The West Point Society of Connecticut held an Affirmation ceremony for the four members of the Class of 2018 who are exchange cadets this fall at the USCGA. The event was held on September 27 at the USCGA Alumni Center. Hosting us was CDR Jonathan Theel, the Assistant Commandant of the USCGA. BG(R) Ed Kelly ’70 was the guest speaker and conducted the oath of affirmation. Dale Hansen ’68 made a presentation on behalf of the 50-Year Affiliation Class and was joined by his classmate Jim Tanski ’68 to award each cadet and dignitary with the Affirmation coin. Phil Smith ’69 and Terry Stewart ’77 also participated in this event to support the cadets.
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WPS of Connecticut Conducts Affirmation Ceremony
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WPSMHR Sprint Football Tailgate
The WPS of the Mid-Hudson Region held its annual Sprint Football Tailgate at Shea Stadium on Friday, 7 October. It was a beautiful autumn evening as Army soundly defeated Cornell in its 300 victory. Even though most of the Corps left for the long weekend, the Society was able to extend a warm West Point welcome to many Army and Cornell sprint fans. Hot dogs with all the "fixin's", sodas, and assorted goodies were offered to the old grads, cadets, friends, and fans who stopped by.
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WPS of Annapolis 28th Annual H.S. Leadership Brunch
On 13 November 2016, the West Point Society of Annapolis (WPSOA) held its 28th annual High School Leadership Brunch. The brunch formally recognizes outstanding local high school seniors for their academic, athletic and community service leadership accomplishments. This year, seniors from seven local high schools were recognized at a brunch held in their honor at J. Kings restaurant, Gambrills, Maryland. John Nicodemus ’73 presided over the event which was attended by more than 40 families and WPSOA members.
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WPS of Annapolis Winter Social
The West Point Society of Annapolis (WPSOA) hosted its annual Winter Social on December 4. There were approximately 30 attendees, including the seven exchange cadets who are completing their semester at the Naval Academy. They gathered at the Severn Inn in Annapolis, MD. In addition to the fellowship that good company, food and drink bring, the highlight of the evening was the signing of the WPSOA's "Beat Navy" banner by the exchange cadets, a remembrance tradition that has continued for more than 20 years.
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WPS of Denver Hosts Athena's Arena Attendees
The West Point Society of Denver hosted a panel of local grads that had attended the 40th year anniversary of Women at West Point and the Athena's Arena Conference at West Point, which took place last April. The panel presented an extremely interesting perspective of the Conference and let those "older grads" learn "what it's all about." The panel consisted of (Photo: Left - Right) Sheri Donnelly ’94, Amy Efaw ’89, and Sarah Anderson ’09. Athena's Arena purpose: Second decennial conference celebrating 40 years of women’s achievements at West Point, since admission of the first class of women in 1976. Two days of thought-provoking programming and keynote speakers to explore current women's topics at West Point, in the Army, and across the nation.
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WPS of Denver Hosts Football Gathering
45 Grads and wives got together at the Tavern in Greenwood Village, along with 8 Zoomies, to watch the Army - Air Force game and remember days of yore. It was nice to see several grads that were new to the gatherings. All in all a great time was had.
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WPS of Denver Army Navy Game Viewing
On Game day, the West Point Society of Denver hosted a viewing of the game at the Denver Sports Column. Attending were about 150 sports fans, with about a 50-50% split Army to Navy. Emotions ran the gambit, as they probably did everywhere. Visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WestPointSocietyOfDenver which shows a wide range of pics – check to see your classmates! Throughout the game, door prizes were handed out for swag from both academies. Additionally, tickets to the Avalanche (NHL) Nuggets (NBA), & Bronco games were given, courtesy of the Sports Column. A special Thanks goes to Jason Connor ’02, who did the work to get the extra gifts and who MC’d the game.
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WPS of Birmingham & Central Alabama Enjoy Bowl Victory
The West Point Society of Birmingham & Central Alabama had a great turnout for a terrific game, the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl with Army's win over North Texas in overtime 38 - 31. They would like to thank Greg and Good People Brewing for opening 2 hours early for them. The morning started with 12 and the afternoon ended with 21.
In attendance were: Marcus Lowe ’81, Jacqueline Head ’17, Luis Berdecia ’85 and Sam, Buddy, Gina, Peary Cox ’13, Tyler ’19, Jay Daily ’85 with Cindy and their beautiful daughters, BG Bill Wolf ’79 and Sandy, past president David Graves ’98, Joey Snowden ’05, new members Scott Suhr ’89, Clint Speegle ’03, Austin Milster ’07, Ian, Dianna, and Paul Howell ’85.
Special notes from WPS of Birmingham & Central Alabama to CPT Peary Cox ’13, deploying to Iraq on Saturday - God Speed. Cadet Jacqueline Head ’17, first female from Alabama to select Infantry - “Infantry leads the Way”!!
