.

Adamouski, who planned to enter Harvard Business School was killed when the Black Hawk helicopter he was piloting crashed in central Iraq. Because of his Harvard acceptance, Adamouski—an officer of the Second Battalion Third Aviation Regiment of the Third Infantry Division—had not been required to deploy with his unit but chose to deploy and lead his soldiers in defense of his country and, ultimately, fly his final mission.

With the assistance of his West Point Class of 1995 classmates (Eric Pavlick, Paul Maggiano, Jim Kotwis, Craig Wilhelm, Chris Dodd, and Jeff Raines have been instrumental), the Loudoun County school board in Leesburg, VA voted unanimously for his name to be placed on the NJROTC building at the Loudoun HS in Leesburg. Many classmates attended the ceremony and among the speakers was General (Retired) Richard A. Cody ’72, and Lieutenant General (Retired) Ray Palumbo ’81. View photos.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1953 | 1955 | 1957 | 1962 | 1968 | 1973 | 1977 | 1992 | 1998. Class Notes

David Velez has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at Trident. Mr. Velez has been with Trident for over a decade and was most recently the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Velez is a proven hands-on leader with over four decades of experience in both domestic and international markets. Before joining Trident, he held a variety of Senior Executive positions including: Chief Operating Officer of Pepsi Cola Brazil, President of Pepsi Cola for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, Regional VP of Cardinal Health, Senior VP South America T&B Group and Regional VP Aramark.

Mr. Velez stated that, "This is an exciting time for our company and great day for Trident. Our new ownership has helped us to dramatically strengthen our capital structure to support our investment and growth plans. Equally as important, they are focused on continuing to improve the service to our loyal customers, maintain the rate of capital investment in our core business and most importantly support the thousands of Trident Employees who provide services to our customers on a daily basis. The Trident team reporting to me has deep experience in the industry and will be focused on delivering best in class service to the industry." Read more.

Dr. Terence C. (Terry) Holland has been elected as a member of The National Academy of Construction. Holland was selected from more than 300 leaders who were considered for Academy membership. Holland, an independent consulting engineer, specializes in the areas of concrete materials, concrete durability, and concrete construction technology.

Holland was cited by NAC for "significant contributions and enhancements in the areas of materials, practices, and sustainability within the concrete construction industry."
"The 2019 class has been selected not only for their leadership, but for their integrity and their dedication to the engineering and construction industry," said Wayne Crew, General Secretary of NAC. "New members such as Terry Holland bring added expertise to the Academy."

Election criteria for NAC include leadership, exceptional service, a continued commitment to making a contribution, past recognition by peers for innovation, and being recognized as "best of the best."

Robert D. Boyd's law firm, Boyd Collar Nolen & Tuggle received their eighth recognition as a "Tier 1" Atlanta family law firm, recognized in the 2020 edition of U.S. World News and World Report’s "Best Law Firms." The firm’s high-ranking results from positive client feedback, peer reviews and exceptional demographic evaluations honored by colleagues within the Atlanta Bar. Firms included in the 2020 "Best Law Firms" list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise. The 2020 rankings are based on the highest number of participating firms and highest number of client ballots on record. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must have a lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America, which recognizes the top 4 percent of practicing attorneys in the U.S. Over 13,000 attorneys provided more than 1,000,000 law firm assessments, and over 7,500 clients provided more than 65,000 evaluations.

Major General (Retired) Carl H. McNair, Jr. has been awarded the 2019 Community Leadership Award presented by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. General McNair was recognized for his lifetime of community leadership, public service, and philanthropy during 2019 Raise the Region Gala held on Friday, October 4, 2019, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.

This award is the longest standing community- based recognition award in Northern Virginia and is presented annually for outstanding commitment and dedication to improving the quality of life for all Northern Virginians.

"Major General Carl McNair is a local hero. He had a remarkably distinguished 32 years career in the Air Force followed by the same in the private sector. We could not be more pleased to honor Major General McNair with the 2019 Community Leadership Award," said Eileen Ellsworth, President, and CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. "He's one of the most generous local philanthropists Northern Virginia has ever seen," stated Ellsworth.

