The Leaders of Character Initiative was announced at our Founders Day 2012 event last year. The purpose was to inspire our WP Society members to continue their legacy of service and leadership by 1) helping strengthen the character of emerging leaders in our community, and 2) provide opportunities for existing leaders to better serve our community.  We decided to focus our initial efforts on high school students, building on the successful Leadership & Ethics conference model developed by other societies (e.g. Washington, DC, and Minneapolis, MN)

Our inaugural Leadership & Ethics event in February was a huge success.  Actual totals were 140 students and faculty from 46 high schools in SW Ohio, N Kentucky, and SE Indiana.  Dr. Victor Garcia, USMA ’68 was one of our guest speakers.  We received tremendous feedback from all participants with over 90% indicating that the seminar was ‘valuable to them personally’ and that they would ‘recommend attendance to their peers’.  We have announced expansion of the program to 85 high schools for next year – nearly half of the high schools in our tri-state region.  You can get more information, content, and photos via our website at www.leadersofcharacter.org.

This year we are adding two new efforts to recognize and better leverage the leadership skills of returning Iraq/Afghanistan veterans in our community.  First, we are developing and running seminars for veterans and employers to help them take advantage of the numerous job fairs and employment outreach that is occurring in our area.  These seminars will help veterans make better use of interview opportunities with companies and help companies understand how to better uncover veterans’ leadership skills during interviews.  The seminar series will also extend to new hire join-up and retention management seminars for both veterans and employers/managers. 

Secondly, we are collaborating with other military academy alumni organizations to organize a 10K run/walk event in the fall to build community awareness of veteran transition needs and help connect veterans in the region with one another to foster better peer-mentoring and support.  Ultimately, we want to use these types of events to encourage veterans to use the practical leadership skills they developed in the military to help others in our community who are less fortunate or struggling. 

The West Point Society - Florida West Coast conducted its 5^th annual West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference for Tampa Bay area high schools on March 7^th, 2013. Seven visiting West Point Cadets served as small group discussion leaders during the conference held at the Vaughn Center on the campus of the University of Tampa. This one day curriculum focusing on character, leadership, ethics, and respect topics, was likely the most thought provoking school field trip any of the students ever experienced. Public and private high schools, 35 in all, from four counties around the Tampa Bay area sent three students and a teacher to the conference.

Click here for story and photos.

See the following link http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/21549466/2013/03/07/students-get-life-lessons-from-west-point-cadets for a great article and video on the Leadership & Ethics Conference.

On March 22, 2013, nearly one hundred graduates and guests gathered in the Club House at Heritage Hunt to celebrate the 211^th anniversary of the founding of the United States Military Academy.  Heritage Hunt is an active adult community located in Gainesville, VA, approximately 40 miles west of Washington, DC.

This was the ninth annual celebration of Founders Day at Heritage Hunt.  Wally and Jo Ward (’58) and Frank and Joan Pimentel (’52) got the event started in 2005 as a local, less formal, alternative to the larger and somewhat distant West Point Society of the District of Columbia Founders Day event.  Dick and Trish Buckner (’61) and Erc and Vi Barone (’60) took the lead from 2007 to 2010.  In 2011, the following Class of ’65 graduates and spouses took on organizing responsibilities for the event – Curt and Ann Adams, Larry and Jean Bennett, John and Linda Concannon, Bernie and Ellen Ziegler.

Highlights of this year’s event were a span of 60 years between oldest graduate and the youngest and an excellent program of patriotic songs by the West Point Alumni Glee Club.  “Participation awards” went to the Classes of ’61 and ’65.

Our oldest graduate was Colonel Malcom Agnew (’49) whose father and grandfather were also graduates.  Out youngest graduate was, in fact, a married couple from the Class of 2009.  It was interesting to learn that CPT Niki Marin and CPT Leo Marin didn’t know one another while at West Point, but were introduced by a mutual friend on a beach in Hawaii following graduation. Remarks by all three graduates were very appropriate and much appreciated by the attendees.

