The 3rd Annual West Point Founders Day held in Boise on 8 March 2014 was a sensational gathering of the Long Gray Line. The Deputy Commandant of Cadets, COL Jeff Lieb, rocked the house as our guest speaker. We laughed and our hearts pounded proudly in his stirring and passionate stories of old and SITREP of West Point today. As I dropped him off at the airport early Sunday morning, I gave my old Desert Storm battle buddy a warrior's embrace and saluted him for a job well done.

The MC, John Buehler '94, lead the charge and kept the event rolling along with intro's, honors, invocation, toasts, roll call, speakers and the works. John's humor and enthusiasm added to the energy of Founders Day. The invocation was delivered by Dennis Mansfield '78. His son Colin '14 graduates in May. Roll call included popping off with name, grad class and class motto. The assembled Long Gray Line included-Kent Brown '65, John Buehler '94, Mark Gerasimas '06, Al Gomez '79, John Goodale '80, Mac Hartley '67, Nadia King '91, Bill Ystueta '91, Dan Knappenberger '81, Caleb Lakey '06, Bryan Madden '03, James Maloney '57, Mike Maloney '61, Dennis Mansfield '78, Jim North '83, Richard Saglione '68, Tom Shuler '88, Nik Trotta '03, Mike Vineyard '99, Dave Wallinger '74, Ernie Weyand '87, and Joe Whitfield '78.

Our youngest grad was Caleb Lakey '06. Caleb is out of the Army and living/working in Boise. Caleb was asked to cut the ceremonial 'Go Army Beat Navy' cake. To our surprise, Caleb produced a template to cut equal portions for all that put their paws out. Assisting with the cake cutting included cadet candidate Brielle Ibe (appointed class of 2018), candidates for the class of 2019 Garrett Plant and Daniel Whitfield (son of Joe Whitfield '78). Our oldest grad was James Maloney III '57 or also known as 'Sunshine' to all his classmates. James III was a last minute speaker as the originally RSVP'd oldest grad, LTG (R) James Thompson '50, was unable to come. James III '57, an old artilleryman, given the fire mission to present, delivered steel on target as he reminded all of what bonded us together-'Duty, Honor, Country-Forever.' For you history buffs out there, James III and his little brother Mike '61 were those kids portrayed on the movie 'Pearl Harbor' waving at the Japanese pilots as they swooped down from Kole Kole Pass over Schofield Barracks enroute to bomb the 7th Fleet at Pearl Harbor on 7 Dec 1941. Amazing!

We closed out the night singing our Alma Mater. Lastly, thanks to the Idaho West Point parents club members Dan & Julee Hunt (Austin '15), Annette & Tony Konecni (Theresa '17), Misty & Jim Sterk (Colt '17) and my wife Nancy for setting up and decorating the venue.

The West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area celebrated Founders Day on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Claremont Country Club in Oakland, CA.  Superintendent, General Robert L. Caslen, Jr. ’75, was the Guest Speaker.  Founders Day was a wonderful success, with 190 people attending.  Just prior to Founders Day, General Caslen presented a Certificate of Appreciation to LTC William Schwartz ‘59 for his years of work and dedication supporting the West Point Admissions efforts.

Matt Rowe ’04, Jim Wilson ’04, Rob McMahon ’02, Jackie
McMahon, Ben Boyd ’06 and Kelly Allen

On 14 March 2014, the Northern Chesapeake West Point Society (NCWPS) held its eighth annual Founders Day Celebration at the Maryland Golf and Country Club in Bel Air, Maryland.  Nearly 100 people representing graduates, parents of cadets, former Professors, and friends of the Academy were in attendance for this celebration of the 212th anniversary of the founding of West Point.  The Deputy Commandant of the Academy, Colonel Jeff Lieb, was the guest speaker.  A special guest speaker, Mr. Rick Richardson portraying General Douglas MacArthur, gave the famous Duty, Honor, Country speech.  GEN MacArthur gave this speech at West Point in 1962 to the Corps of Cadets when he received the Thayer Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Academy.  COL (Retired) Dick Gilligan, who was present during the actual speech in the Mess Hall in 1962, introduced "General MacArthur" at Founder's Day.  As is tradition, remarks were also given by the oldest and youngest graduates present at the Founder’s Day celebration.  The oldest graduate was LTC (retired) Glenn Brown, class of 1958, and the youngest graduate was Major John Moris, Class of 1999. 

