The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1945 | 1959 | 1962 | 1986 | 1995 | 1996. Class Notes

Steve Cannon ’86 is one of three finalists for the NFL’s 10th annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The award recognizes exceptional efforts to honor and support members of the military community.

Cannon is the CEO of AMB Sports & Entertainment, which includes the Atlanta Falcons. He is co-founder of the nonprofit organization Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, a Class of ’86 initiative to honor military service and sacrifice by providing scholarships to children of our nation's fallen or disabled. Steve’s leadership on the Johnny Mac board of directors has propelled the organization to award over $20 million in scholarships in less than 7 years.

He is involved in several other military support endeavors.

The Salute to Service Award recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air nationally the Saturday before Super Bowl LV. Read more.

This year is the 21st Anniversary of WPAOG’s Class Ring Memorial Program and 52 West Point class rings were donated. These 52 rings will be reconnected to the Long Gray Line as the metal from these rings is transformed into legacy gold next month for the Class of 2022. The Class Ring Memorial Program, also known as the Ring Melt, will take place virtually with a live stream broadcast from Ike Hall at West Point on YouTube. The link for the live stream will be posted at a later date.

WPAOG is sharing a few of the stories behind the rings and the West Point Grads who wore them as we get closer to the day of the Ring Melt program on February 12, 2021.

One of the 52 Rings was worn by Mr. Paul S. Ache Jr. Class of 1950. His son, Mr. Paul Ache III donated his father's ring to the program because “the only fitting place for the metal in my father’s ring is on the finger of someone who has earned it.” Ache was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from the Academy in 1950 with a commission in the Regular Army in the Armor Branch. Ache was an exceptional Army officer, as evidenced by his accelerated promotion to first lieutenant and his early appointment as commanding officer of Company C, 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Straubing, Germany.

After the Army, Ache received a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and worked at several major oil companies. He continued to be an avid patriot his entire life. He was instrumental in the formation of the Korean War Memorial at the Presido in San Francisco, California. He wanted to ensure that the memory and sacrifices of his classmates and fellow soldiers would never be forgotten. Ache passed away on March 19, 2017.

Read more about West Point Grad Mr. Paul S. Ache Jr. on his memorial page.

Learn more about Class Ring Memorial Program and how West Point Grad, LTC (R) Ron Turner ’58 came up with the idea for this program in 1999: https://www.westpointaog.org/RingMemorialProgram.

Mr. Tom Eisiminger, Jr. has been unanimously elected as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Regenesis Biomedical, Inc. by their Board of Directors.

Tom Eisiminger has been with Regenesis Biomedical for 14 years leading the sales efforts. Tom served in successive leadership roles culminating in his most recent position as Vice President of Sales.  Tom served our country for 20+ years and is a decorated combat veteran. Tom is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans. He is a veteran’s advocate and serves as President of the Veterans Medical Leadership Council (VMLC) and is a member of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) – Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah chapter.

“I look forward to leading Regenesis towards accelerated growth with our team of dedicated colleagues,” says CEO Tom Eisiminger. “To accomplish growth and market expansion, we will focus on these key value drivers: Clinical evidence, new FDA-cleared indications, intellectual property, and product development. I am pleased that the current senior management team will continue in the new leadership structure.”

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1953 | 1959 | 1961 | 1969 | 1973 | 1974 | 1983 | 1993. Class Notes

Mike Eggleston ’61 has published a new book entitled The Irish Brigade and the Corcoran Legion in the Civil War. This history tells the story of two brigades that fought in the American Civil War: the Irish Brigade and the Corcoran Legion. Most of the soldiers in these units were Irish immigrants who left Ireland as a result of the Great Famine (1845-1849). This book covers the Civil War battles fought by these brigades where they served in the eastern theater of the war. Their campaigns are described in the Civil War battles (1861-1865). At  times the brigades served in different campaigns, but in the final years of the war they were together in the same corps. Each relevant Civil War battle is summarized including details of the specific participation of the Irish Brigade and the Corcoran Legion. The history also describes the participation of discharged Irish soldiers after the war from both the North and the South who participated in raids and uprising to free Ireland from British rule. The initial chapters also provide the history of earlier risings against the British such as the New Irelander Rebellion of 1848. Finally, biographies of key participants are included.

Because of you, 2020 was another successful, resilient, and inspiring year supporting West Point and Margin of Excellence programs. It takes all of us to make this possible, and we thank you for your participation!

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1946 | 1947 | 1952 | 1974 | 1977 | 1981 | 1988 | 1996. Class Notes

Memorable Moments of 2020: “Grads in the Fight Against COVID-19.”

This year, West Point Magazine created a series profiling West Point grads who have been working in hospitals, making masks, developing treatments and tests, and leading and supporting front line workers during the global pandemic.

WPAOG reached out across the country to learn how the Long Gray Line is serving in this moment of historical crisis to face the challenge of the pandemic with "Answering The Nation's Call: Grads on the Front Lines of the COVID-19 Battle," and we've shared some of the many inspiring stories we've received.

Read about West Point graduates like LTG Todd Semonite ’79, who led the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crisis response team to help flatten the curve, with projects nationwide such as turning the Jacob Javits Convention Center into an alternate care facility in New York City. Or Alex Gorsky ’82, Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, whose team is working to develop a vaccine to combat the virus. Kimberly Jung ’08 is another grad who is a project manager for the MIT E-Vent team, which came up with a simplistic and inexpensive solution to the ventilator shortage that was caused by COVID-19.

“I think as West Pointers," Kimberly Jung ’08 said, "we have it in our DNA to heed the call to serve, to be the one in the arena and to figure out what it takes to get the mission done.”

Read more here: https://bit.ly/answeringthenationscall

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1950 | 1953 | 1970 | 1982 | 1988. Class Notes

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1953 | 1959 | 1982 | 1994 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 2002 . Class Notes

In 2017, Scott Brady ’97 founded a start-up in molecular diagnostics focused on infectious diseases. With the accuracy and speed of PCR testing, Wise Diagnostic Systems sought to provide clinicians and their patients with faster turnaround and better results compared to traditional cultures. When the pandemic created a surging demand for COVID-19 PCR diagnostic testing, it just made sense for the company to get involved as part of the healthcare system’s frontline effort.

Just outside Houston in The Woodlands, the Wise Diagnostic Systems lab serves dozens of nursing homes and long-term care facilities across Texas. Now processing hundreds of COVID-19 specimens each day, the incredible team of laboratory technicians and staff get results to the physicians who care for this at-risk population within a day or two.

“We are extremely busy each and every day," says Brady. "Taking on COVID-19 testing has required us to move into a much larger lab to accommodate the additional equipment and double the number of employees in just a few months. There were a tremendous number of logistical challenges, laboratory supply chain issues, and employee safety considerations to navigate so we could make that happen. West Point and the Army definitely taught me the skills to create that plan and execute it under those conditions and a super condensed timeline.”

Wise Diagnostic Systems has tested over 20,000 COVID-19 specimens since August.

On December 11, West Point broke ground for its new future-focused Cyber & Engineering Academic Center (CEAC). Superintendent LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83 presided at the ceremony with special guests Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy; 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General, USACE, LTG Scott A. Spellmon ’86; USMA Dean of the Academic Board BG Cindy Jebb ’82, and West Point Association of Graduates Board Chairman LTG (R) Joseph E. DeFrancisco ’65. The 136,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility will house the engineering laboratory functions of the Departments of Civil & Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, and Systems Engineering.