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WPS of New Jersey Fisher House Contribution
The West Point Society of New Jersey presented a $5000 contribution to the Fisher House Foundation as part of the Annual Gingerbread Ball, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Eatontown NJ recently. Presenting the check was Tony G. Smith ’78, WPSNJ President. Accepting was Brian Gawne, VP Operations, Fisher House Foundation. The Society contribution came mainly from funds raised during the annual West Point Society Charity Scramble, a golf tournament the Society runs every year in June at the Gambler Ridge Golf Club in Cream Ridge, NJ. The 2016 Gingerbread Ball raised over $60,000, with all proceeds going to support the Fisher House Foundation. The golf tournament will be held at Gambler Ridge in 2017 on Friday, 2 June. Mark your calendars for that, as well as our 2017 Founder's Day Dinner, being held at Beacon Hill Country Club in Atlantic Highlands on Saturday, 25 March. Invitations will be mailed in January.
Photo: Tony G. Smith ’78, President, WPSNJ; Ms. Breanna Weick, Miss New Jersey 2016; and Brian Gawne, VP Operations, Fisher House Foundation
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WPS of the Tennessee Valley Victory Party
The West Point Society of the Tennessee Valley held an Army-Navy Victory Party at Valley Hill Country Club in Huntsville, Alabama on the 10th of December, 2016. Over 135 were in attendance to watch Army end Navy’s streak and beat the Midshipmen. The excitement was contagious, the camaraderie was excellent, and the noise level was extreme. From the opening kickoff to the last play society members were focused on the task at hand – BEATING NAVY! They are already counting down the days until we beat Navy again next year.
On Monday, December 26th, the Tennessee Valley Society reconvened at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Jones Valley in Huntsville to cheer the Army team on to victory over North Texas in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Well over 50 people showed up and represented Army West Point with cheers, fight songs, impromptu old grad rockets (thanks to Tom Economy ’81) and the singing of the Alma Mater after the game. Rumor has it that a few beers were consumed that day as well.
Photo L to R: Steve Walters ’81, Brian Magerkurth ’81, Chris Fry ’81, Paul DiNardo ’81, Tom Economy ’81
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WPS of Chicago Claims Victory Trophy
The West Point Society of Chicago had a well-attended luncheon at the Union League Club of Chicago sponsored by the American Legion. After a great football victory over Navy on December 10th, they found that their sister society in Chicago was in possession of a Victory Trophy that both alumni societies funded back in 1994. The trophy is quite substantial, and has a plaque for each year with the name of the team that won. You can see the newest plaque in the upper left of the trophy's base. It had been languishing in Naval Academy Alumni Association Society president's basement for the last 14 years, since the last time Army won. Needless to say, WPS of Chicago was not going to let this sit in anyone's basement. It's now on loan to the Union League Club and American Legion Post 758, proudly displayed for the public to see, in their lobby.
L-R: Victor Lagroon, Director of Veterans' Affairs, City of Chicago; Michael K. Bassi ’07, Erica Jeffries, Director of Illinois Veterans Affairs; Joe Mislinski ’78, President WPS of Chicago; Court Harris ’07, Vice President (holding trophy with Mayor Emanuel); Matt Schachman ’07; Emily Miller ’08, George Gilmore ’71, AOG Board of Directors; Tom Hayes ’78, Mayor of Arlington Heights, IL; Bridget Altenberg, COO Noble Networks
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WPS of San Diego Army Navy Watch Party
The West Point Society of San Diego (WPSSD) were representing West Point at an Army-Navy Game Watch Party. Although highly outnumbered, roughly 125 to 25! They were able to enjoy the victory at the University Club, atop the Symphony Towers in downtown San Diego. For the past few years the WPSSD has been joining forces with the USNA Alumni Association of San Diego for the Army-Navy Game Watch Party at the University Club. They appreciate this venue which has excellent views of downtown, the bay, the Bay Bridge, and Coronado Island. The WPS of San Diego offers congratulations to the Army Football Team, “you made us proud.”
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WPS of Birmingham and Central Alabama Appointments
The West Point Society of Birmingham and Central Alabama has 10 nominations to West Point this year! This is highly part of the creative thought-process of Clint Speegle ’03. The photo shows the high school students nominated for appointments to the 4 (Coast Guard is not included) service academies from Congressman Gary Palmer’s 6th Congressional District. Not shown are the Marion Military Institute (MMI) cadets from this district. This district is one of the most competitive districts in the nation. These young men and women have an average ACT score of 31, excel in at least one varsity sport and are at the top of their graduating classes. MMI has 28 cadets from across the nation that have received nominations, at least 26 of them will get appointments.
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WPS Denver Receives Proclamation
As part of the 90th Year Anniversary of the Society, the West Point Society of Denver received a Denver City Council Proclamation on February 28th to honor the occasion. The Proclamation will be displayed at Founders Day Dinner on March 3.