Founder’s Day was held at Forest Lake Country Club in Bloomfield Hills.  220 guests attended including 20 cadet candidates with family members.  Our guest speaker, the Dean, Brigadier General Trainor, talked about what is going on at West Point, with a focus on the high quality of our cadets in terms of academics, athletics and their willingness to help others. We learned that Army can whip Navy in nearly all sports except football; we even beat them in sailing.  But, hopes are high for a great Army football team next year. We also learned about the impressive building improvements underway, including the gutting and renovation of the old North Barracks.  Remarks were given by the oldest grad, State Senator John Pappageorge ’54 The youngest grad, Chris Hagg’07 gave poised and witty off-the-cuff remarks on his cadet experiences and confirmed again that “the Corps has”.  We presented the first ever Society Member of the Year award to LTC (ret) George Psihas ’54, and we presented awards to past presidents in recognition of outstanding service:  K.C Baran ’92, John Dickerson ’74, Dave Sokol ’89, Mitch Bonnett ’85, Tom Hagan ’80, and Dan James ’66.

Click here to view photos of our Founders Day.

The West Point Society of Paris was honored to host Cadets Emma Dugas, Emily Ezerins, David Johnston, Brian Wulff, Theodore Hoel, Johathan Hunter, Alfred McQuirter, Grant Mallalieu and Lucas Holmes for Founders Day 2014. Dr. Geri Smith and Dr. Julia Praud led the trip section and provided insight into West Point that is not usually apparent to cadets. .The cadets arrived at the Ecole Militaire in full dress grey and were active participants in all the events highlighted by their remarks as the guest speaker where they shared fascinating stories about West Point today. The youngest grad was Adam Falk, '00 and the oldest was James Dickey, '63.

The highlight of the evening was the West Point Society of Paris Glee Club consisting of all the cadets and led by BG James Dickey, USA (ret) '63 singing the Alma Mater.

The evening ended about midnight with the lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkling. The perfect conclusion to a great evening. 

On March 22, 2014, Bill Schwartz received a certificate of recognition from the Superintendent, General Caslen, Jr. ’75, for his years of work assisting West Point in the Admissions effort.

The WPS of Greater Wichita held their Founders Day event on March 28, 2014 at the Best Western Airport Inn and Conference Center in Wichita, KS.  The guest speaker was COL Jesse Germain, USCC.  The oldest Grad present was Larry Archer '69 and the youngest grad was Ron Marsh, '86.  A good time was had by all.

From Left to Right: Ron Marsh '86, Larry Archer '69, Nick Psaki '69, Joe McCarville '69, Jesse Germain '87, Randy Lovell '8, John Offerman '78, Barney King '69

The West Point Society of the Piedmont hosted its annual Founders Day Dinner, Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the High Point Country Club, High Point, NC. Over 160 attended including Congressman Howard Coble and a number of distinguished civilian and military leaders and friends and families of West Point and its graduates.  Colonel Deborah McDonald, Director of Admissions, United States Military Academy (West Point) was the guest speaker.   Captain Dominick Cinotto a 2005 graduate of Torrey Pines H.S. (San Diego, CA) and 2009 graduate of West Point addressed the audience on his perspective of West Point and the Army as a recent “young graduate”.  Colonel (R) Guy Troy, USMA 1946, our oldest grad regaled us with tales from the “old grad” days. He pointed out how the Long Gray Line loops back on itself with fathers and sons serving with fathers and sons of others, careers intersecting multiple times, and experiences shared.

Click here for the full article on their Founders Day.
Click here for photos.

The city of St. Augustine dedicated its recently rehabilitated sea wall -- a two year project -- at a ceremony on 7 February, 2014. Speakers included St. Augustine Mayor Joseph L. Boles, Jr., Major General Emmett R. Titshaw, Jr., Florida National Guard Adjutant General, and U.S. Congressman John Mica, 7th Florida Congressional District. In their remarks, all three emphasized the important contributions that West Point Graduates have made and are continuing to make in the development and protection of the city and state. Four West Point graduates designed and supervised the construction of the original sea wall in the late 1830s, and the city took great pains to preserve and incorporate the edifice into the rehabilitation design. As the program and historical brochure published by the city points out, "The project was an early example of the work assigned to graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, the first engineering school in the United States." During the ceremony, General Titshaw recognized Major Elizabeth “Betsy” Evans, USMA class of '00, US Army Corps of Engineers, assigned to the Florida National Guard Headquarters and our Society Secretary, as underscoring the continuing contribution of West Point engineers to the city and Florida. General Titshaw also emphasized the West Point connection by recognizing Greg Moore, USMA class of '74, LTC, retired, Command Historian of the Florida National Guard. In addition to "Betsy" and Greg, the West Point Society of North Florida was also represented at the ceremony by Don Jacobovitz, USMA class of '77 and Joe Naftzinger, USMA class of '60.