"When you talk about character, competence, and commitment Carl epitomizes that for all of us. He's been an absolute role model for me and everyone in the community. He's lived a life that I think most of us would love to live," said Phil Panzarella, COO Easterseals DC MD VA. Read more.

The following officers were confirmed by the Senate:

Lieutenant General Paul J. LaCamera ’85 for appointment to the rank of general and assignment as
Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific

Major General Michael E. Kurilla ’88 to for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as
Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

The Chief of Staff of the Army announces the following officer assignments:

Major General John A. George ’88 to Commanding General, Combat Capabilities Development Command, U.S.
Army Futures Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Major General Frederick R. Maiocco Jr. ’86, USAR to Commanding General (Troop Program Unit), 76th
Operational Response Command, Salt Lake City, UT

The following Army National Guard officers have been confirmed by the Senate for Federal recognition in the
next higher grade:

Brigadier General Pablo Estrada Jr. ’88 to Major General

Glenn Voelz has released the novel War under the Mango Tree, a darkly painted satire of war, money, and corruption on the far-flung reaches of Pax Americana. At a remote military camp in Africa, American soldiers wage a high-tech manhunt against a notorious warlord. As the quixotic campaign unfolds, a cast of glory-seeking generals, rapacious mercenaries, and corrupt officials are all determined to get him, though each for different reasons. Meanwhile, a hapless band of compatriots, pawns in a mysterious shadow war, race to discover the truth about their target before it's too late.

David Edlund, USA Today bestselling author of Guarding Savage, calls it "a thoroughly entertaining lampoon of the US military machine...Not since Catch 22 has a novel this brilliant come along." Available now at Amazon.

The sequel, Operation Hermes, will be published in 2020.

Lietenant Colonel (Retired) Bryan Price has released the book: Targeting Top Terrorists: Understanding Leadership Removal in Counterterrorism Strategy. When President Barack Obama announced the assassination of Osama bin Laden, many Americans hoped the killing of al-Qaida's leader would sound the death knell for the organization. Since 9/11, killing and capturing terrorist leaders has been a central element in U.S. counterterrorism strategy. This practice, known as leadership decapitation, is based on the logic that removing key figures will disrupt the organization and contribute to its ultimate failure. Yet many scholars have argued that targeted killings are ineffective or counterproductive, questioning whether taking out a terror network's leaders causes more problems than it solves.

In Targeting Top Terrorists, Bryan C. Price offers a rich, data-driven examination of leadership decapitation tactics, providing theoretical and empirical explanations of the conditions under which they can be successful. Analyzing hundreds of cases of leadership turnover from over two hundred terrorist groups, Price demonstrates that although the tactic may result in short-term negative side effects, the loss of top leaders significantly reduces terror groups' life spans. He explains vital questions such as: What factors make some terrorist groups more vulnerable than others? Is it better to kill or capture terrorist leaders? How does leadership decapitation compare to other counterterrorism options? With compelling evidence based on an original dataset along with an in-depth case study of Hamas, Targeting Top Terrorists contributes to scholarship on terrorism and organizational theory and provides insights for policy makers and practitioners on some of the most pressing debates in the field.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1959 | 1965 | 1966 | 1974. Class Notes

COL(R) Joe Frankie III has released LinkedIn: The 5-Minute Drill for Executive Networking Success. This book is written for executives and transitioning military leaders to see the immediate benefit of using LinkedIn to network, build better teams, land new opportunities, pivot, change sectors, get promoted, and better merchandise their talents, expertise, and skill sets.

Executives are busy people and LinkedIn is an extremely valuable resource. Once leaders know how to use LinkedIn for their desired purpose, they can quickly organize a 5-minute drill to accomplish their desired goals. LinkedIn represents the collaboration of two successful thought leaders, Lori Ruff and Joe Frankie III, both of whom have consulted with and crafted profiles for hundreds of executives since the early days of LinkedIn. They provide recommendations for representing oneself online as well as advice on how to navigate a daily routine for executives and leaders to keep themselves in sight and top of mind to people looking for someone just like them. Whether someone is representing their company or themselves, online image does matter and Lori and Joe show readers how to achieve online networking success. It is available on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble.

