Last week, we hosted the Vice President of the United States Michael Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence for a visit to West Point.  During the visit, the Vice President led a cadet roundtable discussion and then addressed the entire Corps at the annual Henry O. Flipper Dinner. In his remarks, Mr. Pence thanked cadets for answering the call to serve their country and putting America first.  This was the Vice President’s first official visit to a military installation since taking office and we are truly honored he chose to come to West Point. (Read more about the Vice President’s visit below.) Also, registration is now open for our annual Plebe Parent Weekend on March 10-12.  This is a great opportunity for the parents of our plebes to get a behind-the-scenes look at West Point and spend time with their cadets before spring break.  Visit our website to register and see the schedule of events. As always, thank you for your support of West Point and for entrusting your sons and daughters to us.

The Corps of Cadets gathered on Feb. 9 to commemorate the life of Henry O. Flipper, Class of 1877, the first African-American graduate of West Point, at the annual Flipper Dinner. Guest speakers were Vice President Mike Pence and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva ’10. Each year, as part of the event, the Flipper Award is given to a senior cadet who has demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership, self-discipline and perseverance in the face of unusual difficulties. This year’s recipient was Cadet Christopher "Lars" Lofgren, who was injured during a military summer training activity in 2015 and has since been confined to a wheelchair. This past summer, Lofgren competed in the 2016 Department of Defense Warrior Games, and received six silver medals and one bronze medal. Full Story.  Video: Who is Henry O. Flipper?

2016 was another great year of support from our West Point Parents! By year end, $2,400,000 was donated by non-alumni parents, and nearly $900,000 by past parents. Parent participation in 2016 was outstanding, with 43% for the Class of 2017, 38% for the Class of 2018, 33% for the Class of 2019, and 42% for the Class of 2020. As we begin 2017, our goal is to raise even more—$1 million from past parents and increasing giving from each class to 50%. The generosity of our parents directly benefits the Corps of Cadets, funding Margin of Excellence programs such as cadet clubs and activities, travel abroad, internships, athletics, and much more! Video.

Parker is one of 66 national nominees for the 2017 Hobey Baker Award, the most prestigious award in college hockey. Fan votes are an important factor in selecting the top 10 finalists from this initial group nominated by NCAA Division I Head Coaches. Show your support for Parker by voting for him daily through March 16 at hobeybaker.com/vote. He is currently 35 saves away from being the Army all-time save leader. The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation gives the honor annually to the top player in NCAA hockey. Click here for Gahagen’s bio and stats.  

The new Winter issue of West Point magazine features the "Four Pillars of the West Point Leader Development System," but one headline seems to steal the show: ARMY BEATS NAVY! Celebrate Army West Point Football's historic win against Navy and their Heart of Dallas Bowl victory, and enjoy our coverage of USMA's Academic, Military, Physical, and Character pillars in this special commemorative edition. West Point magazine is sent free to all cadet parents, and you can read the digital edition online. Please update your mailing address if you are not receiving your magazine. Information about gift subscriptions is available on our website. Extra copies are available through our Gift Shop.

While the night was filled with celebration, it also commemorated the lives of Class of 2019 Cadets Thomas Surdyke and Brandon Jackson. Following the remembrance, Class President, Cadet John Iredale, spoke. He said that he can describe his class using three words: Family, Warriors and a Beacon to the people around them. Guest speaker Patrick Murphy, former Undersecretary of the Army, spoke to the class about his appreciation for West Point’s independent thinkers, winning culture, and creating leaders of character for a lifetime of service. Full Story.

Each year, WPAOG hosts a Graduation Breakfast. Located just steps away from Michie Stadium, this is a great way to start a special day, with a full breakfast menu at a reasonable price. Capacity is limited to the first 150 registrants, so make those plans now! Our Graduation Lunch has already sold out, but you can sign up on the wait list if you would like us to contact you about openings.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience West Point with your cadet. Kick off the weekend at Herbert Hall Alumni Center with the annual WPAOG Plebe-Parent Breakfast and Open House on Friday, Mar. 10 from 7:00-11:00am. Meet and talk with WPAOG leadership and staff, learn about the many ways WPAOG enhances your cadet’s experience, and enjoy breakfast with other families. The first 250 parents will receive a gift, and our onsite Gift Shop will offer a special discount to all parents. The weekend will continue with tours, presentations, a parade, a banquet in the cadet mess, and more. We look forward to seeing you at West Point!

The West Point Parents Club in that area is being re-established and the organizers would love for you to join them! Please contact Dacia Hill or visit the Facebook page for the West Point Parents Club of Rochester NY for more information.  

The West Point Parents Club – Maryland, DC and Virginia delivered almost 200 boxes of boodle to Central Guard Room on Feb. 11!  The treats were for the entire Corps of Cadets, as well as to certain offices at West Point. Thanks to all our amazing Parent Clubs who go above and beyond to lift the "gloom" at this time of the year.

The Mets are returning to West Point to play Army in an exhibition game for the first time in 33 years. The game will be held at Doubleday Field at Johnson Stadium on Mar. 31 at 3pm. The contest will be the Mets’ final exhibition game before the start of the 2017 season, and marks the ninth exhibition game between Army and the Mets at West Point and first since 1984. Tickets for this event will be limited and reserved for USMA Cadets and the West Point community and may not be made available to the general public.  Read More.

The Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic hosted the 32nd annual West Point Class of 1970 National Conference on Ethics in America Jan. 24-25 at Eisenhower Hall. The topic for this year’s discussion was "Selflessness: Building Unity through Service." The NCEA provides a discussion forum for approximately 250 students from over 50 colleges, universities and academies to join West Point in discussing a variety of ethical issues, while listening to a diverse group of distinguished keynote speakers and panelists.