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.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1953 | 1966 | 1982 | 1988 | 1990. Class Notes

Judge Michael Noble received the 2019 Judicial Excellence Award (Circuit) from Missouri Chief Justice George W. Draper III for his dedication to the effective administration of justice in Missouri.

"Judge Noble's military background, beginning as a West Point cadet and continuing as a captain commanding a company of 200 in the Army Reserve, has been the backbone of his desire to be a public servant," Draper said in presenting Noble's award.

"As a public defender, he witnessed firsthand the disastrous effects of drugs on his clients, which led him to apply to be a drug court commissioner. As a circuit judge, he has continued to devote his time and efforts to help those affected by drug addiction through his work with the Supreme Court's alternate treatment courts committee. Today, one of his favorite parts of the job is to mentor young attorneys."

Noble's entire judicial career has been in the 22nd Judicial Circuit (St. Louis city). He was appointed a drug court commissioner in October 2007; was appointed an associate circuit judge in March 2013; and has served as a circuit judge since November 2015. Voters retained him in that office during the November 2018 general election. Read more.

The new world-class medical and ambulatory care center was dedicated in memory of its former commander, Col. Brian D. Allgood, a physician who made the ultimate sacrifice when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire on January 20, 2007, in Iraq, on 20 September 2019. The family of Col. Allgood, distinguished guests, Korean medical partners, Soldiers, Families, and Civilians gathered to honor the true servant leader who was always passionate about ensuring soldiers and their families had the best medical care. Read more.

The Army West Point Athletic Association officially added five new members to the Army Sports Hall of Fame this past Friday evening at Eisenhower Hall. The Class of 2019 honored tonight were former head wrestling coach Lloyd Appleton, cross country and track and field standout Mike Bernstein, gymnastics star Carl Brunson, track and field great Dennis Trujillo and two-sport standout Mortimore (Bud) Sprague.

In addition to honoring the new members of the hall of fame, the Honorable Samuel Lessey Jr. was given the distinguished service award and he became the ninth honoree of the award since 2006 and first since 2014. One of the top honors bestowed by the Army West Point Athletic Association, the Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual for significant contributions to the intercollegiate program. It is not presented annually, but only in years when the athletic department identifies a deserving recipient. He joins Jack Hammack, Morris Herbert, Herb Lichtenberg, Lou Gross, Lew Zickel, Gus Fishburne, Carl Goldstein and Bob Outer as recipients of the award.

The new hall of fame class was also recognized during the plaque unveiling ceremony at the Kenna Hall of Army Sports prior to the banquet at Ike Hall. The newest class will also be honored during halftime of tomorrow afternoon's football game at Michie Stadium.

Appleton was named to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1983 after becoming an Olympic Silver Medalist in 1928 in the 158-pound weight class. He racked up 86 wins at Army in 19 seasons for a .623 winning percentage. He tutored 10 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Champions and 39 EIWA Placewinners at the helm of the Black Knights. He also coached national runner-up Al Paulekas in 1953.

Bernstein was a three-time NCAA All-American for the Black Knights and earned 10 varsity letters while at West Point. He was a two-time NCAA selection in cross country during his career and led the Black Knights to a sixth-place finish at the 1993 NCAA Championships in 1993. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1959 | 1963 | 1965 | 1966 | 1968 | 1973 | 1983 | 1989 | 1998. Class Notes

Major General (R) Maria Britt has released Navigate the Climb: Leadership for Life's Journey. Every effective leader’s climb is motivated by a goal or purpose—the True North. All actions taken should be made with that goal in mind. So point your compass in that direction and move out. How can anyone lead others without first knowing how to lead themselves?

In Navigate the Climb, General Britt shares the culmination of her experiences—and the crucial lessons she’s learned therein—from thirty-five years spent in both military and civilian leadership environments.

General Britt has led at various levels of command throughout her entire professional life. After graduating from one of the first West Point classes to admit women, she went on to mother three successful children, earn two master’s degrees, become the first female general in the state of Georgia, earn the Distinguished Service Medal, and be featured on the cover of "Georgia Trend" magazine. Maria firmly believes that only by striving toward your True North can you reach the highest peaks of personal and professional success. Through the highs and lows of school, career, marriage, and motherhood, Maria has kept her life’s compass pointed steadfastly on her calling of serving and leading to achieve a greater good. Britt’s leadership journey provides readers clear insights into auspiciously navigating the climb to both personal and professional leadership success. Readers will glean nuggets of wisdom from her experiences, including how to: Identify your individual purpose; Motivate others through your vision; Transition from management to leadership; Brand (and rebrand) yourself; Cope and heal after personal or professional loss. Available on Amazon.

John Barnett has been named Company's Chief Financial Officer at Protective Insurance Corporation.

John has most recently served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of First Acceptance Corporation, a non-standard auto insurance underwriter, since October 2018 and served as Senior Vice President, Finance from May 2007 to March 2013. John served as Vice President, Finance of Broadcast Music, Inc. from March 2013 to October 2018.

"John will have a significant impact on Protective. As CFO, John will help us drive improvement in operating results and position us for profitable growth," said Protective's Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Johnson. "John is a versatile leader who understands the value of analysis-driven business decisions." Read more.

Malcolm Reid has been named to the ASIS Int.–association for security management professionals–Global Board of Directors. The installation of the ASIS Global Board of Directors is a major landmark in the association’s transition to a new global governance structure that will allow for ASIS to service its members significantly better at the local, regional, and global levels.

“The ASIS Board of Directors has dedicated years of thoughtful planning and execution to realize the goal of a Global Board supported by members in every region around the world,” says Chase, chair of the Nominating Committee. The Global Board’s inaugural Executive Committee spans three continents.

Malcolm, aside from being a top security professional, is on the national board of The Business Continuity Institute and regional boards of MegaMentors, focused on teaching life skills to under privileged youth in Chesterfield, Virginia and is the current director on the board of the Podium Foundation in Richmond, Virginia.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1959 | 1965 | 1979 | 1981 | 1985 | 1989 | 2003. Class Notes

MG John Epperly has been named president of IT Concepts, Inc. to oversee strategy, service delivery operations and business development companywide.

Epperly has more than 25 years of business executive leadership experience in federal and commercial markets in management consulting, telecommunications, IT services, aviation, manufacturing and cybersecurity. He has held executive positions at Coalfire, Booz Allen Hamilton, Elbit Systems of America and Verizon Business. A combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and is currently commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division in the Virginia Army National Guard.

&"IT Concepts has experienced some phenomenal growth over the last decade," Epperly said. & "I'm looking forward to continuing the progression the company has made in delivering innovative IT solutions in both the Federal and commercial arenas" Read more.

Chris Trombetta has been named the new Chief People Officer (CPO) at Los Angeles-based tech startup, ServiceTitan, software for residential home service businesses. Trombetta is the former Senior Vice President of Strategy and Talent for Red Bull and current board member for USA Boxing. In his new role, he will work with ServiceTitan's top executives to define the fast-growing company's talent strategy.