The Rockbound Highland Home Grad Insider Tour allows graduates to share unique experiences of West Point with their families and guests. Take an exclusive guided tour of the Cadet Mess in Washington Hall, Jefferson Library, Thayer Award Room, Army Sports Hall of Fame in Kenna Hall/Kimsey Center, Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center, or the Cadet Uniform Factory. Book your tour online today at WestPointAOG.org/ GradInsiderTour or email RockboundHighlandHome@ wpaog.org for more information.

WPAOG’s 150th Celebration year is a good time to update your career biography in the Register of Graduates. All graduates are now able to review their biographies and submit updates online! We need your help to continue the project initiated by General George W. Cullum, Class of 1833, to chronicle the careers and service to the nation of all West Point graduates. Visit WestPointAOG.org/RegisterofGraduates to learn more.

More than 50 West Point Parents Club Leaders attended WPAOG’s annual Leaders Conference, August 14-17, at West Point. For four days, 311 volunteer leaders heard from WPAOG and USMA officials about the state of the Academy and WPAOG, and learned lessons they can take back to their constituents. WPAOG Chairman LTG(R) Joe DeFrancisco ’65 lauded the parent leaders attending the conference as the best resource to inspire cadets—“They are our future members.” In addition, 15 Parents Clubs were recognized as Distinguished Parents Clubs.

Lieutenant General (Retired) Jack Woodmansee has been awarded the Braddock Award, which honors members of the board that is overseen by the deputy undersecretary's office. He served over 30 years in the Army, researching new concepts and equipment for Soldiers, and almost another 20 years as a civilian eyeing future capabilities on the Army Science Board.

Now 85, Woodmansee, a former armor officer and aviator, credits Braddock and other past awardees for showing him the ropes throughout his Army career. "I had a lot of mentoring from these guys that won the Braddock award ahead of me," he said, laughing. "I give them a lot of credit … of grabbing me by the neck and then saying, 'You know, you're good at some things but let me help you with this future business.'"

During his career, he served two tours in the Vietnam War where he commanded helicopter gunships and air cavalry units. He flew over 1,500 combat hours and earned a Silver Star while serving as a commander in the 1st Cavalry Division's 7th Cavalry Regiment. His other military awards include two Army Distinguished Service medals, two Legion of Merit medals and five Distinguished Flying Cross medals, many of them from his time in Vietnam.

After he put away his uniform, Woodmansee continued to assist the Army in getting future capabilities out to Soldiers. He spent 19 years on the science board starting in the early 1990s. While in it, he participated in over 25 studies that directly influenced Army programs and strategy. "Once a Solider, always a Soldier," he said of why he continues to develop ways to help future troops, but now with his sons. "You wonder what the next kids are going to have and how we are going to do that." Read more.

Captain Lindsay Heisler ’12, the 2019 recipient of the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, didn’t grow up wanting to go to West Point: she grew up wanting to playing soccer. But when she was invited by the Army Women’s Soccer Team coach to visit the Academy, she met the team and the rest is history. “Because of the team, I chose to apply and then to attend West Point,” says Heisler, “and I’m really glad that I went.” In an interview prior to the Nininger Award ceremony, Heisler acknowledged that West Point, with all its requirements for cadets, put her in a lot of pressure situations. “The repetition of being put in these situations, when you have so many competing priorities, helped prepare me and made things easier for me when it mattered most—down range.” See Photos. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1953 | 1962 | 1966 | 1986 | 1996. Class Notes

Tom Brennan has been named Chief Merchandising Officer at Casey’s General Stores, Inc., reporting to Darren Rebelez, Chief Executive Officer. Brennan will lead the development and implementation of the company’s overall merchandising and prepared foods strategy.

“Tom is a tremendous leader with deep experience across the convenience and quick service restaurant industries that will benefit Casey’s already popular, fresh food program, and enhance our merchandising strategy,” said Darren Rebelez, Chief Executive Officer, Casey’s General Stores. “We have a strong leadership team at Casey’s and I’m confident that Tom will contribute to our collective efforts to make life better for our guests and communities every day.”