Left. General Titshaw, Mayor Boles, Major Evans, and Congressman Mica in front of the State Historical Marker commissioned by the West Point Society of North Florida in 2004, now prominently erected at the entrance to the sea wall's walkway.

The rehabilitated Sea Wall in St. Augustine, incorporating the 1830's wall by West Point grads.  Photos courtesy of Ted Pappas: www.tedPappas.com

Our first Founders Day Dinner on 8 March brought out about 60 members and guests in what was widely hailed as a great success, thanks to JT Thomas and his committee.  Entertainment throughout the evening was provided by ballad singer Hank Cramer (son of Harry G. Cramer ’46) who sang of the life of soldiers across the centuries.  COL George Earnhart led us in the Cadet Prayer at the start of the evening, and former members of the Cadet Glee Club helped us through the Alma Mater at the close.  We heard From COL Jesse Germain, Deputy Director of our beloved D/PE (OPE to you “old grads”), who provided An update on programs and projects across the academy (yes, cadets still endure the indoor OC).  Our Oldest grad, COL Jake Brier ’43, accompanied by his son Steven, shared memories of the academy and his career.  The youngest grad, EB Pannkuk ’97, described an academy and an army separated by over 50 years from COL Brier’s, marked by as many similarities as differences.  COL Germain commented that he has attended many Founders Day events across the country and he said ours was one of the best he has attended.

John LaSala ‘72
President, CFWPS

On April 2, Regional high school students and faculty gathered in West Point Eisenhower Hall for the annual Mid-Hudson Society Leadership and Character Conference. LTC (R) Dave Jones of the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic conducted the daylong conference. Eighty-five selected high school juniors and eighteen faculty participated in discussions regarding leadership, character, honor, respect, and values in high school, college, and beyond. Keynote speaker for the conference was COL (R) Dr. Len Marrella, leadership consultant, lecturer and book author. Following the introductory presentations by Jones and Marrella, students participated in facilitated discussion groups. Faculty members also participated in a facilitated discussion group. Each attendee enjoyed refreshments and lunch and received a certificate and a gift at the end of the day, as well as conference handouts, courtesy of four major donors. A spirited summary session closed out the conference day.

Dave Jones leading a discussion group and main speaker Len Marrella.

On behalf of the Society’s leadership, it was a pleasure have to such an enthusiastic response to this year’s Founder’s Day dinner.  It was great to see such many classes, well represented.  It was wonderful to have MG(R) Mark Sisinyak, ’56, as the oldest grad.  As well, Tim Dunn, ’07, as the youngest.  Thank you to the West Point Parents who joined us and the candidates of the Class of 2018.  I hope you got a glimpse of the camaraderie that is born from challenge, refinement, and preparation.  Best of luck to you as you prepare for R-Day.  Last, but not least, thank you to COL McDonald as our guest speaker.  We are so happy you were able to enjoy a bit of a homecoming while also giving us an update regarding the “State of the Corps.” 

Photos from the Founders Day Dinner are on our Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/WPSEastTennessee/photos_albums.  Please "like" us to stay up-to-date with Society-related news.

The WPS of Connecticut held its Founders Day celebration on March 29th at the Trumbull Marriott.  It was especially memorable in that our senior graduate speech was given by LTG Robert Pursley, ’49, who will be honored this year by the Association of Graduates as one of our 2014 Distinguished Graduates.  The celebration was enhanced by the diversity of the audience with the usual “old grads” joined by parents club members, accepted candidates for the Class of ’18 and potential candidates for the Class of ’19.  On top of this we were joined by 5 members of the Cadet Pipes and Drums Band who gave a performance to kick off the evening.   Our next event is an informal golf outing on the fairways of friendly strife in May, and we are in the process of gearing up for a major football tailgate party this September when Army defeats Yale in New Haven!

GEN Vince Brooks, Class of 1980 was our Guest Speaker, BG Ben Cassiday, Class of June 1943 our oldest grad and 2LT Brian Gallagher, 2013 our youngest grad.. Roughly 180 graduates and friends joined us for a very fun evening!  Please go to our Facebook page for more photos.