"The opportunity to work with ServiceTitan is an honor," Trombetta said. "It's an impeccable business with a tremendous backstory, and they have transformed from a startup to industry leaders in the home services industry because they identified a real need and meet it with excellence. Additionally, people and culture are vitally important to the founders and management team, and I'm excited for the opportunity to contribute to our future growth."

"Chris has a unique understanding of the deep customer empathy that's at the core of ServiceTitan," said Ara Mahdessian, CEO and co-founder of ServiceTitan. "He understands it's what has helped us get to where we are today, and his experience as a business leader in the people function, coupled with his experience in building a world-class talent acquisition engine and results-oriented people organization will help build and grow that customer-first culture here at ServiceTitan." Read more.

You've Worked Hard. Paid Your dues And Earned Your Success. Now What? David Blain has released the book: In Invest in Your Life, Not Just Your Portfolio: A Guide to Achieving Financial Independence, David Blain―founder and CEO of BlueSky Wealth Advisors―shares the revolutionary approach he now employs as a fee-only fiduciary advisor―an approach he developed to combat the out-of-control fees, conflicts of interest, and generally poor advice that plagues successful individuals and families across the country. You will be able to find a financial advisor who has your best interest at heart and can help you and your family plan for a lasting and fulfilling lifestyle.

If you see money as a vehicle to reach your goal (as opposed to the goal itself), aren’t looking to “beat the market,” and are ready to listen to a trusted professional, then this book is just for you. It’s time to invest in more than just your portfolio. It's time to invest in your life. Available at Amazon.

MG(R) Pittard has co-released Hunting the Caliphate: America's War on ISIS and the Dawn of the Strike Cell. Decorated Army and Air Force Combat Veterans Share Personal Experience Fighting ISIS. Dana J.H. Pittard and Wes J. Bryant bring their senior military backgrounds and unique experiences serving in once-secret operations in the Middle East together to create one of the only books on the market with true stories from the war on terrorism in the years following 9/11.

From Hunting the Caliphate: "We watched grimly as the ISIS fighters...took aim with their machine guns and opened fire. Once the smoke and dust settled, we could see clearly that ISIS had executed all 80 men."

With a combined 50-plus years in military service, Dana J.H. Pittard, Major General, U.S. Army (Retired) and Wes J. Bryant, Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force (Retired) give in their new book a firsthand look at once-secretive American operations focused on the activities of ISIS. Recounting their personal experiences of the dramatic scenes that splashed across our newspapers at home throughout the past two decades, the authors share their personal testimony to the growing extremism not only in the Middle East, but around the world.

Susan Spieth as release the next book in the Gray Girl Series, Fall Out: Courage Always Stands its Ground. She wears a saber, a red sash and the infamous "crass mass of brass and glass," the United States Military Academy ring. The Army/Navy Game, the 100th Night celebrations, spring leave, and the highest of all cadet days, graduation, await Jan Wishart's final year at West Point. It should be the best one in her notable cadet experience. But graduation and commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army may never happen for Jan. Instead, she might be sent to the Consolidated Brig, for female military convicts.

When a delegation of Russian cadets, the first of its kind, visits West Point, Jan strikes up a friendship with Dimitri Petrov. He's a diplomat's son and a rising star in the Soviet Army. But their relationship takes a dark turn and Jan becomes embroiled in something that will test her stamina, her faith and her friendships, like none before. And like honor, duty and leadership, courage always stands its ground.

The Gray Girl series depicts authentic experiences of the early years when the United States Military Academy first admitted women cadets. Jan Wishart is both heroine and troublemaker. She and her friends sometimes create their own dilemmas but mostly solve the larger issues they face while at West Point. Gray Girl Won two Eric Hoffer book awards. Both Gray Girl and Area Bird are 2015 Kindle Book Award semi-finalists. Area Bird earned a 5-star review and is a Silver Award winner of the 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Award Contest, realistic fiction category. Witch Heart is a Gold Award Winner from Literary Titan Book Review and earned a 5-star review and Honorable Mention from the 2018 Readers' Favorite Book Award Contest, military fiction category. Fall Out is the last book in the series, published on Labor Day, 2019. Available on Amazon.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1953 | 1956 | 1959 | 1971 | 1979 | 1988 | 1989 | 1992 | 2014. Class Notes

Christopher Prentice has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at Harmonic Bionics, Inc. and member of the Harmonic Bionics Board of Directors.

"As Harmonic Bionics prepares for the commercialization of robotic upper extremity rehabilitation system, we sought a leader who had direct experience in helping early stage robotic companies achieve their goals," said Yun. "Chris is an outstanding choice to lead the company into the market." Mr. Prentice said, "Harmonic Bionics has a brilliant product development team and an innovative system that can advance the field of neurorehabilitation. Based on my experience and knowledge of the commercialization of robotic systems, gained at both Intuitive and Mazor, I am very excited about the opportunity at Harmonic Bionics and I am honored to join the team."

Christopher Prentice has over 20 years of medical device experience in both large strategic healthcare companies and in successful startup companies. Most recently he was Vice President of Commercial Integration at Medtronic. Prior to his position at Medtronic, he was CEO of Mazor Robotics, Inc. and Chief Commercial Officer of Mazor Robotics Ltd., companies that were acquired by Medtronic in December 2018. Read more.

Armando Interiano ’79 has published a new book titled The Black Crusade. It is historical fiction which, through its characters (a Polish nun, a Salvadoran Jesuit, and a Salvadoran West Point grad, among others) describes the religious and military battles of the time, both from an international standpoint (the Cold War, Liberation Theology) as well as a national standpoint (the effects of the Cold War and Liberation Theology on El Salvador and Nicaragua). The story ends with the murder of six Jesuit priests and two Salvadoran women on November 16, 1989. This historical fiction is based on the author's experiences and extensive research on Liberation Theology. This book was published in July 2019, and its Spanish version, La Cruzada Negra, was published in August 2019.

"I'm not gonna let this person die on my front lawn," Capt. Kevin Barry thought as he began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The 36th Engineer Brigade Soldier was at his new home in Temple when his mover, Sedrick Evans, of Towne Services, collapsed on his front lawn July 8.

"I realized I left my phone in the garage. I saw that he was seated by my garage door and then saw him fall over," Barry said of the ordeal. "I ran over and checked for responsiveness. He wasn't responding to verbal, so I went to do a sternum rub to check for pain and he responded to pain, so I knew he was somewhat there."

Evans began convulsing and stopped breathing, so Barry dragged him to the concrete and began CPR, while also flagging down a neighbor for assistance. While the two men alternated CPR, Barry wondered if it was a heat-related injury, so he grabbed ice and cold water to help cool down Evans' extremities.
"I wasn't going to let him die," Barry said. "I started thinking back to all the training I've had."

In those moments, Barry recalled the lifeguard training and Combat Lifesaver training the Army taught him. He said he knows he did not do everything perfectly, but he is thankful he remembered enough of his training to keep Evans alive. Read more.