Through laboratories and hands-on core-course activity spaces, access to new technology and equipment, and opportunities for unique collaboration, the center will facilitate a powerful and broad impact within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) scholarship and industry. The CEAC project costs will be supported by government funding and private funding from the West Point Association of Graduates Margin of Excellence program. Margin of Excellence enhancements to the Center include a fourth floor offering conference and collaborative space and a bridge connecting the new facility with Mahan Hall. These enhancements are made possible by Mike Fisher ’90, and his wife Ashley Fisher; Bell Textron Inc.; the Classes of 1979, 1975, 1973, 1972, 1997, 2010, 2009, 2003; and the West Point Parents Club of Maryland, DC, and Virginia. CEAC Press Release. Full story.

Congratulations to USMA Grad Astronauts Frank Rubio ’98 and Anne McClain ’02, named to NASA's Artemis moon mission team! NASA has selected 18 astronauts from its corps to form the Artemis Team and help pave the way for the next astronaut missions on and around the Moon as part of the Artemis program. Vice President Mike Pence introduced the members of the Artemis Team during the eighth National Space Council meeting at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

“I give you the heroes who will carry us to the Moon and beyond – the Artemis Generation,” said Vice President Mike Pence. “It is amazing to think that the next man and first woman on the Moon are among the names that we just read. The Artemis Team astronauts are the future of American space exploration – and that future is bright.”

The astronauts on the Artemis Team come from a diverse range of backgrounds, expertise, and experience. The agency’s modern lunar exploration program will land the first woman and next man on the Moon in 2024 and establish a sustainable human lunar presence by the end of the decade. NASA will announce flight assignments for astronauts later, pulling from the Artemis Team. Additional Artemis Team members, including international partner astronauts, will join this group, as needed. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1959 | 1968 | 1971 | 1975 | 1979 | 1981 | 1982 | 1988 | 1991. Class Notes

In September of 1990, while teaching at the Academy, then-Captains Charles “Chip” Sniffin ‘79 (left) and Bob Brown ’81 (right) scaled the dominating peak overlooking West Point immediately above Cold Spring, NY in the Hudson Highlands State Park. As individual players on the big Academy team, they opted to be anonymous and wore masks to hide their identity on this spirit mission to unfurl a “Beat Holy Cross” banner. They submitted their “masked marauders/13th Man” spirit photo to the Pointer View...and it was published in the Sept. 14, 1990 weekly edition!

Fast forward 30 years later: now-COL (R) Charles T. “Chip” Sniffin ’79 and GEN (R) Robert B. Brown ’81 reunited to capture the spirit felt across the Nation and around the globe as the annual Army - Navy classic approaches, recreating a similar spirit mission. Together the marauding duo scaled the famed "rock scramble" on Old Rag Mountain in Virginia, assaulted, and then seized the summit as a part of Operation ROCK SOLID.

Once all aspects of consolidation and reorganization were completed on the objective, the “Go Army - Beat Navy” banner and Flat Cullum were displayed in a spirit rally indicative of a rousing, upcoming victory over Navy. Sniffin, originator of the One Army Team patch spirit initiative in 1988 that has ensured distinctive unit patches accompanied the Army Team into battles with Navy for over 30 years, and Brown, recently the Commanding General of US Army Pacific (USARPAC), have long been dedicated spirit warriors. This "flanker" tandem has one other credential of note relating to their teaching partnership in the Department of Military Instruction. At a combined height of 13 feet (back in the day) together they are the unofficial, undocumented, and self-proclaimed “Tallest Teaching Team in the history of the United States Military Academy.”

From the high ground, they proclaim: GO ARMY - BEAT NAVY!

Photos: Colonel Sniffin ’79 (Left) and General Robert B. Brown ’81 (Right)

Ellen Houlihan ’82 has joined the Board of Directors for the Army Scholarship Foundation.

She has enjoyed a multi decade career in industry, where she worked in both commercial electronic product development and defense acquisition. She has led every manufacturing process function from raw material qualification and selection to final acceptance shipment. She recently retired from the Raytheon Corporation after a 25 plus year career, and is currently a senior facilitator with Team Catalyzer, Inc.

Ms. Houlihan is the first female West Point graduate to be selected by her peers as class president. She served as Vice-Chairman for the West Point Association of Graduates Board of Directors, and currently serves on the Board for the Office of the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at West Point.

The Army Scholarship Foundation was founded in 2001 by members of the USMA Class of 1992 in the spirit of a lifetime of service to the nation in order to provide scholarships to deserving sons and daughters of US Army soldiers and Army veterans, and to spouses of enlisted active duty soldiers. The Foundation is sustained by the generous donations of its supporters.

The holidays are a time for us to come together and celebrate the wonder of the season. The West Point Band is pleased to present a virtual West Point Holiday Show, titled “Home for the Holidays” to be streamed on Facebook and YouTube on Sunday, December 20 at 2:00 p.m. Leading up to this premiere event, the West Point Band will release one song from the show each day at 12:00 p.m., beginning on December 9 through December 18. The individual videos, featuring some West Point Band favorites like “Field Music Christmas” and a jazz rendition of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” will be streamed on the band’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/westpointband/, and on the band’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/BandWestPoint. The 10-day stream-a-thon will culminate with a live, interactive watch party, airing on both Facebook and YouTube at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20. More information on the show and all the ways to watch can be found at https://www.westpointband.com/holiday-show.html.

Established in 1817, the West Point Band is the Army’s oldest musical organization and continues to provide world-class music to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets and to serve as ambassadors of the United States Military Academy and the Army to local, national, and international communities.

LTG(R) Robert L. Caslen ’75 has released the book: The Character Edge: Leading and Winning with Integrity.

Among the most successful leaders throughout history—from Abe Lincoln to Rosa Parks, Mahatma Gandhi to Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, Jr. to Nelson Mandela—some were brilliant mathematicians and economists, others were creative visionaries, still others were masterful at strategic planning. Their mastery of their field wasn’t the secret to their highly effective leadership. All of their skill, grit, resilience, charisma, and courage emanated from one thing: their strength of character.

Character—the moral values and habits of an individual—is in the spotlight now more than perhaps at any other point in modern history. Politicians distort facts. Corporations cheat customers and investors. Athletes are caught using illegal supplements. In addition to harming our culture at large, these failures of character have a profound and undermining impact on leadership.

The authors of this book are experts on the value of character, its correlation with successful leadership, and how to build it in individuals and prospective leaders. General Robert L. Caslen, Jr. served the US Army for over 43 years and served as Superintendent at the US Military Academy at West Point. Psychologist Dr. Michael D. Matthews is a Professor of Engineering Psychology at West Point who has focused on the psychology of character for years. Together they witnessed firsthand that raw talent is not enough to stand on its own; successful leadership relies on the critical foundation of a strong character.

In The Character Edge they leverage their perspectives to offer an empowering, story-driven argument—backed by the latest scientific research—that character is vital to success. They give readers the tools to build and sustain character in themselves and their organizations by testing readers' strengths of the gut, head and heart and teaching how to build trust and nurture the seeds of character. Available from Macmillian publishers.