About 110 graduates,family and friends gathered in the ballroom of the Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine Saturday, March 22nd, for its annual Founders Day celebration. In the spirit of "jointness," after Benny Havens the evening banquet was opened by the Naval JROTC color guard from nearby Nease High School. Cadet Joshua Cooksey, '14 led the group in the Cadet Prayer, and Society President Barrett Scruggs, '07 (and youngest grad present!!) picked it up from there as MC. Our oldest grad was Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Henry Newcomer, USAF, '39. The highlight of the evening was our guest speaker Colonel (Ret) John Tien, First Captain of '87, now a senior officer with CITIgroup. Colonel Tien had extensive experience commanding armored units in combat and working in key NSC policy positions during the Bush and Obama administrations, and gave all assembled valuable insights into how West Point prepares young cadets for the broad range of life's experiences. Another highlight of the evening was the announcement by the society's congressional coordinator Bobby Brown, '00, that seven Cadet Candidates from northeast Florida will join the class of 2018 -- quite an achievement given the preponderance of naval personnel in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. The Renaissance venue provided an opportunity to make this Founders Day a weekend event, allowing graduates to check-in Friday night and take part in a range of activities Saturday and Sunday, and idea which the society plans to build on in the future.

The WPS of Mid-South held their Founders Day celebration on March 29, 2014 at the Windyke Country Club.  Over 70 gray hogs including graduates, spouses, candidates, parents, our Military Academy Liaison Officer and guests attended.  Luke Wright (June '43) the oldest grad, and with his wife were in attendance.  Rene Wolf '50 the second oldest grad, along with Luke Wright, demonstrated their cake cutting skills.  Lee Summerlin '12 was the youngest grad.  Richard Carter '73 gave the invocation. Ron Scott '72 was "Mr Nice" and ensured that all had a good time.  Jim Turner '59 was the "Humor Captain and was available to provide humorous moments. Jill Reilly '86 prepared a salute to West Point using photos from reunion activities of the Class of 1973 and 1983.  Steve Sittnick, COL (R), a Citadel grad and father of Matt '13 and Sally '15, was appointed an honory member of the Society.  Fred Shambach '82 led the singing of the Alma Mater.  Caron Swatley, PPC President gave updates on current cadets.  Past Society Presidents in attendance included Luke Wright, Terry Stull, Ron Scott, Al Brown, Richard Carter and Paul Ham.

The WPS of South Texas celebrated a Benny Haven’s Hour at the Stone Werks in San Antonio.  It was a great time to catch up with old friends and enjoy the beautiful South Texas weather.  A picture of some of the participants shows the good time had by all.  It was a success and we look forward to continue this event in the future.  We had participants spanning from the Class of 1943 June to 2009.

On Friday, June 13, 2014, the West Point Society of Northwest Florida hosted a luncheon in honor three of the newest members of the Class of 2018 (and their parents) from Florida's First Congressional District. Unfortunately, only two of the three were able to attend [Rachel Gold and Michael Hawkins] because the third [Aja Brechtel] was in South Florida visiting family before she embarks on her 47-months as a cadet.

As part of the 50-Year Affiliation Program, Dan Adams [USMA, Class of 1968] was on hand to present each new high school graduate with a certificate and letter of appreciation.  It is interesting to note that of the three, one New Cadet is a recruited athlete, one has a sister entering her Cow Year, and one has parents who are West Point classmates.  It truly shows that West Point is a family and everything eventually circles back to the Academy as the Long Gray Line continues unbroken into another year.   Ten members of the West Point Society of Northwest Florida were on hand to congratulate the New Cadets on their selection and regale them with tales of their cadet days.  A good time was had by all and everyone agreed it was a wonderful way to provide support for the New Cadets as they embark on their adventure.

The West Point Society of Singapore (WPSOS) spent a wonderful evening visiting with the U.S. Ambassador to Singapore at his residence on July 9, 2014.  Ambassador Wagar also joined the WPS of 

Singapore as a distinguished guest at their Founder’s Day celebration this year.  In attendance were the following:

Clement Lee (’92) – the first Singaporean to graduate from West Point
Fred Tan (’94) – the senior Singaporean graduate on active duty – and Mrs. Christina Tan
Cadet Stephanie Koo (’15) – Cadet Koo is performing a summer AIAD in Singapore at Raffles Institution
Shaun Chia (’08) and Ms. Anna Tan
Scott Baggett (’90)
Chee Leung Yew (’00) and Mrs. Amelia Yew
Grace Park (’94) and Mr. Cole Sirucek
Mun Poh Fan (’06) and Mrs. Kareen Fan
Matthew Halferty (’93)
Alex Wang (’05) and Mrs. Kristy Lau
Chris Lo (’95)
Ray Jefferson (’88)

Ray Jefferson and Chris Lo jointly serve WPS of Singapore as the Society’s president and vice-president, respectively.  

On July 27, Tucson welcomed Mike Viti by hosting a late-afternoon rally at Armory Park in Downtown Tucson where he was greeted by Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and a representative from Congressman Ron Barber’s Tucson office. Members of the Tucson Police Department, Gold Star Families, and Team Red, White and Blue were also present.

Please click here for the full story by David Ashcraft.

Photos