John Lesko has been elected to the Board of Directors at Toastmasters International, a Toastmaster since 1998, John is the president and head coach of JohnLesko.Biz. As a self-employed leadership coach and entrepreneur, he works with c-suite corporate officers, senior executives in the federal civil service, new admirals and generals in the armed services, and rising stars in several global non-profit organizations.

After 20 years in the U.S. Army, Lesko retired with the Legion of Merit medal. He was designated a distinguished member of the West Point society of Washington, D.C. for providing career advice to U.S. Army soldiers as they left the uniformed service and transitioning to civilian employment.

"When you first join Toastmasters, you choose a path in the educational program that fits your needs. After you've built up your confidence, you might choose to enter a speech contest or volunteer to serve as an officer in your club," he said. "The Toastmasters experience is transformational in that you'll initially be focused on self-improvement and eventually you'll broaden your outlook and influence to lead and assist other in reaching their goals."

Susan Irons has been named the 2019 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA) Outreach Partner of the Year. Susan Irons, veterans service officer for Lincoln and Union Counties, was awarded the 2019 Outreach Partner of the Year award for going above and beyond in her efforts to reach out to South Dakota's Veterans.

Key Achievements for Outreach:
• Ensure that veterans are aware of their benefits.
• Conduct informational meetings.
• Involved in community activities and events.
• Maintain good media relations.
• Excel in obtaining medals for veterans.

"Susan is an extremely active and visible VSO in her community," said Greg Whitlock, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. "She is well regarded as a keynote speaker and in high demand to attend holiday ceremonies and veterans service organization events. She organizes and attends numerous local events in an effort to reach as many veterans as possible and make them aware that she is available to assist them."

Irons' office serves over 3,100 veterans in Lincoln County and over 1,100 in Union County. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1955 | 1956 | 1972 | 1973 | 1982 | 1988 | 1996. Class Notes

Bob Eisiminger has joined the Company's newly created Advisory Board at BioNovelus, Inc. Bob Eisiminger most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of Knight Point Systems (KPS) from its founding to its sale to Perspecta for $250 million in July 2019. His responsibilities included all company operations and for setting KPS' strategic direction. Bob's success at KPS came by recognizing individuals that serve the customers on the front lines. He focused on building and maintaining a company culture that allowed individuals the ability to perform their best in service of the customer.

With over 30 years of professional experience, Bob held a variety of leadership positions in several industries. Prior to forming KPS, Bob's healthcare industry experience in various sales management and leadership development positions earned him top sales honors. He served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer with tours of duty in Texas and Germany. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team and the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund. In 2019, Bob received the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Mid-Atlantic Region in the category of Government Services.

"Bob's business leadership in building Knight Point Systems, knowledge of government contracting and a demonstrated ability to build a world-class customer delivery and support experiences, makes him a terrific first member of our Advisory Board," said Mark Fuller, President and CEO of BioNovelus. "We are confident Bob will contribute immeasurably to the growth of acquired companies by helping us establish best practices while also identifying additional companies for acquisition." Read more.

Apollo Astronaut, Colonel Alfred M. Worden, American Astronaut and Engineer, who was the Command Module Pilot for the Apollo 15 Lunar Mission in 1971; was one of only 24 people to have flown to the Moon, which he orbited it 74 times in the Command Module Endeavour. He was just recently selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Aerospace for 2019 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), for his outstanding leadership, dedication and contributions to Aerospace.

While inclusion with the International Association of Top Professionals is an honor in itself, only one person in each discipline are chosen for this distinction. These special honorees are distinguished based on their professional accomplishments, academic achievements, leadership abilities, longevity in the field, other affiliations and contributions to their communities. Read more.

The West Point Association of Graduates is pleased to announce that Captain Lindsay Gordon Heisler, Class of 2012, has been selected to receive the 2019 Alexander Nininger Award for Valor at Arms. The Nininger Award will be presented on October 24, 2019, at West Point, New York. Read More.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1962 | 1964 | 1968 | 1983 | 1988 | 1990 | 1992 | 1996 | 2011 | 2018. Class Notes

Captain Kelly MacDonald placed first among female runners during the qualification for the Army Ten-Miler, with a time of 41:30. Recently assigned to Fort Drum MEDDAC as a psychiatrist in the Behavioral Health Clinic, MacDonald said she is still familiarizing herself with the North Country.

“Every time I move someplace new, one of the first things I do is try to find a running team or a local race, because it is a really good way to learn about the community,” she said. “I thought this would be a fun way to see a little bit more of the post and meet some other runners.” MacDonald had first competed in the Army Ten-Miler as a West Point cadet and she ran it while in residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

“The Army Ten-Miler is a great race,” she said. “Every year that I’ve run it, I see people that I know and I run into friends.” MacDonald is no stranger to long-distance races, having participated in everything from 25-milers to 100-milers and some of the toughest ultramarathons and trail races in the country. In June, she completed the Manitou Revenge 54-miler in Windham, New York, where she finished 13th overall and first among female competitors. Read more.

David Esposito has been named to the Board of Directors at Shield Diagnostics, an Andreessen Horowitz-backed biotechnology company tackling antibiotic resistance by bringing precision medicine to infectious disease. "I am pleased to welcome David to our board of directors. His guidance, expertise and deep commitment to patient care will help strengthen Shield as we advance our mission of preventing antibiotic resistance with diagnostics," said Fred Turner, Shield Diagnostics CEO and Chairman.

Mr. Esposito is currently the CEO of ONL Therapeutics based in Ann Arbor. He is the former CEO of Armune BioScience where he led the development and commercialization of blood-based diagnostics to enable more personalized treatment for cancer. Armune BioScience was sold to Exact Sciences in 2017. Previously, Esposito was President of Phadia US Inc. (allergy and autoimmune diagnostics) and played a pivotal role in selling the business to Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2011. Mr. Esposito was recognized with a Bronze Star for combat action in Iraq in 1991.

"I am honored to join the Shield Board of Directors," said Mr. Esposito. "Shield's technology of rapid molecular testing for antibiotic susceptibility provides an answer to the crisis of antibiotic resistance. It is one that will change the infectious disease space, and I am excited to help this innovative and talented team in this great mission." Read more.

Anthony Clarke name president at GTCC (Guilford Technical Community College) in North Carolina starting no later than November 1, 2019, becoming the colleges eighth president.

In a statement, GTCC board chairman George Ragsdale said that Clarke's experience in both the private sector and at two North Carolina community colleges were big pluses. "We could not be more excited about this appointment, " Ragsdale said."... We are confident that he is a dynamic leader for the future of GTCC." GTCC trustees picked Clarke from among three finalists and more than 70 applicants.

"I'm really honored to be selected," Clarke said in a telephone interview Wednesday. "GTCC is a strong college with great faculty and staff and a great board. I'm excited to get there and get to work."

Since 2014 Clarke has been president of Southeastern Community College in Whiteville. As GTCC and most other N.C. community colleges lost students over the past decade, Southeastern managed to increase enrollment in its curriculum programs by 9% during Clarke's tenure. The number of high school students taking community college courses nearly doubled. Read more.