Under the direction of Gary Fitzgerald, the WPAGC program included “God Bless the USA” and a number of songs written by Alan Salisbury (’58), one of the founders of the WPAGC, who had just recently been awarded the coveted Castle Award by the WPSDC.  These songs included “An American Warrior” narrated, coincidentally, by Colonel Mal Agnew and CPT Niki Marin, “Leaders for Our Nation,” and “Eat, Drink and Beat Navy.”  All arrangements for the participation of the WPAGC were very ably handled by fellow ‘65er, Terry Ryan.

The evening concluded with the singing of the “Alma Mater” led by the WPAGC. Please click here to view photos.

Bernard Ziegler '65

Founders’ Day 2013 was held Arpil 20, 2013 at River Hills Club in Jackson, and it was a rousing success.  Three of the contributors are shown in the photo, Billy Mounger ‘48’ (oldest grad remarks), Steve Brown ‘85’ (keynote speaker) and Reggie Fullwood ‘85’ (youngest grad remarks). 

Big tip of the tar bucket to Steve Guyton, who has helped recruit so many worthy cadet candidates over the years.  This year Steve brought four very impressive young men the dinner. 

Ashby Foote ‘74
President

The first West Point Society of Charleston Conference on Ethics for High School Students was a huge success.  This first session was designed as a prototype so we limited the invitation list but we still had 26 students from nine area high schools.  Feedback from the students and the faculty was outstanding. 

Dr. Nancy J. McGinley, Superintendent of Schools for Charleston County, opened the conference.  Coach Doug Wojcik and Mr. Otto German, College of Charleston, SSG Matthew Engel, 1^st Combat Brigade, 82^nd Airborne Division, and Councilman Michael Seekings delivered presentations on ethical dilemmas for the students to discuss.

Group leaders were Chuck Kranitsky ’73, John McNeill ’93, Scott Schwartzwelter ’93, Tim Maneval ’00, and Dave & Kathy Eckert.  Other volunteers were Herb Ellis ‘63, Kim Flint ‘64, Larry Van Horn ’68, Paul Burton ‘72, Mark Tracy ’73, Chris Schlosser ‘90, Dave Padilla FOWP, and Alan Boyd, Cadet Parent.  Special credit goes to Kent Selby ’85 who did an outstanding job as the conference moderator.

This conference would not have happened at all, let alone be a great success, without the direction, perseverance, and plain hard work by Joe Napier ’93.  Ms. Judith Peterson, Principal, Academic High School was a tremendous partner in this endeavor and we received great support from the District and Academic High School staffs.

We hope to expand the size of the conference and make it an annual event. This is a chance to touch the next generation in a very positive manner.

We had a great Founder’s Day with the past President of Singapore, Mr. S.R. Nathan, the sixth President of Singapore, as our special guest. 

The evening began with a Benny Havens followed by a welcome message from current President, Roy Tomlinson and incoming President, Ray Jefferson.

Remarks were given by the oldest graduate, Roy Tomlinson '86, and the youngest graduate, Shaun Chia, '05.  President Nathan spoke and afterwards held a question and answer session. In the photo below, President Nathan presents a plaque to Roy Tomlinson in appreciation for his service as President of the WPS of Singapore.  Click here for President Nathan's biography.

The National Intercollegiate Boxing Championships took place April 11-13 in San Francisco at University of San Francisco.  The West Point Army Female Boxing Club competed in the Championships.

First Class Cadet Giovanna Camacho from Dixon, California is the founder and captain of the team.

The West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area grads attended the Championship to support the Army Team.   The first evening, the Army Women's Boxing Team won all 4 or 5 of their bouts in the first or second round!  They rolled over their competition and did us proud!

One grad who attended, Bill Chadwick ’74 is pictured with Cadet Camacho and Bill’s father-in-law,  who boxed at USF 50 Years ago.  Bill said, “the team performed magnificently last night. Disciplined in execution and gracious in victory they were awesome”.