December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. In a speech to Congress, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called the bombing of Pearl Harbor "a date which will live in infamy." National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed in the U.S. today to remember the 2,403 U.S. citizens who were killed in the surprise attack. In response, the United States declared war on Japan the next day and entered World War II on the side of the Allies. There were 405,399 Americas killed in action with 670,846 wounded in World War II – among those killed in action were 487 West Point graduates. Six West Point graduates and one former Cadet received the Medal of Honor in the European Theater of Operations and three West Point graduates received the Medal of Honor in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

BG David Hiester, Class of 1936, was on duty at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. His wife and two children were evacuated on the first boat of family members to leave the island. Hiester's son 2LT David Hiester Jr (1961) and grandchildren COL(R) David Painter '83 and LTC(R) Deirdre Painter Dixon '84 are also West Point graduates, as well as great-granddaughter 2LT Caneel Dixon ’20. Hiester's Class ring was donated to the 2019 WPAOG Ring Memorial Program or "Ring Melt" to be melted and mixed with the gold for the West Point class rings for the Class of 2020.

Read more about the Ring Memorial program: https://www.westpointaog.org/RingMemorialProgram

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

The WPAOG Memorial Services Assistance Program was originally made possible by a generous donation from Mrs. Betty Dettre in memory of her husband MG (R) Rexford H. Dettre Jr. (Class of Jan. 1943) Mrs. Dettre’s gift, along with the continued support from the Long Gray Line and others, help enable the West Point Association of Graduates to provide the services of a Memorial Support Coordinator to assist the families of West Point Graduates who are being buried at the West Point Cemetery with respect and dignity.

To contribute to this program, please contact the Gift Operations Office at giftoperations@wpaog.org or 845.446.1658, or click here: https://www.westpointaog.org/givetomemorialsupportfund
Click here to learn more about the Memorial Services Assistance program: https://www.westpointaog.org/DettreMemorialProgram

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1958 | 1959 | 1965 | 1966 | 1967 | 1981 | 1982 | 1987 | 1994 | 1996. Class Notes

LTG(R) Dr. Nadja West ’82 has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Johnson & Johnson.

Dr. Nadja West brings decades of strategic and operational experience in national and international executive leadership, strategic planning, and healthcare management. Most recently, Dr. West served as the 44th Army Surgeon General, and Commanding General of the US Army Medical Command from 2015-2019. Prior to that role, Dr. West served as the Joint Staff Surgeon from 2013-2015, Deputy Chief of Staff for Support, US Army Medical Command from 2012-2013, and Commanding General, Europe Regional Medical Command from 2010-2012. Dr. West currently serves as an Independent Director on the Boards of Nucor Corporation and Tenet Healthcare Corporation; serves as a Trustee of the National Recreation Foundation, and Mount St. Mary’s University; and as a Board Member of Americares, and The Bob Woodruff Foundation.

“I am incredibly proud to join the Board of Directors at Johnson & Johnson,” said Dr. Nadja West. “I look forward to working alongside the Board in support of the management team as they continue to deliver transformational innovation, create healthier communities, and put better health within reach of more people around the world.” Read more.

Richard Barlow Adams ’67 has released “Eben Kruge: How “a Christmas Carol'” Came to Be Written”. Why did Charles Dickens Write “A Christmas Carol”? What triggered his imagination to write a story so unlike anything he had written before—a story about Christmas, with flashbacks and flash-forwards and infused with the supernatural?

In “Eben Kruge: How ‘A Christmas Carol’ Came to be Written” (Audible release 12/1/20), Richard Barlow Adams delivers a plausible tale weaving fact and fiction for a penetrating look inside the life and psyche of Dickens.

Having traveled to America in 1842 at the invitation of Washington Irving, an already world-famous Charles Dickens, with his wife Catherine, has just concluded a five-month tour of the country with their final stop at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Here, the historical record of the Dickens’ tour ends, and author Richard Adams’ tale begins.

With his return to England and publisher’s deadline imminent, the famously celebrated and prolific Dickens finds himself facing “writer’s block” for the first time. When the Innkeeper relates the mystery of a dramatic and sudden change in local attorney, Eben Kruge, a man “Whose black turned to white quite literally overnight” the previous Christmas Eve, Dickens is hooked and must know more. The next morning, he sets off for the nearby town of Cornwall determined to meet the man and know his story. A story that comes at the price of Dickens revealing the secret he had intended to take to his grave.

The audiobook version of “Eben Kruge: How ‘A Christmas Carol’ Came to be Written” is read by veteran narrator, Christopher Lane, five-time winner of the Audio Publishers Association Audie Award and multiple recipient of Audiofile Magazine’s Earphone Awards.

On December 1, the West Point Association of Graduates is pleased to be taking part in Giving Tuesday—a global day of celebrating and encouraging philanthropy.

During this season, we are reminded that every generous act is significant, and each gift in support of West Point truly matters for our cadets, alumni, the Academy, and the nation. Please consider joining us in celebrating this day of giving through a gift to West Point.

Donations are essential to support Margin of Excellence programs for our cadets and to keep the Long Gray Line strong. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and tell us how you support West Point!

Every donation, of any size, makes a difference. Thank you. Click here to make a gift: https://www.westpointaog.org/giveonline.

#GivingTuesdayUSMA

Sending warm wishes for Thanksgiving from your Rockbound Highland Home.

WPAOG is thankful for the opportunity to serve West Point and the Long Gray Line.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1947 | 1954 | 1996 | 2000 | 2002 | 2020. Class Notes

Colonel Elizabeth Evans ’00 was activated to full-time duty to coordinate a COVID-19 response earlier this year. Her leadership throughout this unprecedented Pandemic response as the J5 has been phenomenal and serves as the model for all others to emulate. She has made an indelible impact to the State of Florida's response efforts that will be used as the standard for years to come. Her strategic and operational reach spanned through interagency, intergovernmental, and Emergency Support Functions creating a shared understanding that provided the Task Force Commander a common operating picture needed for all operations.

COL Evans has truly been the tip of the spear in strategic planning for major operations including; 32 Community Based Testing Sites, Rotational Design and Force Flow, Cruise Ship debarkation contingencies, transitions between State Active Duty Pay and Federal 502(f) funding, commodity distribution, Law Enforcement support, USACE integration, and PPE analysis with lessons learned.

COL Evans has helped orchestrate and manage over 300,000 COVID tests to date. She has also synchronized over 490 missions, supporting ESF 8, consisting of our Mobile Testing Teams, and has aided in the planning efforts of the Mobile Testing Lab with incredible results. COL Evans is a true Citizen-Soldier in every facet and with the support of nearly 3,000 mobilized Soldiers and Airmen undertaking COVID-19 operations, has answered the call to serve our citizens. She was recently promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel, congratulations and thank you for all that you have done!

On Thursday, November 12, more than 300 donors attended WPAOG's Virtual West Point Donor Thanksgiving event. Taking the place of the usual in-person Superintendent’s Circle and Homecoming receptions and dinners, the festive live-streamed celebration included remarks by the Superintendent, LTG Darryl Williams '83 and Cadet First Captain Reilly McGinnis ’21, and was hosted by WPAOG President Todd Browne '85 and WPAOG VP of Development Kristin Sorenson. Read more.

Captain (Retired) William Reynolds, III ’02 has been named the volunteer Board of Directors at Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Reynolds is a registered warrior with WWP. Reynolds heads his own private consulting firm after being a manager at a major U.S. consulting firm following medical retirement from the Army in 2008.

Reynolds served two deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom, surviving an IED blast during combat operations in southwest Baghdad, in 2004. That explosion led to 26 surgeries over more than two years of recovery. While doctors were able to save his left arm, ultimately, they had to amputate his left leg above the knee.