Brennan joins Casey’s from CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., the parent of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, where he was Chief Operating Officer responsible for the operations and support of over 3,000 restaurants across the United States. Prior to CKE, he spent 11 years at 7-Eleven in a variety of leadership roles in merchandising, category management, store development and operations. Before 7-Eleven, he worked in the Financial Planning and Analysis group at Target Corporation (TGT) and he also served six years on active duty as an Armor Officer in the U.S. Army.

“I am honored to join the team at Casey’s to help continue to build this incredible brand and deliver great products conveniently every day to our guests,” said Tom Brennan. Read more.

Gary Pearcy has been named Vice President of Payment Operations at DailyPay. Pearcy comes to DailyPay after more than a decade of innovation at Wells Fargo, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer for the bank’s merchant services division. Pearcy will oversee DailyPay’s rapidly growing technology and payment operations from the company’s new regional office in Minneapolis.

“Gary has a deep understanding of payment systems, networks and operational process,” said Ron Munkittrick, DailyPay’s Chief Financial Officer. “He’s with us to make sure that DailyPay works seamlessly, whether at a company with 500 employees or 50,000. He’s a great addition to DailyPay.”

“DailyPay is the evolution of the financial services business,” Pearcy said. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen a lot of innovations in the payments space. We can pay for things faster and more securely. But DailyPay is the breakout company in a whole new area. Now we’re innovating in getting paid, not just paying out. I’m happy to be part of it.” Read more.

Bill Sandbrook ’79, CEO of U.S. Concrete has a rock solid contender for horse racing’s Championship Day. Sandbrook had been a long-time fan of horse racing with no direct involvement until he met Terry Finley ’86 in 2015. Finley is CEO of West Point Thoroughbreds, a New York-based company that syndicates racehorses. Sandbrook and Finley met at a 2015 Veterans Day event at NASDAQ in 2015 that was put on by the Thayer Leadership Development Group.

Almost exactly four years later, Sandbrook owns the largest share in Decorated Invader, a West Point Thoroughbreds colt who is a top contender for a $1-million championship event in the Breeders’ Cup next Friday at Santa Anita Park outside Los Angeles.

Decorated Invader captured a Grade 1 race, the highest level of North American racing, at Woodbine racetrack in Toronto on September 15 in his third career start. West Point Thoroughbreds purchased the colt the previous September at a yearling sale in Kentucky. Sandbrook owns part of nine other horses with West Point Thoroughbreds.

“It’s pretty incredible to have a horse like this and to be in a position like this so soon as an owner,” said Sandbrook, who has led U.S. Concrete since 2011, during which time the company’s price per share on the NASDAQ exchange has risen from less than $2 to $56. “Ownership has changed my life. I’ve always been a fan of horse racing but it’s an entirely different dynamic when you own them. I linked up with Terry from us both being alumni of West Point. It’s fitting that two West Pointers are doing this together with a horse named Decorated Invader.”

Sandbrook, a member of the prestigious Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame, lives in the Dallas area. He attended the Breeders’ Cup the one time it was held in the area, at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, in 2004. Next Friday, he will be there front and center at Santa Anita with a live contender. 
Photo: Michael Burns/Woodbine racetrack

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1959| 1966 | 1996 | 2002. Class Notes

Lieutenant Colonel James Hendon has been named the new Commissioner of New York City's Department of Veterans' Services. Hendon has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The department officially launched in 2016 and the city has seen a significant drop in homelessness with veterans since then. They've created a coalition called "Veterans on Campus" which helps student veterans that may be in danger of eviction. The department has proved help for upwards of 25,000 veterans and their families since inception.

Photo: Courtesy of AM New York

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1953 | 1956 | 1959| 1961 | 1979 | 1980 | 1989 | 1993 | 2009. Class Notes

"Receiving the Thayer Award makes me feel closer to West Point than I've ever felt before," said General Ann Dunwoody (Retired), in an interview just prior to receiving the 62nd annual Sylvanus Thayer Award. A remarkable statement given that Dunwoody, the first women in U.S. military history to achieve the rank of four-star general, comes from a four-generation legacy of West Point graduates: her father (Harold H. Dunwoody, Class of 1943), her grandfather (Halsey Dunwoody, Class of 1905), her great-grandfather (Henry Harrison Chase Dunwoody, Class of 1866, and her brother, Harold "Buck" Dunwoody Jr. '70). "I've been here a lot," she joked.