The Department of the Army announced former Army West Point football standout, 2nd Lt. Brett Toth will have the opportunity to pursue a career in the National Football League.

"Congratulations to 2nd Lt. Brett Toth, Class of 2018, who has the opportunity to play in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles," said Lt. Col. Chris Ophardt, USMA spokesman. "He is an extraordinary leader of character with professional athletic ability. He will provide a great benefit to the Army while playing in the NFL."

Toth played in a total of 31 games for the Black Knights in his four seasons at Army West Point. He became a key contributor on the offensive line in his final two seasons, playing in 26 straight games from 2016 to 2017. He helped anchor an offensive line that guided the Army rushing attack to No. 1 in nation in 2017 at 362.7 yards per game. Read more.

Army West Point Director of Athletics Mike Buddie has released the 16th induction class into the Army Sports Hall of Fame.

The Class of 2019 features former head wrestling coach Lloyd Appleton, cross country and track and field standout Mike Bernstein, gymnastics star Carl Brunson, track and field great Dennis Trujillo and two-sport standout Mortimore (Bud) Sprague.

The honorees will be officially inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 20. A special plaque unveiling ceremony will be held in the Kenna Hall of Army Sports inside Kimsey Athletic Center, with the formal black-tie Hall of Fame Induction Banquet set for Eisenhower Hall later that evening. The group will also be recognized during Army's West Point football game against Morgan State the next day at Michie Stadium. Read more.

COL Todd S. Brown '96 took command of the 75th Ranger Regiment from COL Brandon R. Tegtmeier '96 on Friday, July 12, 2019. LTG Fran Beaudette (CG, USASOC) served as the Reviewing Officer. This is the first ever classmate-to-classmate command change at the 75th Ranger Regiment level and the 2nd time these two warriors have traded command. In June 2016, Todd took command of 1st Ranger Battalion at Fort Stewart from Brandon. A total of 16 classmates attended as well as LTG(R) Freddy McFarren '66, who was Commandant of the Corps of Cadets as a BG from Jun 1994 to Sep 1995 when they were cadets. Story.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1958 | 1961 | 1964 | 1965 | 1966 | 1973 | 1981 | 1987 | 1988 | 1990 | 2009. Class Notes

Major General Mark Toy assumed command of the Mississippi Valley Engineer Division officiated by Lieutenant General Todd Semonite, the 54th chief of engineers and commanding general for the Corps of Engineers.

While assigned to the Lakes and River Division, Toy deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Resolute Support. He served as the director for the Enhanced Security Zone (ESZ) leading a task force composed of personnel from the Corps and the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization. Task Force ESZ’s mission was to improve the protective posture of Kabul’s “Green Zone” resulting in improved security for the international community and the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

As the Mississippi Valley Division’s 40th commander, Toy will be responsible for the Corps’ water resources programs in a 370,000-square-mile area that includes portions of 12 states; its boundary extends from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. District offices are headquartered in St. Paul, Minn.; Rock Island, Ill.; St. Louis, Mo.; Memphis, Tenn.; Vicksburg, Miss.; and New Orleans, La.

In addition, Toy will be president-designee of the Mississippi River Commission, the presidentially appointed agency that oversees the comprehensive Mississippi River and Tributaries flood control and navigation project, as well as the entire Mississippi River and its tributaries. Read more.

In 20 years of March Backs, Wallace Ward has seen it all. In the beginning, the march was 15 miles, now 20 years later it is only 12. Over the years it has moved from taking place in the middle of the night to starting in the morning. There has been rain and thunderstorms that soaked and threatened the marchers. There was a hamstring injury that slowed him down but couldn't stop him.

No matter the obstacle, the distance or the weather, since members of the Long Gray Line were invited to the March Back 20 years ago Wallace Ward has completed every single one. This year as he stepped off from Camp Buckner before dawn with India Company, Ward, who graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in the Class of 1958, earned the distinction of being the oldest graduate to participate in the annual tradition. He first joined the March Back at 67 and now aged 87 he once again walked the entire way from start to finish.

"I come back to March Back every year because I love to run," Ward said. "I've participated in 10 marathons and one ultramarathon that was 62 miles. I have been running and walking all my life so when they said they wanted people to hike back with the plebes I thought that was a great opportunity since I love being outside running and walking."

The decision brought him full circle as it was running that first introduced Ward to West Point. A track athlete in nearby Washingtonville, New York, Ward competed at a regional track meet at West Point as a high schooler. He entered the meet with a single goal - earning the one point he needed to secure his varsity letter for the season -- and determined to do whatever it took to secure it. With the finish line nearby and his goal within reach, Ward dove across the line. His last bit of effort earned him his letter, but it also left shrapnel in his left elbow that has served as a, "reminder of West Point for the rest of my life." Read more.

Josh Halu completed his Appalachian Trail thru-hike in memory of classmate and friend, Taylor Force ’09. He started his hike in Georgia on March 8, 2019, in dedication of the third anniversary of Taylor Force’s death from a terrorist attack in Israel. Josh completed the 2,200-mile, 14-state hike four months later in Maine on July 8, 2019. He carried Taylor’s dog tags for the entire hike. Josh was joined by Taylor’s parents, Stuart and Robbi, Taylor’s sister, Kristen, and Josh’s wife, Emily, for the final summit on Mount Katahdin at the northern terminus of the trail. For more information on Josh’s hike, see his blog at https://movewithapurposelife.com.

A Force for Good Foundation was founded in 2018 in loving memory of Taylor Allen Force. The foundation strives to raise money for organizations that provide support for veterans, as well as other causes that were meaningful to Taylor. Taylor lived by the motto “God is first, others are second and I am third.” A Force for Good Foundation aims to continue this motto as Taylor’s legacy. To date, the foundation has raised and donated over $10,000 to the West Point Association of Graduates, Camp Stewart for Boys, K9s for Vets, and the USO.

Joshua Lospinoso, PhD has released C++ Crash Course. C++ is one of the most widely used languages for real-world software. In the hands of a knowledgeable programmer, C++ can produce small, efficient, and readable code that any programmer would be proud of.

Designed for intermediate to advanced programmers, C++ Crash Course cuts through the weeds to get you straight to the core of C++17, the most modern revision of the ISO standard. Part 1 covers the core of the C++ language, where you’ll learn about everything from types and functions, to the object life cycle and expressions. Part 2 introduces you to the C++ Standard Library and Boost Libraries, where you'll learn about all of the high-quality, fully-featured facilities available to you. You’ll cover special utility classes, data structures, and algorithms, and learn how to manipulate file systems and build high-performance programs that communicate over networks. Available at No Starch Press.

On August 9, General James McConville '81 was sworn in as the Army’s 40th Chief of Staff. In his initial message to the Army Team, he talks about taking care of people and his other priorities. McConville visited the Academy recently to receive a brief from the Superintendent and staff. He also spent time with cadets and observed Cadet Basic Training combatives and marksmanship training at Camp Buckner. Video.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1945 | 1961 | 1962 | 1965 | 1966 | 1984 | 1992 | 1996 | 2006 | 2015. Class Notes

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) conference was recently held at Rosen’s Shingle Creek in Orlando, FL. This is an exceptional event serving many veterans and the strong DAV organization.