“Will Reynolds' experience leading troops in combat, overcoming significant obstacles during recovery, and advocating for wounded veterans will be valuable as we continue innovating programs to meet warriors' needs,” WWP CEO Lieutenant General (R) Mike Linnington said. “He is an inspiration to other wounded veterans.”

Reynolds remained in uniformed service during his rehabilitation, working a full schedule at the Pentagon in the office responsible for mitigating and defeating IED threats throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. Reynolds has not let his injuries slow him down. He was a Captain of the U.S. team for Invictus Games, competed in Warrior Games, and is a U.S. Paralympic hopeful. Read more.

It’s been 35 years since Chaplain (Maj.) Charlie Shields earned his Ranger tab as a young private. In the time since, he’s served in some of the Army’s top units.

His achievements include service as a noncommissioned officer in the 75th Ranger Regiment, becoming a long-range surveillance team leader, and returning to the Army as a chaplain in units like the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 7th Special Forces Group, and currently 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

But Charlie Shields' proudest achievement isn’t his own.

“I’ve served in the best units in the Army, I’ve done the best jobs in the Army, and I’ve graduated from great schools,” Charlie Shields told Military Times. “But I told my wife, I think I’m prouder of the fact that my son is a second-generation Ranger than of anything I did.”

Second Lt. Seth Shields graduated Ranger School exactly three-and-a-half decades, to the day, after his father. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1947 | 1948 | 1959 | 1962 | 1973 | 1989 | 1993 | 1996 | 1998 | 2007 | 2020. Class Notes

Army & Air Force Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull ’73 has received the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award from the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and the Spirt of Oklahoma Outstanding Veteran Supporter of the Year award from the state of Oklahoma, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Oklahoma Veterans Support Team.

Shull was recognized for “transforming the Exchange into a thriving benefit supporting military readiness, recruiting, retention and resiliency” and “exceptional service and commitment to the goals and objectives of the NDTA.”

“Your entire staff at [the Exchange] follows your example of kindness, service, honor and integrity,” Van Schuyver (Military Order of the Purple Heart representative and chairman of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission) said to Shull. “We are so blessed to be part of the Exchange. I count you as a mentor, and I thank you.”

“It is truly a privilege to serve with amazing teammates like Larry, who are all in to honor our Nation’s Warfighters past, present and future,” Shull said. “The Exchange is humbled by this tremendous recognition, which would not have been possible without the efforts of Dan and his Tinker Exchange teammates to serve those who serve.”

The Exchange is committed to hiring 50,000 Veterans and military spouses—more than 47,000 have been hired so far. About 10.4% of Exchange employees are Veterans, and the Exchange has hired more than 1,640 Wounded Warriors since 2010.

Colonel (Retired) Raymond Renola, Class of 1940 —West Point’s oldest living graduate— celebrated his 104th birthday this week. He was deeply touched by all of the many cards he received from the West Point Society of Washington, DC.

Last year, his family, along with the West Point Society of Washington, D.C., presented COL Renola with a replacement Class of 1940 West Point class ring for his birthday. Ray had lost his ring years ago while swimming, and his family knew how much the ring meant to him. So, they tracked down the jeweler in Pennsylvania that had the mold for the class ring and had a replacement ring made for him as a surprise. As an added surprise, the West Point Alumni Glee Club attended and sang "Happy Birthday," "On Brave Old Army Team," and the "Alma Mater."

The West Point Association of Graduates wishes COL Renola a happy 104th birthday! Go Army! Beat Navy!

Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Jon Tellier, President at JetCo Solutions, has established the nonprofit “For the Vets” to expand their annual donation drive to focus on year-round support of veterans. The nonprofit's mission is clear. For the Vets aims to demonstrate gratitude for retired veterans through community acts of kindness and generosity. This year’s donation drive will aim to provide funds and wish list items to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. Both of these organizations host holiday parties for each unit in their building. “COVID-19 has been especially hard on our veterans,” said Sarah Johnson, who is the Volunteer Coordinator at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans. “The members really look forward to events like these. Celebrations help boost the veterans’ moods, especially during a particularly tough year like 2020.” Read more.

Every living graduate is familiar with General Douglas MacArthur’s famous dictum: “Every cadet an athlete.” MacArthur, Class of 1903, introduced this philosophy when he became West Point Superintendent in 1919, realizing the importance of physical fitness and intramural athletic programs in the wake of the modern warfare he witnessed in World War I. The battlefields of France during the Great War also led MacArthur to devise his well known “Upon the fields of friendly strife” inscription for the old West Point gymnasium. In a 1939 letter, he explained the origin of this inscription by saying, “The training of the athletic field which produces in a superlative degree the attributes of fortitude, self-control, resolution, courage, mental agility, and, of course, physical development, is one completely fundamental to efficient soldiery.” In simpler terms, good athletes make good soldiers. Employing the symmetric property of mathematics, good soldiers then should make good athletes. West Pointers’ participation in Olympic games—approximately 100 West Pointers (89 athletes and numerous supporting players) over the course of 25 Olympiads—proves this logic. Full Story.

At the WPAOG Annual Meeting today, November 17, 2020, the following members were elected to positions on the Board of Directors and the Advisory Council.

To serve their terms from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023:
Directors
Robert A. McDonald ’75
Ronald L. Johnson ’76
Curtis A. Harris ’78
Deirdre P. Dixon ’84
Felisa (Sally) Lewis ’90

To serve their terms from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023:
Advisors-at-Large
Michael W. Yap ’67
Dale W. Hansen ’68
Donna S. Alesch White ’80
Holly E. West ’91
Brandi B. Peasley ’94
Erica Jeffries Purdo ’98

On November 3, 2020 three West Point Class of 1993, Defenders of the Free, were successful in running for public office. Mike Lynch, the President of Western Heritage Company, won his bid for Colorado House District 49. Warren Hamilton, a pilot and rancher, won his bid for Oklahoma Senate District 7 and James Ruchti, a lawyer, was also elected to the Idaho House of Representatives District 29B, serving previously in that role from 2006-2010.

When Lieutenant Colonel June Copeland ’98 made the decision to attend the United States Military Academy, little did she know the long gray line would include her three daughters, June ’20, Jeilyn ’22, and Jasmyn ’22. “I’m amazed that I inspired in them the need to, the desire to serve as well. But I’m proud of it as well,” said June. While each daughter’s decision to follow in their mother’s footsteps to join the Army and attend West Point was made at different times in their lives and for different reasons, their mother’s commitment to service and to them had an impact.

West Point Cadet Jasmyn Haynes says her mother “is really the strongest woman that I know, and that's what I wanted to emulate so it was just an easy choice to me when, you know, I did the research and did the visits, and it was just what I wanted to do. I wanted to serve, just like she does.” While all four women share the same pride in their legacy, their history with the academy goes deeper, as the eldest daughter was a member of the largest group of African American female cadets to graduate from the prestigious school.

“It is surreal to think that me, me doing what I did all of all of the accomplishments, but also all of the, the hardships that I went through. Regardless, it just that it means so much to other people, it's just, it's pretty surreal,” said U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenant June Copeland. For the women, their legacy with the Army and at West Point is about passing on the lessons and values they have learned and contributing to the betterment of the American public.

