The New Cadet Picnic held today at Round Pond was another successful event by the WPSMHR. There were seven incoming cadets present with their families. This was a bit less than previous years, perhaps because of a bit of a late start and some previous commitments by the new cadets. In total tabout 60 people present. Everyone enjoyed the food, and many brought desserts and side dishes.
Colonel Steve Merkel, USMA G-3 was terrific in his address to the incoming cadets, their families, and all else present. He spoke of the generosity of spirit that dwells in the hearts of those who choose the Profession of Arms. It was a very moving and inspirational address. They hope to get him to return next year. Bob Mosera (parent '12) spoke to the parents who will soon see their homes taken over by their cadets and his/her classmates over the next four years. Randall Laird P '14 added some good comments from similar experiences.
There were several upper class cadets present who briefed the incoming cadets at a break-out session. Some old grads new to the area welcomed the chance to meet some of the West Point Family at such an auspicious event. The weather was good for the most part. Steve Kalish '82 and Mike Miklos '84 soldiered on cooking the burgers and dogs in a brief downpour. All in all, a very nice day.
Recently the West Point Society of Northwest Florida had an event where the Class of 1967 made Charles E. Merkel, Jr., Ph.D., USMA Admissions Representative an honorary member of their class. Charles was completely caught off-guard. Charles said "I was overwhelmed and was deeply touched. They said I am no longer an orphan and I plan to be at next year's class reunion." Thank you Charles for your hard work and dedication to West Point.
West Point Society of Northwest Florida member and Friend of West Point Tom Rice when he attended Academy Appointment Day at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Tom is he is a member of Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio's nominating committee. Sixteen Florida cadets who accepted appointments to the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy were at the base for an annual reception. Though the state is guaranteed only one spot at each of the schools, the senators nominate 10 cadets for each one, Nelson said. Florida’s applicants are of such a high caliber that more than four usually are offered appointments. While there Tom met Generals Raymond Thomas and Joseph Votel, members of the USMA Class of 1980.
The West Point Society of Kentucky Bluegrass had six members present as Congressman Barr presented Christopher Jackson with an appointment to West Point. Chris is a 2016 graduate of Model Laboratory HS in Madison county and will join the Class of 2020. Frank Cannavo, ’70 presented Jackson with a 50-year Class Affiliation Certificate and a letter from the Class President. Frank’s class will ’adopt’ USMA 2020 for the next 4 years and beyond.
The West Point Society of Hampton Roads celebrated Founders Day with a luncheon on Saturday, 19 March 2016 at the Paradise Ocean Club (formerly the Fort Monroe Officers Club) in Hampton, Virginia. Society President Bob Alexander ’68 served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. The Guest Speaker for the event was LTG(R) Larry Jordan ’68, Chairman of the West Point Association of Graduates. The Grayest Graduate was COL(R) James Tormey ’50, and the Greenest Graduate was CPT Tad Lefler ’08. The Class of ’85 won the “Spirit” award for having the greatest number of classmates present – six.
The West Point Society of Hampton Roads hosted a Norfolk Tides baseball outing at Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA on 4 June 2016. Near-perfect weather for their early celebration of the 241st birthday of the United States Army. Three incoming Class of 2020 cadets and their parents were the guests of honor, a good time was had by all. The Norfolk Tides are the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team. This was the fourth year they have celebrated the Army Birthday with a cake cutting event during a Norfolk Tides game and also used the occasion to recognize incoming cadets and their parents and distribute scholarships. The Tides staff took the incoming cadets and their parents onto the field prior to the game for an on-field recognition event. Army Veterans were asked to stand, and the Norfolk Tides and crowd thanked them for their service.
On 1 July a group from the West Point Society of Richmond gathered at the Penny Lane Pub in Richmond, VA to commemorate the Battle of the Somme which began on that date in 1916. Remembering the 100th anniversary of WWI.
On June 28, 2016, Tony Coaxum ’00, Assistant coach for Special Teams of the Denver Broncos, made a presentation to the West Point Society of Denver. His general topic involved a comparison as to how leading US Army soldiers compared to leading professional athletes. Attending the presentation were members of the West Point Society of Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs), a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, a retired Two-Star US Army General, and approximately 40 additional graduates of the United States Military Academy and their guests. Tony is one of 2 WPers able to wear a SuperBowl ring!
On July 20, 2016, four members of the West Point Society of Wisconsin participated in the 4th Annual Hidalgo/Warner Golf Outing. This event was established to support the Fisher House Wisconsin, which provides housing for military and veteran families close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury, and the Daren M. Hidalgo ’09 and Richard D. Warner Memorial Funds, in memory of these two men who gave their lives in service to our country in Afghanistan and Iraq, respectively. The Society foursome included Mark Burger ’81, Mike Driscoll ’76, Jim Holcomb ’91, and Brian Pulford ’88. Jim Holcomb also arranged for a $5,000 donation from the Albert J. & Flora H. Ellinger Foundation to the Fisher House Wisconsin.
The West Point Society of the Mid-Hudson Region held its fourth annual golf outing at the West Point Golf Course on Friday, 29 July. Worries about the weather were abated conveniently at tee time when the rain stopped and the sun appeared. After a hearty breakfast, 44 players consisting of old grads, members of the Society, USMA personnel, friends of West Point, and many returning folks, headed for the links. A great time was had by all. Later they assembled at the ski lodge (temporary quarters for the golf course) for a wonderful lunch.
On 31 July 2016 the West Point Society of Richmond linked up with the Richmond chapter of the USNA alumni association to attend a Richmond Squirrels baseball game in Richmond, VA. About 60 members of the WPSR attended the game.