DAV does much to support our veterans including transportation to many Medical Centers for veteran appointments. Annually, the organization provides more than 600,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with well over 200,000 benefit claims.

Gary Sinise was in attendance and Jim Wartski '82 and Laurie Barone '83 had some time to meet with him, a true patriot, Mr. Sinise praised West Point and reminisced over receiving the Thayer Award.

Lindsay Hartig is currently a semi-finalist to be the Muscle & Fitness Hers "Ms. Health & Fitness". Please help her BEAT EVERYONE! Vote everyday now through Wednesday August 14: https://mshealthandfitness.com/2019/lindsay-hartig. If she wins the 20k, it is all being donated to Veteran Non-Profit charities. She will also get to be on the cover!

Jon Redmond, who has personally suffered with PTSD from various deployments, recently took on a role as a Senior Adviser with NightWare. NightWare is an innovation in digital therapeutic treatment for nightmare disorder among those with PTSD. The app, which works with an Apple Watch, disrupts nightmares and helps those that suffer from them get a complete and restful night’s sleep. NightWare has recently been awarded “Breakthrough Therapy” status by the FDA, and the team has a mission of helping as many Vets as possible. To do so, they are offering free enrollment to any Vet suffering with PTSD and nightmares in new clinical trials. To enroll in NightWare, any Vet can visit the site or contact Redmond directly.

The Descendants of WWII Rangers (www.wwiirangers.org) organization is seeking assistance in getting the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to all members of the WWII Ranger Battalions. There were at least seven West Point graduates in those WWII Ranger Battalions: COL Bill Darby '33 (pictured left); LTC Hank Mucci '36 (pictured right); CPT Ralph Colby, '40; MAJ John Dobson '39; LTC Robert Garrett '41; CPT James Greene Jun 43; and CPT John Raaen Jr, Jan 43. The Congressional Gold Medal, when awarded, will be presented to all WWII Rangers collectively. This is an honor much-deserved by these WWII Ranger veterans for their combat actions in all overseas theaters; for their six night-time assault landings; and for their consequential recognition through eight (8) Presidential Unit Citations.

These are the Rangers who climbed the cliffs, neutralized the guns, and about whom President Reagan spoke in 1984 in his famous "The Boys of Pointe du Hoc" speech. These are the Rangers who freed 516 Allied POWs at the Japanese Camp at Cabanatuan before they were executed, and became the heroes of the nation as well as subjects of the book, "Ghost Soldiers" and movie, "The Great Raid." These are the Rangers who led the way off of "Bloody Omaha" Beach, and gave today's Rangers their motto of "Rangers Lead The Way!" These are the Rangers who experienced almost 10% Killed-in-Action (KIA) during WWII. These are the Rangers who suffered when more than 750 of their Ranger buddies were captured or killed behind enemy lines at Cisterna one-week after their successful Anzio landing. There are 55 known WWII Rangers still with us today – one of those being MG (Ret) John C. Raaen, Jr. 'Jan 43. There have been approximately 57,000 West Point graduates since the Ranger School began in 1952, and many of those graduates attended Ranger training. Please call/email/write your Senators to ask them to sponsor the Senate bill S.1757 for the "United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act". Questions can be directed to RonHudnell@gmail.com (Son of a WWII Ranger, Class of 1969, and Ranger School 4-70.)

Mike Eggleston ’61 has published a new book entitled The Montagnard People in the Indochina Wars, 1945-1991. This history tells the story of the wars fought by the Montagnards of Indochina against the North Vietnamese, the French, the Vietcong and others as they sought autonomy for the Montagnard tribes. The Montagnards were loyal fighters with U. S. Forces during America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The struggle of the Montagnards continued long after the fall of South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in 1975. The end of Saigon’s war did not end the plight of the Montagnards. This history is based upon the recollections of the author and others involved in the wars in Indochina. This book was published in August 2019.

CPT Chandler Smith recently placed fifth at the Rogue Invitational, armor officer and member of the Army Warrior Fitness Team has stamped his ticket to the CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin.

"I want to do something at the games that [helps] the Army, and the world, become a better place," he added. "If someone sees my positivity and chooses to reflect that in their daily life -- that is a win."

During high school Smith got into wrestling, his coach, Nage Damas ‘73 was a three-year wrestling letter winner here. Through their interaction, Smith decided to enroll in the academy. "I am the person who is big on discipline," Smith said. "West Point presented the hardest road … and presented the biggest challenge in comparison to the other academies."

At the time the Army was highly involved in Iraq and Afghanistan. Smith believed the Army provided the best opportunity for applied leadership. "Those were conflicts I saw myself in. As an aspiring leader, you want to place yourself at points of friction," he said. Read more.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate as Brigadier General Omar J. Jones IV, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington was promoted to the rank of Major General at the Inter-American Defense College on Fort Lesley J. McNair, D.C., August 5, 2019. During the promotion ceremony, remarks were given by General James C. McConville.

Photo: Sgt. Maryam Treece

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1966 | 1983 | 1986 | 1996 | 2001. Class Notes

Experience on the battlefield helped earn General Joseph Martin the nomination to the Army's second highest military rank. Martin was sworn in as the Army's 37th vice chief of staff in a Pentagon ceremony, following a steady progression of the service's senior leadership into higher positions within the Department of Defense.

General Mark A. Milley, the Army's chief of staff, said Martin's extensive time in combat during several deployments amply qualified him for the job. "This is probably one of the top two, maybe three, general officers with combat experience," said Milley, who presided over the ceremony. "He has been in combat at every level of command. This guy's got five combat tours. He's got over 40 months in combat. It's an amazing combat record."

Martin deployed to Iraq five times including stints as a company commander during Operation Desert Storm, as a battalion and brigade commander during Iraqi Freedom and he commanded the famed 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. Martin also served as the commander of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command during the pivotal Battle of Mosul, a major multi-national offensive that helped the Iraqi government retake control of the Iraqi city from ISIS forces.

Martin has said that he will continue to emphasize the Army's priorities of readiness, modernization and people, and to recruit the "best and brightest" into the force. Read more.

During our celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the founding of WPAOG, it is well to remember that in fulfilling our mission to serve the Academy and its graduates we are both a familial and a philanthropic organization. The Long Gray Line Fund relies solely on the generosity of donors to provide memorial support, reunion planning, and awards and honors. Recent enhancements also include the Rockbound Highland Home Program and WPAOG’s new Career Services office, which provides graduates with the tools to successfully navigate their post-military career transition. If you haven’t already, please consider making a 2019 gift to the Long Gray Line Fund. With your participation, we can maintain the bonds that unite our graduates and their families through the traditions and ideals of West Point. Give Now

Josh Kuehl receives the Serving Those Who Serve July Hero of the Month award. His non-profit continues to help veterans using the art of photography. Kuehl knows still photography is an art that can have a powerful effect. “If someone learns art therapy, they're having a moment, they are kind of triggered, they can't just whip out a canvas and dial up some paints to deal with it. A camera, you clip it on and you're ready to rock and roll,” Kuehl said.