Photo: Denver City Council President Chris Herndon ’99 making the presentation to WPS Denver President Robert Walcott ’78
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WPS of the Villages Founders Day
The West Point Society of the Villages held their annual Founders Day on Saturday March 4 in the MacArthur Room of the Eisenhower Recreation Center in the Villages. Denny Coll's ’65 daughter, LTC (USAR) Shannon Horne ’95, was the guest of honor and brought her husband Paul, a successful High School football coach, and two of their 5 children. Her oldest daughter, Sissy, a senior, has been accepted by all 4 Academies, but we know where her heart lies! Darby, a high school sophomore, is also interested in joining the Long Gray Line. There were 52 in attendance for the first evening event and honoring the oldest grad, Colonel Bill McPeek ’56 once again. He once again entertained them with a story from his days at the USAFA as one of the very few USMA grads on staff. Since LTC (USAR) Horne was the guest of honor and the youngest grad, they double dipped and enjoyed her great presentation on admissions, the challenges, and the extremely high bar to be reached for today's candidates in obtaining an appointment to USMA. Welcomed, were new members from the classes of the 70's (future youngest grad candidates) as well as classmates from '65 from around the state who came to support their classmates' daughter.
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WPS of the Tri-State/Chattanooga Founders Day
The West Point Society of the Tri-State/Chattanooga had a great Founders Day event. Their speaker canceled at the last minute but with some help from WPAOG they ended up with a great event. US Senator Bob Corker made a surprise visit and presented greetings, thanking everyone for their service. There were parents, a prospective member of this year's new class and his parents, a widow, interested citizens, and the staff of their Congressman. Bill Raines, Tom McConnell and Jim Kimball spoke and reminded everyone to take advantage of volunteering as a Field Force member, participating in events like reunions, getting together with classmates to write a memorial article, and attending the Army/Navy Game. Jim Kimball told them how easy it was to get tickets by calling the Athletic Ticket office and donating. The Superintendent's video was perfect; many nice comments were received about it.
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WPS of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast Founders Day
On 7 March the West Point Society of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast Celebrated Founders Day in West Palm Beach Fl. In attendance was LTG (R) William Ely ’33. The oldest West Point grad alive, he turned 105 this past December. LTG(R) Ely served in WWII in the Pacific theater. He gave a great speech and is still very much on his game.
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WPS of Denver Founders Day
The West Point Society of Denver hosted their 90th Founders Day at The University Club of Denver (the same venue as their first FD in 1927) on March 3. There were 187 totaling in attendance, including eight 2021 candidates, their parents, 4 Zoomies, and the rest being Grads & their wives. Sarah Anderson ’09 gave the youngest grad speech, and Art Greibling ’50 had the honors of the oldest grad speech. BG Holland ’90, Commandant of Cadets gave the keynote and updated everyone on the current activities at West Point.
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WPS of Annapolis Founders Day
The West Point Society of Annapolis (WPSOA) held its 31st annual Founders Day celebration on Friday, 10 March 2017. The event was held at the BWI Marriott, Linthicum, MD, and was attended by 114 WPSOA members and guests, including 6 new local cadet candidates. Prior to the Founder's Day event, LTG Robert L. Caslin, Jr. ’75 and the WPSOA jointly hosted a reception for the six candidates and their families, all of whom have accepted their appointments to USMA.
Prior to introducing the distinguished guest speaker, WPSOA President, Steve Heinecke discussed the status and purpose of the WPSOA and introduced the eldest and youngest grads, who presented amusing stories of their cadet days and active duty experiences. Steve then introduced the distinguished guest speaker, LTG Robert L. Caslin, Jr., who provided an update on the Corps of Cadets and construction projects underway at West Point. Following LTG Caslin's presentation, he was presented with a WPSOA "thank you" gift
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WPS of the Benelux Founders Day
The West Point Society of the Benelux held its 16th annual Founders Day dinner in Brussels, at the "Club Royal des Officiers du Régiment des Guides" the former officers’ mess of the First Guides [Cavalry] Regiment on Saturday evening March 11. They were pleased to have Vice Admiral John N. Christenson, USNA 1981, currently serving as United States Military Representative to NATO, as distinguished speaker. Also in attendance were GEN Curtis M. Scaparrotti ’78 and MG Gordon Davis ’81. The evening began with the Benny Havens Hour featuring aperitifs in the Royal Lounge. Following a speak by VADM Christenson, the oldest grad, COL (R) Charles Wehspheling ’61 offered his reflections on the state of the Academy; COL Westpheling was followed by 1LT Krystal Onyema ’15 who offered an updated view on the state of the Academy. They were also privileged to have Cadet Travis Phelan ’18 in attendance.
Photo: CPT Erin Setevens ’07, MAJ Seth Johnston ’03, 1LT Krystal Onyema ’15, MG Gordon Davis ’81, GEN Curtis Scaparrotti ’78, CPT Nolan Cork ’07, VADM John Christenson (USNA 1981), Tom Pappas ’91, Ms. Annette Salmon (USNA 1988), Col Tim Salmon (USNA 1988), COL Kurt Connell ’93, COL Craig Morrow ’91, Jow Wucik ’86, Dave Fulton ’86, CDT Travis Phelan ’18, COL (R) John Phelan ’83,1LT Mark Milhalik ’14, COL (R) Chuck Westpheling’61, LTC (R) Bill Bergman.
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