Yet in addition to her long and strong West Point lineage, Dunwoody's personal devotion to the values of "Duty, Honor, Country," the central tenet of the Thayer Award, actually come from her 38 years of distinguished service to the country. "In my Army career, I've learned that ‘Duty Honor, Country' is more than three words: It's a way of life," she says. Read more.

Class of 2004 West Point graduates began their 15-year reunion with a memorial service for departed classmates at Cullum Hall. Of the 19 classmates, 12 gave their lives in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Over 140 graduates and surviving family members attended the service to remember their lives and the contributions they made.

“Our class was hit the hardest in the Global War on Terrorism and we lost the most since the class from Vietnam. So, I think it is always important for us to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” USMA Class President of 2004 Mike Nemeth said.

This memorial service was different from anything Cullum Hall has seen. A special guest was announced just before he took a seat at the grand piano in the room. Elham Fanous, a 22-year old pianist from Afghanistan, played a tribute song specially written for the graduates and their fallen classmates.

“They died guarding us to make sure that we are safe and can become what we love. I appreciate that so much. Being here is very meaningful for me, and my letter was written to convey the feelings I feel and the fact that although they suffered and died in my country, I want to share how grateful I am for their service,” Fanous said. Read more.

Colonel (Retired) Gregory Gadson has joined the Advisory Board for Roberts & Ryan Investments Inc., one of America’s first Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVO) FINRA registered broker-dealers. Colonel Gadson will assist Roberts and Ryan in expanding the firm’s offerings and engagements to corporations and institutional investors committed to enhancing opportunities and economic independence to veterans, disabled veterans and their families.

Colonel Gadson served our nation for more than 26 years. His service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense.

Colonel Gadson’s life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson’s greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination and teamwork. Greg served in every major conflict of the past two decades.

“Greg is an exceptional individual who turned a cataclysm in life into boundless achievements.  He is the epitome of the Seven Core Army Values; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage.”

General (Retired) David Perkins was awarded the Genesis Medal from the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. Perkins commanded the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq, known as Thunder Run, in 2003. General Perkins served multiple tours in Europe and the Middle East. He commanded units in a series of Joint and Multi-National operations including UN missions. He was decorated numerous times for his service including the Silver Star, the nation's third highest award for valor in combat.

He called the Genesis Medal "a huge honor," but added he felt "unworthy to be in company" with all of the Purple Heart recipients in the audience. He also thanked the Gold Star families who were present. "You all bring another whole level of meaning to a veteran's life," Perkins said. "Your warrior is not here physically, yet you still come to these things. You remind the rest of us why we serve. You remind us our service was not in vain." Perkins also praised all those who support the Purple Heart hall, especially those who volunteer their services there. "Thank you for working to make sure that our country does not take (Purple Heart recipients) for granted," Perkins said. Read more.

Jim Scott has been selected to be inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans' Hall of Fame. Currently the Hall has 100 awardees, including 30 Medal of Honor recipients. This is a very prestigious award given to those who have distinguished themselves for Valor, Achievement, or Service while serving in the active or reserve components of one of the services. Jim was selected for the Valor category given his exemplary record during 2-tours in Vietnam which included the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Crosses (2), Silver Star, Purple Heart (2), and numerous other awards. The banquet in November is open to the public.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1961 | 1963 | 1966 | 1974 | 1982 | 1988 | 1997 | 1999 | 2013. Class Notes

Elliot Zimmer has been named Executive Vice President, President and Chief Operating Officer of the North America Commercial Heating & Cooling business at Lennox International Inc. Zimmer has a proven track record at Lennox International, having served for the last three years as vice president and general manager of Lennox North America commercial equipment business. Previously, he served as vice president, worldwide supply chain and logistics and led our business development efforts. Before joining Lennox International in 2010, Zimmer served as director of capacity planning and operations at Dr Pepper Snapple Group and as a senior associate with McKinsey and Company. Read more.