The West Point Society of New England hosted the 24th Annual “All Academy Challenge, the Ken Kronlund Golf Classic” at Stow Acres Country Club on Friday, 22 July. The Challenge is named in honor of Ken Kronlund ’52 who chaired the event for over 15 years. The 60 golfers consisted of attendees from USMA, USNA, USCGA and USAFA as well as Norwich University. The Challenge Cup is open to two member teams from the same Academy. The Open Cup is open to all teams.
On 23 July about 40 graduates and guests gathered under “the tree” at the Patton Homestead in Hamilton, Massachusetts for the West Point Society of New England’s annual Summer Family Picnic at the Patton Homestead. Attendees were treated to guided tours of the Patton Homestead, hay rides and an opportunity to visit the Green Meadows Farm owned by Mrs. Joanne Holbrook Patton the hostess for the afternoon. Joanna’s sister, Marian Roberson, from Texas joined for the day. WPSNE was happy to have Emily Bitteker and Amy Hagan from the WPAOG also join them. They all look forward to returning to the homestead for many years to come.
The West Point Society of the Wiregrass welcomed the Class of 2016 to Army Aviation at Mother Rucker’s in late July. Grads currently in flight school and those stationed at Rucker shared insights and stories with the newly assigned lieutenants. Senior grads kept the beer tab paid and the youngsters in line. WPS President Chris Sullivan ’81 organized the event and reports that Army Aviation is in good hands. They are looking forward to a golf tournament in early fall and annual Army-Navy party in December.
They ate in the old Buckner mess hall and were allowed 15 minutes with the new cadets after the ceremony. March Back was the next morning 8 August back to the plain with pass in review at the Supt’s house. The weather was warm but beautiful. Following the March Back, Parker was being assigned to company A-1 for “A” (acceptance) day. He was a good selection for the long gray line.
The West Point Society of Annapolis (WPSOA) celebrated its 30th anniversary as a West Point Society, and hosted its annual Welcome Picnic at the Fairwinds Community Pavilion, Severna Park, MD, to welcome the fall exchange cadets to the Annapolis area on 28 August. The seven exchange cadets, all from the class of 2018 will spend the fall semester at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. In all, more than 50 guests attended the event and welcomed the cadets who enjoyed a picnic consisting of hot dogs, bratwursts, hamburgers, salads drinks and desserts. WPSOA President Steve Heinecke addressed the assemblage, commented on the society's 30-year history, explained the annual picnic tradition and asked the cadets to introduce themselves before hitting the buffet line. A great time was enjoyed by all attendees.
The West Point Society of San Francisco held their 10th annual Picnic on August 28, 2016. The picnic has grown every year, from 36 in 2007 to 130 this year Joining forces with the WPS of Silicon Valley, what a great turnout. The oldest grad was from Class ’59 and the youngest was from Class ’16. The picnic was held at the home of Nina and Rob Leslie ’69. Nina Leslie has been the Administrator of the SF Society since 2007. Charles Correll ’89 the President of the SF West Point Society made some brief remarks about the Leaders Conference that he and Nina attended a few weeks ago. Charles mentioned that the Government pays for the “Core Needs”, such as the buildings, barracks, library – but private funding pays for things beyond the “Core”, which is referred to as the “Margin of Excellence” encouraging members to learn about them. Our very own Troy Schnack ’96 also had the pleasure of attending the picnic. Glee Club members in attendance closed the event by leading the gathering in singing the Alma Mater and a great time was had by all.
The West Point Society of the Tennessee Valley hosted a barbeque social at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday, August 20th. Ex-Math P (and father of Taylor Smith ’11) Mick Smith performed duties as master of the barbeque pit. His wife Lori prepared the sides and dessert. All others in attendance provided big appetites. The oldest grad present was Wayne Miller ’51. The youngest grad was “Lieutenant Dan” Freeman ’14. Dan, familiar with Mick’s barbeque prowess from his days as a cadet, came all the way from Fort Campbell to join them. The exhibits of memorabilia, artifacts, and military equipment at the museum ranged from the American Revolutionary War to present day. Included in the collection were many rare and important artifacts including the oldest surviving jeep: the Ford Pygmy. If you are ever in the Huntsville area, definitely take the opportunity to see this museum!
The West Point Society of the Tennessee Valley gathered at Nick’s Ristorante in Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday, August 27th, in preparation for the Army Football team’s opener against Temple, to watch the live radio broadcast of Crawdad’s Countdown to Kick-off preseason show (which aired on ESPN 97.7 "The Zone"). WPSTV members Bill Crawford ’80, Tom Economy ’81, and Steve Kreipe ’84 hosted the show. They interviewed Army football historian Conrad Crane ’74, former Army Coach John Mumford, and Army beat writer Sal Interdonato. Then on Friday, September 2nd, over fifty members and friends of the WPSTV gathered at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Jones Valley to cheer the Army Football team to its first victory of the season. Suffice it to say that, by the end of the evening, all of the patrons in Buffalo Wild Wings had the words to "On Brave Old Army Team" memorized.
The West Point Society of Annapolis (WPSOA) and members of the Class of 1968 (50-year Affiliation Class) conducted an Affirmation Ceremony for the seven exchange cadets from the Class of 2018 on 6 September 2016. The exchange cadets are at USNA for the fall semester and were unable to join their class in their Affirmation Ceremony held at West Point. The ceremony took place at O'Brien's Oyster House and Restaurant in Annapolis, where WPSOA holds its monthly dinners with the exchange cadets. WPSOA President Steve Heinecke ’77 began the ceremony by explaining the significance of the Affirmation Ceremony. Steve then introduced Major General (R) William L. Nash ’68 who the addressed the assemblage before administering the Oath of Affirmation to the exchange cadets. Following the oath, members of the Class of 1968 presented the cadets with their Commemorative Coins before the attendees congratulated the cadets.