This is what he tells veterans that come to him to help deal with their triggers. “Your formative years are spent in a very set culture, with very set ideas and norms, and you enter into civilian life thinking these are the norms of the world, and they're not,” Kuehl said. The camera lens becomes a veil: something to hide behind to help ease the transition back into civilian life. “We like to call it our invisibility shield,” Kuehl said.

“You're in a social situation, you're uncomfortable and you put up the camera…you just disappear into the room.” This is the appeal of a non-profit Kuehl co-founded three years ago. It's called “Task Force: ISO.” The “iso” in the name is a photography term that refers to the sensitivity of the camera sensor. They re-purposed the acronym ISO to stand for imaging, support and outreach. Read more.

Colonel Eric M. Noe assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District from Colonel Robert G. Dixon, who is retiring after 26 years of service in the U.S. Army. Little Rock District is responsible for a $500 million program annually. This includes civil works, military construction, Army and Air Force Medical Service support, environmental stewardship, emergency management and support to other government agencies throughout Arkansas, southern Missouri, across the nation and around the world.

The district has a staff of about 715 employees. It is responsible for maintaining the Arkansas River and other waterways, including 13 locks and dams, 12 multi-purpose lakes, seven hydroelectric power plants, and more than a half million acres of public lands and water. Noe came to Little Rock District from the National Military Command Center in Washington, D.C., where he served on the Joint Staff as a deputy director of operations and presidential strike advisor.

Noe has deployed to Macedonia, Kosovo, and Iraq in support of operational and combat missions.

His military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Bronze Order of the Engineer DeFlueury Medal. He is also a graduate of the Army Airborne, Air Assault and Rappel Master schools. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1959 | 1963 | 1965 | 1968 | 1970 | 1973 | 1975 | 1980 | 1986 | 1990 | 2017. Class Notes

General (Retired) Joseph L. Votel has been named the Class of 1987 Senior Fellow at the Combating Terrorism Center (CTC). Mostly recently, GEN(R) Votel served as the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, responsible for U.S. and coalition military operations in the Middle East, Levant, and Central and South Asia. During his 39 years in the military, he commanded special operations and conventional military forces at every level. His career included combat in Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Notably, he led a 79-member coalition that successfully liberated Iraq and Syria from the Islamic State Caliphate. He preceded his assignment at CENTCOM with service as the Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command and the Joint Special Operations Command. GEN(R) Votel is a 1980 graduate of the United States Military Academy and earned master’s Degrees from the U.S. Army Command and Staff College and the Army War College.

GEN(R) Votel has been supportive of the CTC’s work for many years, and we are honored for him to join the Center in this capacity. The CTC thanks West Point’s Class of 1987 for its generosity in supporting this position.

Maj. Gen. Robert F. Whittle, Jr. took command of the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division, during a ceremony presided over by Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, 54th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in Cincinnati. Whittle, who previously served as Commandant for the U.S. Army Engineer School located at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, pinned on his second star moments prior to assuming command from Maj. Gen. Mark R. Toy. Toy is set to take command of USACE, Mississippi Valley Division, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 23.

As the new LRD commander, Whittle is responsible for directing federal water resource development in the Great Lakes and Ohio River basins with infrastructure valued at over $80 billion through seven engineer districts totaling over 4,200 people operating through a seventeen-state area.

Maj. Gen. Whittle has held a number of staff and command positions. His first duty assignment was in the 40th Engineer Battalion, Baumholder, Germany where he served as both Platoon leader and Company Executive Officer. As a captain, Maj. Gen. Whittle served as a Company Commander in 2nd Engineer Battalion in Camp Castle, Korea. He then worked as a Project Manager in the Philadelphia District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and as the Executive Officer to the Commanding General of the North Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Following his graduation from the Command and General Staff College and School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, he served as a plans officer in the 1st Infantry Division and the Battalion S3 of the 9th Engineer Battalion, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later served as the Executive Officer of the 9th Engineer Battalion and the Commander of Task Force Guardian in Schweinfurt, Germany.

The Senate confirmed Mark T. Esper ’86 as Secretary of Defense by a 90-8 vote on July 23, ending the longest period to date that the Pentagon has been without a permanent leader. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, called Mr. Esper a “well-prepared nominee” who will face a world “full of serious threats to America, to our allies and to our interests.” Read more.

Col. Karl D. Jansen has assumed command of the St. Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to become the district’s 66th commander and district engineer. A registered professional engineer and certified project management professional, Jansen holds a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, according to the Corps.

Previously, Jansen served as executive officer to the commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C. A Colorado native. His prior assignments include 72nd commander of the Corps’ Buffalo District and tactical assignments at Fort Polk, La; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and Fort Stewart, Ga.

The St. Paul District covers most of Minnesota, the western half of Wisconsin, the northeastern half of North Dakota and small portions of northeastern South Dakota and northeastern Iowa. It has missions in the area of flood risk management, navigation, environmental management, regulation, disaster response and recreation.

The district traces its origins to 1866, when Congress authorized the Corps of Engineers to establish a 4-foot navigation channel on the Upper Mississippi River. Maj. Gouverneur K. Warren, a West Point graduate and veteran of the Battle of Gettysburg, was tasked with establishing the district and conducting preliminary surveys of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Read more.

Lieutenant General (Retired) Robert L. Caslen has been named the 29th leader of the University of South Carolina, a 218-year-old institution.

"I am honored to be chosen to lead this great institution," Caslen said. "I will work tirelessly to listen to all of our students, faculty, staff, board members, and all our constituents to understand their concerns and issues, and I will actively seek their advice. I am eager to start meeting with students, faculty and staff, and my goal is to work collaboratively with our entire university and system community to address challenges, to build confidence, respect and trust, and to create new opportunities."

2LT Kennedy Edwards, field artillery officer in 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division help the All-Army Basketball team at the Armed Forces Championship to take home the Silver.

"It was a great experience, just to be able to set aside military duties for a month... getting to know different players from different backgrounds," Edwards said of the experience. "We physically challenged ourselves every single day and that built a lot of mental toughness for us to prepare for the tournament."

"He was a great asset to the team," said All-Army head coach Capt. Carl Little. "Very calm and collective. Can definitely play on this stage. We look forward to having him again. He was a great addition to the program."

Edwards is appreciative of this opportunity the Army offers him to be able to continue competing even after he took off his Black Knights jersey for the final time in college. Read more.

Chad Rupe as been appointed as Administrator of the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service by President Donald Trump announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

"Chad served us well as Rural Development State Director in Wyoming for the past two years, and we are excited for him to join the team here in Washington, D.C. With more than 15 years of experience in commercial and community banking, Chad brings much-needed expertise and knowledge to the Rural Utilities Service. I know Chad is committed to helping rural Americans prosper and thrive," Secretary Perdue said.