In its inaugural year, the Bass Military Scholars Program at Vanderbilt University welcomed seven outstanding student-veterans pursuing graduate and professional studies programs in Law, Business, Medicine, and Nursing. Among them, Devin T. Adams '13 works to earn a J.D. degree to start his career in Real Estate Law with a focus in Development and Land Use. In addition to a $25,000 per academic year award, the program encourages scholars to engage the student community and foster military-civilian exchanges, where Adams is excited at the opportunity to mentor and help develop young leaders at Vanderbilt. Like his faculty role at West Point, he would like to share values of collaboration, planning and execution, dreams and destinations. The scholars are extending their service beyond their uniform in the vibrant city of Nashville as part of a distinguished institution in a program unlike any other in graduate and professional studies, offering talented veterans like Adams the opportunity to achieve education goals and support the talented Vanderbilt community of students, faculty and staff.

The Honorable Allen B. Clark as released the book, Soldiers' Blood and Bloodied Money: Wars and the Ruling Elites. Clark knows about blood. As an Army officer assigned to Special Forces in clandestine intelligence operations in the Vietnam War, he shed “soldier’s blood” in an enemy mortar attack on his camp in 1967. Blessed with life after surviving the loss of both legs, he returned to life as a veteran who served his country. Subsequent to experiences in a variety of political, public service, and financial endeavors, he began to acquire a keen interest in the real causes of wars and their attendant casualties through history in contrast to the histories written by potentially biased sources. Healing from the emotional issues related to his wounds, he grew in spiritual depth and faith. His extensive and concentrated research over many years motivated him to pen Soldiers’ Blood and Bloodied Money, a hard-hitting work that pulls no punches and exposes the “usual suspects” who have profited from wars and derived their “bloodied money.” Considerable and wide-ranging studies have resulted in this publication, which names the individuals and institutions throughout history who have fostered and fomented horrendous wars, such as arms merchants, religious leaders, politicians, international bankers, media titans, lawyers, and “secret societies.” His findings, from sources published as far back as 150 years ago, will captivate and shock readers. Read this book to grasp the political, financial, business, religious, social, and propaganda-based truths leading to wars with a special focus on the American Revolution, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and the "Banana, Banker, and Oil Wars" in the Americas. He concludes his book with his spiritual approach for veterans to heal from wartime traumas. Available at Amazon.

WPAOG sadly announces the death of West Point’s oldest living graduate, Maj Gen Neil Van Sickle ’38, USAF Retired. COL Raymond Renola ’40, USA Retired is now the oldest living graduate.

Learn how to create a winning culture in your company or organization to scale and succeed by listening to every episode of this podcast. Forbes author, speaker, and internationally renowned billion-dollar business mentor Bill Higgs dedicates this show to help you achieve lifelong people-oriented business success by making heroes and MAKING YOUR CULTURE COUNT! Bill interviews the world's top leaders in business, entrepreneurship as well as global thought leaders that share their first-time experience, knowledge and wisdom, to give you exclusive access to their secrets for success. Every episode provides clarity, motivation and action steps for you to make your culture count.

Jason Porter has been named the Senior Vice President of the FirstNet program at AT&T. Porter comes to FirstNet from the role of Chief Data Officer and Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning for AT&T's Technology Operations, where he has been responsible for alignment of global network planning, prioritization of over half of AT&T's capital spend, design technology, talent enablement, program management across multiple technology domains, and the CDO's center of excellence for data science, AI, and automation.

"I'm honored to lead our FirstNet program and carry on the important responsibility of delivering public safety's vision for a dedicated, nationwide communications platform that's second to none. Serving our first responders through FirstNet isn't just a dream job for me, it's a calling, and I'm excited to take on this special mission," Porter said in a statement. He added that Sambar "has been instrumental in driving the success of FirstNet. His dedication, leadership and contributions have been invaluable to transforming the future of public safety communications, creating a solid foundation for FirstNet's continued success." Read more.