“I hope that young women across this country, when they see our family and they see our legacy, they remind themselves that no matter the hardships that they're going through, no matter the struggles that they have to overcome, they can do it ... you can do and you can rise. ... Even if it feels impossible, you can do it,” said West Point Cadet Jeilyn Haynes. And interesting enough, the family’s path into military service started with Lt. Col. Copeland’s twin brother, who asked her to join the Army with him because they struggled with the idea of being separated after graduating high school. Story.

Brendan McNichol ’07 understands the unique employment, financial and health challenges military members experience. He also recognizes the importance of building resiliency. That is why he started the Hoplite Resilience Center, a nonprofit benefiting veterans, and developed VetTriage, a new wellness app designed to strengthen their health through resiliency.

The app enables users to triage their moods, stressors, activities, and their severity of impact through four stages of self-tracking: preparation, collection, reflection, and action. It can be downloaded for free on Google and Apple devices. “The app differs from other wellness apps because it prepares the user to get the most from its data collection and reflection process,” McNichol said. It also provides veterans with actions they can take to improve their overall well-being over time.

He refers to the app as the “Yelp” of veteran resources. It not only breaks down the different types of resources a veteran might need, but it also categorizes them by location within a city. He added, “We are not trying to replace resources. Instead we are working to pull in vetted resources for veterans to use, and introducing them in a unique way – through triage.” Read more.

On September 18, Colonel (retired) Arthur Barondes ’48, class president, delivered welcoming remarks at the Korea Military Academy (KMA), in a ceremony unveiling a plaque honoring his 17 classmates–12 Army and 5 Air Force–who died in the Korean War. One of those pilots was Jim Van Fleet, son of General Van Fleet (USMA 1915), then Commanding General, U.S. 8th Army in Korea, and later influential in creating the Korea Military Academy.

Colonel Barondes had coordinated the ceremony with General Chung, Superintendent of the KMA. It was attended by U.S. and Korean dignitaries and the entire corps of KMA cadets The Korea Defense Veterans Association, its Korea Chapter, and American members Monika and Tim Stoy (USMA '81) were instrumental in arranging the ceremony.

The ceremony led to a tribute to the Class of 1948 in the English-language Korea JoongAng Daily.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1953 | 1974 | 1987 | 1989 | 1990 | 1996 | 1997 | 2001. Class Notes

11 Grads, Albert Alba ’89, Roy E. Alston ’89, Drew Bartkiewicz ’89, Steven B. Choi ’89, Everton Cranston ’89, Colonel Gregory D. Gadson ’89, Adolphus Gwynn ’89, Carlos Perez ’89, Patrice Sutherland ’90, John Tien ’87, and Jim Ziegler ’89, from exceptionally diverse backgrounds came together to launch a new, effective, unbiased learning technology and mobile app, diversitypop. Built to deliver diversity training to people on the go.

The diversitypop mobile app and underlying technology apply algorithms and personalization, leveraging information sciences, “clean” artificial intelligence, and cognitive learning methods that are increasingly the epicenter of modern learning. The diversitypop goal is to train the brain for diversity and inclusion without the friction and slowness of traditional methods.

The technology will be available to all high schools for free and a 30-day free trial for businesses. The diversitypop program lets members discover topics, surveys, and tests to grow their inclusive skills and uncover potential areas of their own implicit biases. Without the need for any personally identifiable information, and in contrast with the personal data needs of social media and enterprise software, diversitypop builds and helps sustain personal diversity and inclusion skills. Read more.

Today on Veterans Day, we salute all veterans and say “thank you” to the members of the Long Gray Line and to all the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our great nation.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1949 | 1953 | 1966 | 1974 | 1990 | 1993 | 1994. Class Notes

Looks like were going to have to wait to BEAT AIR FORCE! No. 22 Army West Point Football vs. Air Force scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at 11:30 a.m. ET at Michie Stadium is postponed due to upward trends of COVID-19 cases within the United States Air Force Academy and its football program. The schools will work to reschedule if possible.

Check out the Fall 2020 issue of West Point magazine, the digital edition is available to read online! This issue highlights the agility and resiliency of the USCC, exploring how Cadet Summer Training moved forward in 2020 with changes to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. See how the Plebe Class of 2024 joined the Corps with new safeguards in place, from R-Day through Cadet Basic Training, March Back and A-Day. This issue also features the Legacy of Army West Point Athletics with an interview with Athletic Director Mike Buddie, profiles of West Point Olympians and memories of some of the greatest Army-Navy football games of all time. Plus, learn about the athletic achievements and legacies of the fallen graduates behind the names of Army West Point Athletic facilities, and get a preview of the new Anderson Athletic Center.

WPAOG is proud to announce that we have been selected as a “Best of 2020” non-profit by Greatnonprofits.org!

Every year Great Non-Profits, the leading platform for aggregating stakeholder/user reviews, or community sourced stories, about nonprofits publishes a list of the best nonprofit organizations. This year, WPAOG came out on top with an average of at least 4 out 5 star reviews.

In lieu of a physical awards ceremony, the company is featuring WPAOG on their website. They are also sharing our story and mission of how we serve West Point and the Long Gray Line with their followers. Read more.

John C. Cruden ’68 has received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Environmental, Energy, or Resources Law and Policy from the American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (ABA SEER).

The award recognizes an outstanding attorney who has “dedicated a lifetime to achievement in environmental, energy, or resources law and policy before courts, agencies, U.S. Congress, state legislatures, or other institutions.” John is only the third recipient of the distinguished award.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this significant award," said John Cruden. "It means a lot to me, but [any of] my accomplishments have been on the shoulders of so many mentors, colleagues, and friends who have inspired, encouraged, and supported me throughout my career. I am fortunate that environmental law has been both my work and my passion.”. Read more.

Join the Center Club via Zoom on Wednesday, November 11th at 9 AM as Linda Hervieux, a journalist, archivist, and researcher living in Paris talks about the untold story of the black battalion at D-Day.

Forgotten, The Untold Story of D-Day’s Black Heroes, At Home and At War by Linda Hervieux The injustices of 1940s Jim Crow America are brought to life in this extraordinary blend of military and social history – a story that pays tribute to the valor of an all-black battalion whose crucial contributions at D-Day have gone unrecognized to this day. One member of the 320th, Cpl. Waverly B. Woodson Jr. would be nominated for the Medal of Honor, an award he would never receive.

The Center Club are reserving a limited number of spaces for those who have served but are not Center Club members. If you are interested in “attending” on November 11, please contact Nancy Sloane at nsloane@centerclub.org.

During an investiture ceremony on October 27, 2020, at the Pentagon, Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy appointed Shawn Olds ’94, from Falls Church, Virginia, as new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.

“These are unprecedented times, and the Army is fortunate to have you in the community interacting with civic leaders, educators and businesses,” Secretary of the Army McCarthy said at the ceremony. “We have found that there is a dramatic correlation with CASAs and an increase in recruitment. CASAs are a valuable asset in the community and help make a difference.”

CASAs, a vital part of the Army, promote good relations between the Army and the public and advise the secretary on regional issues.

Each state, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories have one or more CASAs to provide vital links between the Army and the communities they serve. CASAs are usually business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities.

“I am honored and excited that the Secretary selected me for this important position,” said Olds, a former U.S. Army Officer who currently serves as the co-founder and CEO of boodleAI and on the Board of the Code of Support Foundation, which help veterans in need. “This is an important opportunity and I look forward to working with the Secretary and other Civilian Aides to support and strengthen the bonds between the military and civilian communities in the northern Virginia region.”

CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms maybe extended to a total of 10 years of service. The secretary may recognize a civilian aide as a CASA Emeritus after 10 years of distinguished service. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1958 | 1959 | 1962 | 1966 | 1970 | 1974 | 1980 | 1986 | 1988 | 2000 | 2005 | 2010. Class Notes

Ed Ruggero ’80 is set to release Comes The War, February 9, 2021. Ruggero, “A master of the World War II genre” said the Los Angeles Times.

Set against the heroism and heartbreak of World War II, Ruggero brilliantly captures, with grace and authenticity, the evocative and timeless stories of ordinary people swept up in extraordinary times. Comes The War returns to follow Lieutenant Eddie Harkins, first introduced in Blame the Dead (2020), as he serves as a military investigator in Europe. It is now April 1944, and the entire island of Britain fairly buzzes with the coiled energy of a million men poised to leap the Channel to France, the first, riskiest step in the Allies’ long slog to the heart of Germany and the end of the war. Harkins is tasked to investigate the murder of Helen Batcheller, an OSS analyst. Harkins is assigned a British driver, Private Pamela Lowell, to aid in his investigation. Lowell is smart, brave and resourceful; like Harkins, she is prone to speak her mind even when it doesn’t help her.

Soon a suspect is arrested and Harkins is ordered to stop digging. Suspicious, he continues his investigation only to find himself trapped in a web of Soviet secrets. As bombs fall, Harkins must solve the murder and reveal the spies before it is too late.

With Comes The War, Ed Ruggero uses his long-time research in World War II and military history to explore a fascinating what-if mystery, and portray some of the real life daily experiences of those that served their countries.

Comes The War is now available to read as an eGalley.

WPAOG’s Army-Navy Tailgate will take place on Saturday, December 12th starting at 1:30pm EST, and registration is now open. Don’t miss this opportunity to virtually share America’s Game with fellow Army fans! The first 1500 guests to register by November 19th will receive 2 Army-Navy Spirit Buttons per household. Registration closes December 6th. GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY! Click now to register.

The Secretary of Defense Honorable Mark Esper ’86, visited USMA to discuss current affairs with Russia, China and U.S.-allied partners, among other things, with the Class of 2021 Cadets at Eisenhower Hall Theatre October 9-10. Establishing a rapport with the cadets, Esper stood before the podium and said, “I have a 44-page speech right here to give you guys.” The Class of 2021 applauded with enthusiasm, ready to be engrossed in Esper’s message.

“You should’ve been booing me when I said that not clapping,” Esper responded as laughter filled the auditorium. “I’m going to set the speech aside.”

The cadets cheered as Esper walked away from the podium toward the edge of the stage to engage them in an impromptu discussion on what’s happening in the Department of Defense.

“Let’s make it a conversation if you will, more than me speaking to you,” Esper said. “I do too much (of delivering speeches) too often, and it’s good to come and talk to you all because you are the future of the United States Army. I know you heard that many times. However, I want to impress upon you how important this moment in time is and how critical it is to the future of the United States Army and, of course, the United States Military.” Full story.

While the pandemic did not allow for large gatherings and reunions at West Point, the Classes of 1980, 2000, and 2010 virtually presented their class gifts to LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83 and Mr. Todd A. Browne '85, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates.

Tom Kilgore '80, who served as Class Fundraising Chairman for the Class of 1980’s successful 40th Reunion Campaign, virtually presented a 40th Reunion Gift of $1,500,000 to support the Class of 1980 Cyber Research Center Endowment. The Cyber Research Center (CRC) is one of three research centers in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and focuses on opportunities and research that span the entire continuum of cyberspace operations. Full story.

Joel R. Glover ’05 has been named to the Thomson Reuters’ 2020 “Super Lawyers – Rising Stars” list. Thomas is an Associate at Jackson Walker in Texas.

Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes only 2.5% of Texas attorneys who either are 40 years of age or younger or have been in practice for 10 years or less as “Rising Stars.” To be selected for inclusion, candidates are evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, including experience, results for their clients, representative clients, honors and awards, special licenses and certifications, their position with the law firm, bar and professional activity, pro bono and community service, scholarly lectures and writings, and their education and employment background. After the patented selection process is complete, results are validated by a third-party organization, resulting in a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys.

The full list of “Super Lawyers – Rising Stars” will be published in the April 2020 issue of Texas Monthly.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1960 | 1965 | 1968 | 1978 | 1986 | 1988 | 1990 | 1996 | 2000. Class Notes

President Donald J. Trump recently appointed Major General Diana M. Holland as a member and as the 41st President of the Mississippi River Commission (MRC).

MG Holland assumed command of the Mississippi Valley Division (MVD), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), on June 30, 2020. MG Holland serves as the senior military officer in the division, headquartered in Vicksburg, Miss., responsible for water resources engineering solutions in a 370,000-square-mile area, extending from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and encompassing portions of 12 states. The mission of the division is to serve the Mississippi Valley region by providing vital public engineering services and stewardship of water resource infrastructure, partnering in peace and war, to strengthen our nation’s security, energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters. District offices located in St. Paul, Minn.; Rock Island, Ill; St. Louis, Mo.; Memphis, Tenn.; Vicksburg, Miss.; and New Orleans, La., carry out the division’s work.

The Commission, created by an Act of Congress on June 28, 1879, plans and provides for the general improvement of the Mississippi River. This includes improving navigation, preventing destructive floods and facilitating commerce. The presidential appointees consist of three officers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and three civilians, two of whom must be civil engineers.

The general duties of the commission include recommending policy and work programs, studying and reporting on modifications or changes to the Mississippi River and Tributaries project, commenting on matters authorized by law, making inspection trips, and holding public hearings that facilitate exchanges of viewpoints and ideas between the public and the MRC. Since 1879, the commission has been “listening, inspecting and partnering” with water resource interests in a watershed that is influenced by the drainage of more than 41 percent of the United States and two provinces of Canada. Read more.

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet voted unanimously to induct the late, Brigadier General (R) Michael Ferguson ’60 and Colonel (R)  Darryle Kouns ’60 along with 18 other veterans into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The names for the Class of 2020 were presented for a formal vote during the September 22 Cabinet Meeting by FDVA Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell.

The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those military veterans who, through their works and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the State of Florida through civic, business, public service or other pursuits. It is not a traditional military hall of fame, as it focuses on post-military contributions to the State of Florida.

“I was honored to forward the names of these great Americans to the Governor and Cabinet,” said Hartsell, a retired Marine Corps Major General. “These former service members represent the best of the best of our veteran community.”

LCDR Sara Jager ’00 is a commander (O-5) in the United States Public Health Service serving as the chief medical officer (CMO) at one of the largest hospitals on the Navajo reservation in Tuba City, Arizona east of the Grand Canyon. Currently bracing themselves for a possible fall surge. The leadership qualities that she has learned at West Point and in the army have allowed her to keep staff members and patients safe from the coronavirus.

After graduation she was commissioned as a military police officer and deployed to Iraq. Returning from deployment Sara entered into a new service agreement and attended uniformed services University medical school with a public health service commitment. She knew that she wanted to serve the native people of America. Sara became a pediatrician and was a resident at the University of Utah and has been at Tuba City since graduating residency in 2013. She was named the female physician of the year for United States Public Health Service, junior officer category, in 2018.