Rupe has served as Acting Administrator for the Rural Utilities Service since April 30. Prior to stepping into that role, he served as USDA Rural Development State Director of Wyoming from 2017 to 2019. During his tenure there, Rupe was a leader for rural broadband, serving on the Rural Development State Directors Broadband Working Group and assisting state government with efforts to deploy broadband in rural Wyoming. Rupe has also championed rural water utilities projects and financing for sustainable electric infrastructure investments. Read more.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the field of dermatology, William D. James, MD, has been selected to receive the Academy’s Master Dermatologist award. Dr. James currently serves as Paul R. Gross professor of dermatology, and Education Director of the department of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Dr. James is recognized for excellence in patient care and his career-spanning academic and leadership contributions to the specialty. In addition to his past service as president of the AAD, Dr. James has delivered more than 300 invited lectures, published more than 265 articles and 35 book chapters, and has written or edited 24 books, including the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th editions of the standard textbook Andrews’ Disease of the Skin. Whereas this book is studied by nearly all learners entering dermatology across the globe, and he has co-authored this work since 1990, his influence on the care of patients and careers of a generation of dermatologists is evident. He is the founding editor of the internet-based eMedicine Textbook of Dermatology, and currently serves as editor in chief of Medscape Dermatology Reference.

For 35 years, the Master Dermatologist award, given to one deserving member yearly, has recognized Academy members who have made significant contributions to the specialty of dermatology throughout the span of their careers, in addition to leadership and/or education programs of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr. James is also honored as the first recipient of the William D. James, MD, Mentor of the Year Award, which was established in recognition of Dr. James for his career-spanning dedication to mentoring of students, residents, and junior faculty. Dr James has directed residency programs in dermatology at Walter Reed, while serving as Chief of the Service, and at the University of Pennsylvania for the past 32 years. Over 160 trainees are now teaching and caring for patients in Universities and practices nationally and internationally. In addition, Dr James mentors early career academicians across the country as part of a the AAD’s Leadership Program. He has received teaching and mentoring awards from many organizations previously.

Roxanne Bernstein has been named to Progressive Grocer magazine's 2019 "Top Women in Grocery" list for outstanding contributions to the retail food industry.

Now in its 13th year, Progressive Grocer's Top Women in Grocery awards program has grown to become the retail food industry's premier women's leadership recognition platform. The program recognizes outstanding female leaders within the retailer and supplier communities and the critical roles they serve in their companies, communities and the industry at large.

Roxanne Bernstein brings a 24-year track record of strong cross-functional leadership, innovative problem-solving and commitment to developing talent to her role as Chief Marketing Officer at Post Consumer Brands. Prior to joining the company in 2016, Bernstein was the chief marketing officer at Heritage Home Group. Earlier in her career, she held senior marketing positions at Kraft Foods and the Kellogg Company. Read more.

Starting July 22, non-Department of Defense visitors will be required to check in at the Visitor Control Center to be issued local access credentials to gain entry to the installation. These changes bring West Point into compliance with Department of the Army access control requirements.

“We expect delays at the gates as people learn about the new requirements,” Lt. Col. Brian Heverly, director of emergency services, U.S. Army Garrison, West Point, said. “We ask for patience and assistance in passing this new information along to members of the community, visiting family members, alumni and friends of West Point.”

This change impacts non-DOD card holders who desire unescorted access to visit cadets, friends, family, the hospital, sporting events, concerts and other programs not deemed special events. It also affects companies with employees who require unescorted access to conduct business on West Point, such as delivery drivers.

The VCC is now open Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. After 10 p.m., guests must enter through Stony Lonesome Gate where they will be issued a 24-hour pass. All visitors must undergo on-the-spot background checks in compliance with the National Crime Information Center–Interstate Identification Index prior to being issued credentials. West Point has designated special events allowing visitors to gain access to the installation with a valid stateside driver’s license or government-issued ID card.

Special events include:

• Home football games
• Ticketed sporting events
• Eisenhower Hall events
• May graduation

Access requirements: Non-DOD visitors should fill out a local area credential request form at: https://westpoint.edu/visiting-west-point and bring the completed form to the VCC located at 2107 New South Post Road in Highland Falls, N.Y.

In addition, visitors should bring a state-issued driver’s license compliant with the Real ID Act of 2005. Check compliance at: http://worldpopulationreview.com/states/real-id-compliant-states/ Those without a valid driver’s license, will need one of the following:

• U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.
• Permanent resident card or alien registration receipt card (Form 1-551).
• Foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp or temporary I-551 with a printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa.
• Employment authorization document that contains a photograph.
• U.S. Military or draft record. • U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card.
• Transportation Worker Identification Card. • Native American Tribal Document.
• In the case of a nonimmigrant alien authorized to work for a specific employer incident to status, a foreign passport with Form I-94 or Form I-94A bearing the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of the alien’s nonimmigrant status, as long as the endorsement has not yet expired and the proposed employment is not in conflict with any restrictions or limitations identified on the form.

For more information, call 845-938-0390 or 845-938-0392.

Dean Gels has been Appointed Chief Financial Officer at MSA Security a global high consequence threat protection firm. Prior to joining MSA, Mr. Gels most recently served as CFO at OVH US, a cloud computing company, where he managed the company's national expansion. Prior to OVH, he served as the Vice President of Corporate Development at Borderfree.

"As the company enters new markets and scales to meet new demands, we are making organizational adjustments to ensure we are aligned for success in this dynamic industry," said Glen Kucera, Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Gels is a seasoned financial expert and leader with the experience needed to guide MSA's continued financial health."

As CFO, Mr. Gels will be responsible for all aspects of the company's financial operations to ensure fiscal health. He will oversee forecasting and reporting, capital structure, and all budget activity. His financial leadership will play a critical role in the company's strategy and direction moving forward. "I am excited to join MSA's diverse team of experts who have reached the highest levels in the security field," said Dean Gels. "Already considered the leader in high consequence security, MSA is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs in a dynamic security market." Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1949 | 1953| 1958 | 1959 | 1963 | 1965 | 1967 | 1976 | 1978 | 1986 | 1991 | 1995 | 2007. Class Notes

Lieutenant General Daniel Hokanson took the reins as director of the Army National Guard in a ceremony in Arlington, Virginia. He served as the NGB's vice chief prior to taking on his new duties as director of the Army Guard. Hokanson served in the active component as a helicopter pilot and took on a variety of leadership roles before transitioning to the Oregon Army National Guard in 1995. "[He is] an academy graduate, deployed to Panama, deployed to Iraq, led a brigade in Iraq, lead a brigade in Afghanistan. He's done all that and had the strategic jobs," Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, who hosted the ceremony.

I want to personally thank you for allowing me to serve as the 21st director of the Army National Guard and for all I have learned from you over the past three-and-a-half years as your vice," Hokanson said during the ceremony. "I am sincerely humbled by this incredible opportunity and look forward to continuing to serve the Soldiers, civilians and families of our Army National Guard."