The West Point Society of Philadelphia hosted over 100 attendees at its April 3rd, 2013 Luncheon at the Chart House Restaurant in Philadelphia. The  luncheon was one of the largest ever and provided an opportunity to again pay tribute to West Point, The Corps of Cadets, The U.S. Army and fallen heroes. Guests included West Point and other Academies alum, active duty members, representatives from regional veteran’s-affiliated organizations, state and community leaders, regional business leaders and professionals.   

We were honored to have as our guest speaker, MG (RET) Charles Bolden, NASA Administrator. The Administrator was extremely gracious and informative in his remarks. He provided a strategic view of our Space Program, civilian support of the Program, Mars Landing and other ongoing NASA initiatives. MG Bolton reviewed important developing technologies aimed at increasing our space flight capabilities in support of the world’s preeminent space program. He also provided an overview of the Veteran’s Employment Operational Plan.

We were also pleased to host as an honored guest, Congressman Chakka Fattah of Philadelphia, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

The West Point Society of Philadelphia Founders Day hosted over 350 attendees at the 2013 Founders Day Dinner. The  celebration achieved its highest participation ever. The evening was full of tradition and proper protocol and provided a wonderful opportunity to salute West Point, The Corps of Cadets, past and present, distinguished alum, Wounded Warrior Heroes, representatives from numerous regional veteran’s affiliated organizations, many national, state and community leaders, friends and family. 

We were honored to present to Cardinal Edwin O’Brien with our Society’s GEN Al Haig, “Guardian of Liberty Award” in absentia. Archbishop Timothy Paul Andrew Broglio, who serves as Archbishop for the Military Services, U.S.A., accepted the award on the Cardinal’s behalf. Via an exclusive video interview taken from the College of Cardinals in Rome, guests were able to hear the Cardinal discuss how West Point’s values helped to shape his career to include preparing him for his current responsibilities.

Hats off to the oldest and youngest graduate present speakers, John Brinson, ’58 (oldest) and duo Megan Vrabel, ’06 / Zac Maodus ’07 (youngest), respectively for participating in this event.

Phil Fountain

The West Point Society of Central Texas recently raised funds to support the installation of an information kiosk atop scenic Mount Bonnell in Austin.

One side has information about local fllora and fauna.

The other side features information about how West Point graduates, Albert Sidney Johnston, Class of 1826, and George Armstrong Custer, Class of 1861 were associated with the site.

The military history information  posted in the kiosk is taken from a Handbook of Texas entry written by Seldon Graham '51.

See <http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/rjm28>

A .ppt presentation about the kiosk can be found at <http://www.slideshare.net/frebo3/0410-kiosk-content>

Fred Bothwell '62

The West Point Society of the Mid Hudson Region held its 2013 Founders Day Celebration on March 10 at the West Point Thayer Hotel.  President Joe Pfanzelter ’78 was the Master of Ceremony. Highlights of the celebration’s introduction were the roll call of classes, the memorial to the empty plate of missing comrades, and the traditional toasts. Following the exceptional Thayer Hotel champagne brunch were speeches by the oldest and youngest graduates, this year spanning 66 years, Merl Hutto ’46, and Matt Greene ’12. Both speeches were relevant and well received, Matt Greene’s given on short notice. Superintendent Lieutenant General David Huntoon Jr. ‘73 addressed the assembly via pre-recorded video presentation. The Riverbank Banjo Band provided lively music that kept toes tapping during the celebration.

Merl Hutto '46 and Matt Green '12

The West Point Society of Hawaii celebrated Founders Day on 22 March 2013 at the Hale Koa Hotel in Honolulu.  275 alumni, spouses and friends of West Point gathered at the Hale Koa Hote Friday night to join in the celebration of  the 211^th birthday of our Military Academy. 