As a leader of the medical staff during this coronavirus outbreak she has coordinated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training, created a COVID ER, ICU and RCU. Sara is responsible for running the triage and testing tent, testing blitzes, telehealth implementation, convalescent plasma drives, PR to the community, rearrangement of dental services and dental care delivery, decentralizing specialty services like orthopedics to less hard-hit areas to get patients the care that they still need, gown sewing (with shipments held up overseas, they had to sew their own), and atypical PPE (homemade masks, bonnets and gowns). This has been some of the hardest work she has ever done in her entire career. Thank you!

Herman Bulls, JLL Vice Chairman, Americas, has been honored with The Executive Leadership Council’s (ELC) 2020 Achievement Award. The accolade recognizes an African American leader whose career achievements highlight personal and professional excellence with noteworthy business success.

“Herman is one of the most genuine, sincere and well-respected members of the ELC,” said Crystal E. Ashby, Interim President and CEO, The Executive Leadership Council. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him in my various capacities in the organization. His prioritization of the ELC, coupled with his vast accomplishments are continually applauded by his fellow members. His longstanding commitment to the ELC should be a model for all.”

“It’s an honor to receive the ELC’s Achievement Award and truly a lifetime personal achievement, made even more meaningful to have been selected by my peers,” said Bulls. “The list of past honorees is an outstanding group of highly respected leaders who have set a precedent and paved the way for the next generation of leaders. I’m incredibly humbled to join such an esteemed group.” Herman Bull's Speech.

As an active ELC member for 26 years, he has supported the organization in several capacities, including as former Chair of The Executive Leadership Foundation. During his tenure, he helped build an inclusive business leadership pipeline that empowered global black leaders to make impactful contributions to the marketplace and global communities where they serve. “It’s an honor to receive the ELC’s Achievement Award and truly a lifetime personal achievement, made even more meaningful to have been selected by my peers,” said Bulls. “The list of past honorees is an outstanding group of highly respected leaders who have set a precedent and paved the way for the next generation of leaders. I’m incredibly humbled to join such an esteemed group.” Read more.

The Honorable Mark T. Esper, Secretary of Defense, will receive the Andrew J. Goodpaster Award from the George C. Marshall Foundation at a dinner at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Secretary Esper will be recognized for his distinguished career and his many contributions to our nation. He has overseen a rebuilding of our national defense capabilities and been a strong advocate for both military preparedness and our brave men and women in uniform.

In 2008, the Goodpaster Award was established to honor the life and service of General Andrew J. Goodpaster, a longtime trustee and chairman of the Foundation, a champion of the Marshall legacy, an American hero, and an extraordinary public servant. The Goodpaster Award is presented to American heroes in a variety of fields who, like General Goodpaster, have exhibited great courage, selfless service, patriotism and leadership in their lives and careers.

A native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, upon completion of Ranger and Pathfinder training, he served in the 101st Airborne Division and participated in the 1990–91 Gulf War with the “Screaming Eagles.” He later commanded a Rifle Company in the 3-325 Airborne Battalion Combat Team in Vicenza, Italy. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2007 after spending 10 years on active duty and 11 years in the National Guard and Army Reserve.

Major John Meyer USMA 2005 will receive the Nininger Award this Thursday, October 22. Join in live. Limited Participation  - This event will be lived streamed at 7pm: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbGB699dyhU&feature=youtu.be

The Nininger Award is named in recognition of the heroic actions of Second Lieutenant Alexander R. Nininger, USMA Class of 1941. After commissioning, Lieutenant Nininger was sent to the Philippines attached to the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts. During the first month of the Japanese invasion, Nininger voluntarily joined another company because his unit was not yet engaged in combat. He was posthumously awarded the first Medal of Honor in World War II for actions near Abucay, Bataan on January 12, 1942. The Award is given to an exemplar of heroic action in battle. In addition to recognizing the recipient for his or her bravery as an individual, the Association regards the recipient as a given year´s representative of all West Point-commissioned officers who have heroically led Soldiers in combat.

Tony Coaxum ’00 has released The Leadership Playbook: Leadership guide from a former Army officer and Super Bowl Champion Coach. Leadership is a commodity that is always rising in value. INVEST HEAVILY IN IT! As an Army football player, West Point graduate, Army officer, and Super Bowl champion, Tony Coaxum has been surrounded by great leadership and culture his entire adult life. He has a passion for leading and team building with tried and true practices that can be used in all organizations from coaching youth to small businesses to Fortune 100 companies. This book ties all of his experiences together in a concise and very practical manner that benefits individuals in leadership roles for the first time and those who are leadership veterans. Great leadership and culture is the driving force behind every successful organization. This playbook is a MUST HAVE for all that strive to improve their organization's leadership and culture! Available on Amazon.

John G. Powers ’88 has been selected for inclusion in Upstate New York Super Lawyers for 2020. Mr. Powers is a Partner in the Litigation Practice at Hancock Estabrook. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement and is limited to 5% of the lawyers in the State. To learn more about this ranking, visit SuperLawyers.com.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1949 | 1962 | 1974 | 1985 | 1990 | 1992 | 1996 | 2006 | 2010. Class Notes

Captain Ray Stith III ’06 has released his first book Self-Reflect to Self-Correct. Although society may make you feel differently, it’s the world today that is crazy, not you. As we consume so much information from the various inputs around us, we often lose sight of the most important thing for success…ourselves. That’s where this book comes into play. Self-Reflect to Self-Correct compiles actual circumstances and true feelings, to show you are not alone. This book will guide you through situations you can relate to, to teach a lesson on attitude, decision making, execution, and perseverance. Reading this book and truly taking a look in the mirror will help you confront many things. It will show you that your life is not only similar to those around you, but also similar to those that you admire. You have the same tools as everyone else. And in the end, that is the most important part. Read this book, take a self-assessment, and commit to doing what it takes to change your course. Ultimately, that will change your life! Available on Amazon.

Susan I. Spieth’s ’85 Fall Out – Courage Always Stands its Ground, the fourth book in the Gray Girl series, made the 2020 Eric Hoffer Grand Prize short list. Only the top 5% of 2300 entries made this list. This book also earned First Runner-up in the e-book fiction category. In addition, Fall Out is a 2020 American Fiction Awards Finalist in the military category.

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 in the early 1980's. The Gray Girl series has won many awards. More information can be found at: www.SusanISpieth.com

Colonel (Retired) Benjamin Bigelow ’90 has been named VP and DoD/Army/USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Program Manager at Professional Project Services, Inc. (Pro2Serve). He brings over 30 years of military experience and leadership and will lead Pro2Serve’s support to the Army, the Army Corps of Engineers and other Department of Defense clients. COL Bigelow is a proven strategic leader who builds agile, responsive and cohesive teams, and he develops timely effective solutions that get results for clients and their stakeholders.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve at Pro2Serve in my new capacity,” said COL Bigelow. “I have spent my entire adult life laser-focused on supporting our Federal government from inside and out, including work for DoD and many of the other federal agencies. The team of engineering professionals at Pro2Serve is fully committed to accomplishing the same mission.”

COL Bigelow’s 30+ year military career has included leadership posts as the Executive Director for Civil Works at USACE Headquarters; the Army North Engineer Director/Army Facility Engineer for Fort Sam Houston, TX; Deputy Commander and Acting Commander for the USACE Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) in Cincinnati, OH; Battalion Commander for the 9th Engineer Battalion in Germany; and Division Chief for the Systems Engineering Division in the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).