"With all the changes nearly four centuries have brought with them, what has made the National Guard great remains the same -- that's our people," Hokanson said, adding that close to 30,000 Army Guard Soldiers are currently deployed worldwide. "Nearly 5000 more are directly supporting homeland defense and emergency response missions [ at home]," he said. "Our units compose 39 percent of the Army's operational force and we'll continue to engage across the full spectrum, performing our missions of homeland defense, [supporting the] warfight and building partnerships."

To our leaders and commanders at every level, thank you," he said. "Your leadership and dedication, your selfless service directly contributes to our readiness and lethality and ensures mission success." Read more.

Tim Dunn has been appointed Director in the Executive Search Practice at N2Growth, Inc. He will be working out of the Philadelphia Office.

"We are lucky to have a true pro like Tim on our team. A graduate of West Point (where he also played football), a former US Army Officer, President of a Family Office portfolio company in the EComm space, a former J&J sales and marketing leader, and Wharton MBA, Tim is an incredible talent with a diversity of experience that serves our clients well," said Mike Myatt, Chairman of N2Growth.

"Tim will be part of our client delivery and execution team-leading client engagements," Myatt said.

Brian Bulatao was recently confirmed as the Under Secretary of State for Management. Bulatao was a distinguished graduate (top 5%) in the Class of 1986. He is responsible for managing the State Department on a day-to-day basis and serves as the Chief Operating Officer to the Secretary of State and Deputy Secretary of State on matters relating to enterprise governance, strategic resource alignment, the Department of State Budget, Diplomatic Security, talent, information technology, and innovation. He has responsibility for driving excellence across all enterprise functions.

Prior to joining the State Department, Brian served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Central Intelligence Agency. In this capacity, he worked with the Director and Deputy Director of the CIA to provide overall leadership to the Agency, foster alignment, agility, and mission success.

Before joining the CIA, Brian worked in the Private Equity industry, both as a founding partner and senior advisor, and focused on middle market growth buyouts. Brian previously served as the CEO and President of several market-leading companies in the manufacturing, logistics, and business service sectors. In the non-profit sector, Brian has held leadership positions on several boards, to include Chairman of the Board of Trustees of one of the largest technical colleges in the Midwest.

Upon graduation from Harvard Business School, he joined the Atlanta office of McKinsey & Company and served Fortune 500 clients in the transportation, telecommunication, and basic materials industries. Early in his career, Brian served as an Airborne Infantry officer, leading units on several contingency operations across the globe.

Francis Hoang has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Francis (France) Hoang and his family were evacuated from Saigon in April 1975 when he was under two years old, his family settled in Washington state. He served in Afghanistan and was an Associate White House Counsel. He now is a business leader, having been a part of several entrepreneurial ventures. Sharon Bannister, Marty Marks (wife of Spider Marks '76, daughter of BG Richard Tallman '49 (KIA Vietnam) and sister of First Captain Joe Tallman '73), Allen McCabe, and Kim Mitchell have been elected to the board as well.

"We're pleased to add these new Board members," said Board Chairman John Dibble. "They each have strong connections to the Vietnam era and the ongoing mission of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. The Vietnam War still impacts our country in many ways, affecting families and friends. As volunteer Board members, they are committing their time and talents to insuring current and future generations remember the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and learn the lessons of that divisive time in our nation's history."

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1957 | 1992 | 1996 | 2019. Class Notes

Kate Ward Shattuck has been promoted to Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry. Ms. Shattuck co-founded and co-leads the firm’s Impact Investing practice. She is a specialist in global financial markets including asset management and consumer/commercial banking.

Prior to joining Korn Ferry, she worked as chief operations officer and corporate senior vice president at PenFed and the PenFed Foundation, leading and growing the organization’s corporate social responsibility efforts including a micro-credit fund, housing assistance, grants and programs for economically disadvantaged veterans. She served at Morgan Creek Capital and Morgan Stanley in business development roles.

Happy Fourth of July from the West Point Association of Graduates.

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

Major General Steven W. Gilland ’90 to Commanding General, 2d Infantry Division (Combined), Eighth Army, Republic of Korea
Major General Brian J. Mennes ’88 to Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division (Light) and Fort Drum, Fort Drum, NY
Brigadier General Peter B. Andrysiak Jr. ’90 to Commanding General, U.S. Army Alaska; and Deputy
Commander, U.S. Alaskan Command, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK
Brigadier General Joseph B. Berger III ’92 to Commanding General/Commandant, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, Charlottesville, VA
Brigadier General Gregory J. Brady ’91 to Commanding General, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense
Command, Germany
Brigadier General Christopher T. Donahue ’92 to Commander, Special Operations Joint Task Force-
Afghanistan, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan/Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan, Resolute Support Mission, OPERATION FREEDOMʼS SENTINEL, Afghanistan
Brigadier General Omar J. Jones IV ’92 to Commanding General, U.S. Army Military District of Washington; and commander, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region
Brigadier General Kenneth T. Royar ’88 to Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL

The following officers were confirmed by the Senate:

General James C. McConville ’81 for reappointment to the rank of general and assignment as Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, DC
Lieutenant General Joseph M. Martin ’86 for appointment to the rank of general and assignment as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, DC
Major General Leopoldo A. Quintas Jr. ’86 , for promotion to the rank of lieutenant general
Brigadier General Telita Crosland ’89 , for promotion to the rank of major general

Firstie defender Griffin Schultz achieved Scholar All-American honors from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA). Schultz is the eighth cadet in Army West Point men's lacrosse history to achieve this high academic distinction. "This is an absolutely amazing honor for a tremendous cadet-athlete," said head coach Joe Alberici. "Griffin represented the very best of us on the field and off the field. His efforts made his teammates and the coaching staff better."

The defender joins James Yastrzemsky (1997), Craig Massie (2008), Brendan Buckley (2013), Sam Somers (2015), Jimbo Moore (2016), Austin Schultz (2016) and Daniel Grabher (2017) who were also named Scholar All-Americans while on the Black Knights' roster. Of Army's eight Scholar All-Americans, seven have been during Coach Alberici's tenure. Schultz boasted a 3.774 grade-point average with an Economics Major and Systems Engineering Track. The senior has made the Dean's List all seven eligible semesters and has achieved a 3.5 GPA and above each semester. In his limited spare time, Schultz tutors his teammates in Economics and Physics. Read more.

Congratulations to Colonel Curtis A. Buzzard '92 who assumed command as the 78th Commandant of Cadets here at West Point Friday June 28. He is a strong leader and a great asset to our West Point team.

The West Point Summer edition is online now.

- Letter from the Superintendent
- Letter from the President of WPAOG
- AOG History Part III (1946-1995)
- WPAOG Distinguished Graduate Awards 2019
- The Dedication of Grant Statue
- WPAOG Entrepreneur Summit
- Class Gifts Through the Years
- Army Volleyball Dreams of Going Places

  ....and much more.

View Online Edition

Our 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 hope that all graduates will help us 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.

SUBMIT YOUR REGISTER UPDATE