On October 6, Robert S. Mueller III, sixth Director of the FBI, received the 2016 Sylvanus Thayer Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a non-graduate by the West Point Association of Graduates. Mueller, who was sworn in as FBI Director one week before the terrorist attacks of 9/11, led the FBI during one of the most critical periods in U.S. history, transforming the Bureau from a traditional law enforcement agency into a threat-driven, intelligence-led national security organization. During the day, Mueller met with small groups of cadets and was honored with a parade. At dinner in the Mess Hall, Mueller addressed the Corps, sharing leadership lessons from his career in public service that has spanned nearly five decades. Full Story (with links to speech and photos).

Ron Williamson ’64, President of the WPS of South Dakota, joined hundreds of mourners Oct. 15 at a Miller, SD cemetery to honor a fellow West Point grad who, until recently, had been missing in action for more than 70 years. The remains of 1LT Ben Barnes ’43JUN were finally brought home and laid to rest in a grave between his parents, who had died knowing only that their fighter pilot son had disappeared on a mission over Nazi Germany and was presumed dead. Barnes’ remains were recovered by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency earlier this year in a German field which had been in communist-controlled East Germany. Barnes was one of 75 graduates from the West Point class of 1943 who lost their lives in the war – the largest combat loss of any West Point class, according to Class President COL(R) Edward “Ned” Burr ‘43JUN. At the funeral, on behalf of the Long Gray Line, Williamson presented family members with a condolence card from WPAOG President and CEO Todd Browne ’85. Full Story.

We know a lot of classes use email or social media to stay in touch, but WPAOG’s online West Point Class Notes is the only place where you can share information with grads across all classes. So get those stories to your scribes: chance encounters, special celebrations, mini-reunions, grandchildren, etc.! We’ll post and archive them for everyone to enjoy. Login is required and you will have access to see every class. Scribes can send us updates at any time – no deadlines. If it’s been a while since your last update, request our guidelines – we’re here to help!

For the fourth consecutive year, WPAOG has won two educational fundraising awards for excellence from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE): Overall Performance and Sustained Excellence in Fundraising. CASE is one of the world's largest nonprofit educational associations, and includes more than 3,670 colleges and universities, primary and secondary independent and international schools, and nonprofit organizations in more than 82 countries around the globe. These awards reflect the professionalism and commitment of WPAOG staff, as well as the dedication of the alumni, family and friends who support West Point and the Long Gray Line.

Check out this video update on some innovative U.S. Army technology developed by West Point Civil & Mechanical Engineering faculty and cadets! We first introduced the story of SIP-Huts in our Summer 2014 issue of West Point magazine. COL Daisie Boettner ’81, C&ME Department Head, says that the original idea has “blossomed into a multi-year cadet research project that is a game-changer for the Army.”

During breaks in the victorious Army vs. Lafayette game on October 15, two classes presented reunion gifts to West Point. The Class of 1996, celebrating its 20th reunion, generously presented a gift of $250,000 to support the Foley Enners Nathe Lacrosse Center and the Directorate of Cadet Activities. The Class of 2006 presented a record 10th reunion gift of $710,000 to support the Modern War Institute and the Cyber Research Center. 77% of the class made a gift during the campaign, setting a new 10th reunion participation record. Thank you to 1996 and 2006 for your generous support of West Point!

SACCs are a great opportunity to leverage the joint Academy Alumni network at the ONLY military career fair exclusively for Federal Service Academy graduates. Don’t miss the next SACC in San Antonio, TX, November 17-18, 2016. Register now through 5pm EST November 10, 2016 to take advantage of pre-registration pricing. No matter where you are in your career, attending a SACC can help! If you can’t attend this event, log into your SACCentral account to search and apply for job opportunities as well as network with fellow Service Academy alumni.

The 75th Edition of the Register of Graduates & Former Cadets is here! The first and most historic publication of the West Point Association of Graduates has been comprehensively updated in a new, limited edition. Inside this ultimate West Point reference book is a wealth of information on all 72,413 West Point Graduates from 1802-2015, including 218 graduating class mottos and crests, West Point ancestry, USMA leadership, Medal of Honor Graduates and more! Makes a great gift. Order yours today at the WPAOG Gift Shop!

TAPS, the official memorial magazine of the Long Gray Line, contains the fascinating and inspiring life stories of West Point graduates. A limited number of copies of the 2016 edition are still available for purchase. Please call 845.446.1545 to order now. Advance orders for the 2017 edition may be placed online.

Introducing the West Point Bookshelf, a special advertising section in West Point magazine exclusively for West Point authors. Launching in early 2017, the West Point Bookshelf will showcase books written by USMA graduates and faculty. Email Jess Scheuler, Advertising & Sponsorship Sales Representative, or call 845.446.1577 to learn more. Download the West Point Bookshelf flyer.