LTG Frank Wiercinski, ’79 was our guest speaker. Brig Gen (Retired) Ben Cassiday, USAF, Jun ’43 and 2LT Amado Gonzalez, ’12 were our Oldest and Youngest Grads respectively.  The Society hosted four young men and women and their families who plan to head off from the Islands to West Point and Army Prep this summer.  We presented our Black Knight Award for outstanding service in promoting the values and ethos of west Point in Hawaii to LTG Frank and Jeannine Wiercinski.  The class with the greatest participation was 2010 with over 26 graduates, spouses and friends in attendance. 

79er Cecil, Wiercinski, Fink, O'Brien

We had a tremendous Founder’s Day Dinner on March 23, 2013 at Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco!  We set a new record for Founder’s Day registration at 240!  North Dallas definitely earned a permanent spot in the Founder’s Day rotation.  There was great energy in the room on Saturday night & everyone I talked to had very positive feedback.  For example, young grads talked about how it was such a great time to connect with classmates & fellow grads.  Our senior grads remarked how exciting it was to have our younger grads’ energy & enthusiasm. 

LTG(R) Bill Lennox ‘71, the 56^th Superintendent at West Point, delivered an insightful & entertaining keynote speech detailing the challenges & opportunities he faced while serving as West Point’s Superintendent during September 11^th & the 200^th Anniversary of West Point’s Founding.

Four members of the West Point Class of 2017 as our guests: Taylor Endres, Connor Meyer, Will Scott, Allie Walsh along with their parents.  After we recognized them with our applause, one grad shouted out, “How’s the cow?!!” which was followed by rolls of laughter. 

Stan Shipley ’73 was awarded the Ray Colvin Award for his stellar leadership & service of the West Point Society & Dallas Community over the last 30 years along with his integral leadership within the West Point AOG. We were also honored to have Barbara Colvin & her family in attendance.

MG Ed Rafalko ’45 pulled off the best “stand-in” Oldest Grad speech I’ve ever heard.  Ed found out that he would be the oldest grad speaker 2 minutes before the ceremony began.

Jordan Roach ’08 did a fantastic job on Youngest Grad speech.  He shared how the West Point grad network has helped him greatly on the job front since arriving in Dallas.

We were also blessed to have a number of West Point Parents in attendance.

We sat by class which made it fun.  The Class of 1998 won the recognition for the most attendees.

We had a phenomenal Silent Auction.  Thanks to those who donated, those who recruited for Silent Auction donations, & those who bid at the event to raise our Society’s operating funds!

COL Robert Stein USAF. Ret. and
guest speaker, COL Sully DeFontaine, USA, Ret.

The West Point Society of Southern Nevada held their Founders Day on March 22, 2013 at the Stan Fulton Building University of Nevada,Las Vegas, NV. 

The guest speaker was COL Sully DeFontaine, USA, Ret.  Colonel DeFontaine has an extraordinary career story.  He began his military career as a French national working for the British SOE in WWII.  He parachuted into occupied France to aid in the transport of downed allied flyers to the Spanish border.  At the time he was 17 years old.  I don’t know all the specifics, but he was an officer in the British Army, then an officer in the US Army and US citizen.  He is well known in the annals of Special Ops and served in one situation or another up until the end of the Viet Nam War.

Our attendance was a total of 54 which is the best group we have had in recent memory.  That 54 includes 19 grads and one “Friend of West Point”.  

I have received a note from the individual that donated the eight etched glasses.  He said he felt as if he was a member of the group because he was treated so well.  The set was a wedding gift from his father-in-law, class of ’31, and the box was never opened until recently, 60 years after being given.  He simply wanted them to go to someone that would appreciate them. 

He wrote to me:

“Thanks again for your invitation and auction.  It was a perfect evening for me.  I felt as accepted as though I was a member myself.   Michele and I were pleased that the Youngest Member had the winning bid, especially as the young woman said something to the effect of handing them on to her grandchildren.  I am sure Col. Alex Sutherland and his daughter Marge, my late wife would also be pleased at the outcome.  Who knows, maybe in some way they are aware.”

The youngest grad in attendance was Virginia McIntyre Balint, class of 08.  Her husband is not a grad but her father-in-law is class of ’76.