Chris Molaro ’10 has been named one of Philadelphia’s Entrepreneurs Of The Year by Ernst & Young LLP (EY). Now in its 34th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program honors successful business leaders whose ambitions deliver innovation, growth and prosperity as they build and sustain groundbreaking companies that transform our world. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind. It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. Winners go on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year title.

Glenn Voelz ’92 has released Operation Hermes. Operation Hermes is the dramatic sequel to the satirical novel War Under the Mango Tree. An economic crisis and rioting in the streets threaten to topple the government of the longtime American ally. Amid the turmoil, the country's aging autocrat looks to Beijing for support, raising fears in Washington of a new superpower rivalry emerging in Africa. A mysterious assassination attempt sends rivals scrambling for advantage, each hoping to occupy the executive mansion. With the country's future hanging in the balance, American spies, diplomats, and soldiers race against time and each other to get their candidate into power. Available on Amazon.

“The espionage tradecraft and geopolitical setup are spot on, leaving the reader to ponder where fact and fiction diverge...Operation Hermes is a must-read!” - Dave Edlund, USA Today bestselling author of Valiant Savage.

The final book of the Gisawi Chronicles, The Third Force, will be released in 2021.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1958 | 1962 | 1988 | 1993 | 1996 | 2005 | 2014. Class Notes

Dean Wegner ’93, Founder and CEO of Authentically American, and Captain (Retired) Kevin Byrne ’93, Founder of Never Stop Never Quit, have joined forces to launch the Never Stop… Never Quit… apparel line of clothing. Through Kevin’s foundation, a portion of all sales will go to the National MS Society, in support of the ongoing fight against multiple sclerosis.

The Bass Military Scholars Program at Vanderbilt University welcomed nine scholars to its second cohort of student-veterans pursuing graduate and professional studies programs in Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Business. Evan Kowalski ’14 joins U.S. Military Academy West Point graduate and current Bass Military Scholar, CPT Devin T. Adams ’13, as the second West Point alum to join the program. Kowalski is pursuing a J.D. with plans to become involved in international law.

In addition to a $25,000 per year scholarship, the program encourages scholars to engage the student community and foster military-civilian exchanges. Kowalski is excited to work with students at Vanderbilt and hopes to impart values he has gained through his experiences at West Point and in the Army. He believes there are many lessons to share regardless of one’s career ambitions, such as the importance of integrity and personal courage.

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. The program offers talented veterans like Adams and Kowalski the opportunity to achieve education goals and support the talented Vanderbilt community of students, faculty, and staff. To learn more about the Bass Military Scholars Program visit vu.edu/bass-scholars.

Twice, Raymond Jefferson’s service to his country left him in pain, agony and facing years of recovery.

The first time was in 1995. As an officer in Okinawa for Special Forces training. When he realized a defective hand grenade was about to blow, he cupped it in his hand and held it against his leg so the shrapnel would not hit his comrades.

Jefferson lost all five fingers on his left hand.

Another explosion 16 years later was even more unexpected. Two subordinates at the Labor Department, where he was the assistant secretary for the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), accused him of procurement improprieties. An inspector general’s report substantiated the allegations, including that he directed government business to associates.

Jefferson, then a rising star with master’s degrees from Harvard’s Business School and Kennedy School of Government, was forced to resign. Not only did that end his prestigious career as a Senate-confirmed Obama administration political appointee, but the damage to his reputation has followed him since. Read more.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1948 | 1960 | 1970 | 1980 | 1982 | 1985 | 1987 | 2001 | 2005 | 2012. Class Notes

Six-time U.S. Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker received the prestigious West Point Association of Graduates Thayer Award in a closed ceremony hosted by the United States Military Academy yesterday. The Corps of Cadets conducted a review in his honor on the Plain prior to the award presentation dinner.

Crocker served a total of 14 years as a U.S. Ambassador in six countries for four presidential administrations. In September 2004, President George W. Bush conferred on him the diplomatic rank of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the Foreign Service, equivalent to a four-star officer in the military. Read more.

The Army unveiled a monument to commemorate U.S. Military Academy graduates who were killed in the 1950-53 Korean War, officials said.

The monument, erected at the Korea Military Academy in Seoul, bears the names of 17 fallen officers from the West Point Class of 1948, Army officials said.

That is in addition to two monuments already set up at the Korea Military Academy campus to honor U.S. service members from the Classes of 1949 and 1950 killed in the war, officials said.

The Army plans to build four more for those from the Classes of 1945, 1946, 1947 and 1951 by 2023, and turn the area into a zone to remember the fallen U.S. soldiers.

“The freedom and peace on this land that the young heroes wanted to protect 70 years ago have become the foundation of South Korea's economic prosperity and vibrant democracy today,” the Korean academy's superintendent Lt. Gen. Chung Jin-kyung said.

In a video message, former U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Walter Sharp paid respect to the soldiers, saying their sacrifice became the basis for the alliance between South Korea and the United States.

Tye Reedy ’05 has been named Director of Business Development at Adams Keegan, human resources, payroll and benefits provider, in their Nashville office. Reedy will be responsible for generating new business, managing existing accounts and expanding the overall awareness and network of Adams Keegan, both in Nashville and nationally.

Reedy has experience working in business operations and government relations roles for both publicly traded and family owned businesses. Reedy spent 11 years as an Infantry Officer, with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Reedy was awarded four Bronze Stars, including a Bronze Star for Valor while serving in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne in 2010 - 2011.

“I knew Adams Keegan was right for me the first time I walked in the door and met everyone,” Reedy said. “The commitment to teamwork, high ethical standards, and relentless focus on client-oriented solutions is evident in everything they do. They were searching for someone truly committed to the goals at hand, with a willingness to grow with the company, which was exactly what I was looking for.”

The Society of Experimental Test Pilots announced Dr. Allen L. (AL) Peterson as the recipient of the 2020 Doolittle Award for his work as President and CEO of the National Test Pilot School (NTPS). The James H. Doolittle award was established in 1966 to honor outstanding accomplishment in technical management or engineering achievement in aerospace technology by a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. AL is a Master Army Aviator and Experimental Test Pilot with more than 5000 hours in 80+ aircraft, a test pilot on over 80 flight test programs, a FAA RW/FW/NVG CFI, an EASA Flight Test Instructor, and a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

Kaitlyn Kelly ’12 has been named an Assistant Coach for the Army West Point Women’s Rugby team for the 2020-2021 school year.

Prior to returning to West Point, Kelly spent 2019 as the head coach of the All Army Women's Rugby team where she led the team to the inaugural Women's Rugby Armed Forces Championship, finished 3rd overall in the Women's Elite Division at Cape Fear (7s) and posted a 5-1 record and a 152-19 point differential. She had three athletes named to the All Tournament team and had Co-Captain SSG Erica Meyers selected as the All Army Athlete of the Year. In 2019, she became the first female recipient of the All Army Coach of the Year award.

From 2013-2016, Kelly was the head coach of the Southern Pines Women's rugby team and the Ft. Bragg Women's Rugby team. She founded the first ever women's rugby team in Southern Pines, NC and raised over $25,000 in donations within the first 3 months in addition to successfully merging the team into the Carolina Geographic Rugby Union as a Division II Women' Club. At Ft. Bragg, she led the team to the playoffs for the first time in club history with a winning record two years in a row and assisted in the planning and development of the annual Airborne 7s Tournament. Read more.