Robert Stein
President
West Point Society of Southern Nevada

Youngest graduate, 2LT Brendan Lopez ‘12
speaking at WPS of NW Florida Founders Day

The West Point Society of Northwest Florida celebrated Founders Day on March 23, 2013 at the Fort Walton Yacht Club in Fort Walton Beach. the event began with a Benny Havens and was followed by dinner and speeches from the youngest graduate 2LT Brendan Lopez ‘12 and the oldest grad COL Bob Spilman ‘42.

BG John Goodale '80, Oldest Grad HS Napier '45
and Youngest Grad CPT MarkGerasimas '06

A fun and memorable Founders Day event was held on 23 March 2013 here in Boise, ID. The event was held at The Tavern at Bown Crossing. The evening began with a Benny Havens Hour by minute callers to summon all to the formal portion of the program that included photos, pledge of allegiance, invocation, toasts, welcome, class roll call, cake cutting ceremony, dinner and speeches. The class roll call included name, class and motto except for the class of 45 as they had no motto's back then.

Class Roll Call: HS Napier '45, Mike Maloney '61, Kent Brown '65, Everett Wohlers '68, Dave Wallinger '74, Dennis Mansfield '78, Albert Gomez '79, John Goodale '80, Pat Kilroy '86, Scott Kane '87, Tom Shuler '88, Todd Farrington '91, John Buehler '94, Bryan Madden '03, Mark Gerasimas '06. 50 people present that included our alum, parents of cadets and friends of West Point to included USNA, USAFA, and USMMA parents.

Our youngest grad was CPT Mark Gerasimas '06. He inspired us with the brave exploits of our soldiers on today’s battlefields and of course his West Point experiences.

Our oldest grad was HS Napier '45. We were honored to have HS deliver his comments. He was resilient and his warrior spirit was present. HS was part of one of the classes during the WWII period that went to West Point for 3 years. They shipped off early to fight in WWII. He served in the occupation of Japan. Eventually he found himself back at West Point teaching. Of interest, one of his former cadet students Mike Maloney '61 complained about his 2.0 grade that was rendered so long ago. Lastly, Dennis Mansfield '78 read comments from HS's son Bill Napier '78 who was unable to attend.

Our guest speaker was BG John Goodale '80. He is the Commanding General, Idaho Army National Guard. BG Goodale spoke to us about the threads of continuity between the class of 1945 and 2006. He bridged the topics of Army families and Army traditions.

The West Point Society of Tallahassee Founders Day on March 16, 2013 was a great success.  Jodie Glore ’69, AOG Chairman, and Sandy Glore were our special guests and about 100 enjoyed meeting them and listening to the insights Jodie shared from his  unique perspective. 

Of special interest this year was the first of what we hope will be an annual “Right Thing”....a collection of grads’ rings and miniatures belonging to those present.  The rings were collected during Benny Havens, arranged in a jeweler’s display, and then photographed. 

West Point Society of Northwest Florida Secretary and Friend of West Point Chuck Merkel poses with a "friend" in Southwest Asia.  Merkel serves as unit historian for the 386 AEW.  The photo was taken at recent Coalition Appreciation Day activities. 

On 16 March 2013, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, twenty-three members of the temporarily-formed West Point Society of Southwest Asia gathered to celebrate West Point's founding.  The new society cuts across many services and consists of members from the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, who are co-located on the same air base overseas.  After deploying as part of the staff of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Chuck Merkel, secretary of the West Point Society of Northwest Florida, realized that Founders Day was approaching and there was no local society nearby so he decided to start one.  The first person awarded a certificate of membership during the weekly staff meeting, was wing commander Colonel David "Shawn" Farrow.  The actual dinner was held the following evening, with vice commander, Colonel Mark Polomsky, a 1992 graduate of the US Air Force Academy doing the honors as membership certificates were awarded to all the attendees.  When Maryellen Picciuto of the West Point Association of Graduates found out what was happening she enlisted the aid of Vince McDermott, Director of Academy Advancement, as well as the USMA Admissions and Athletic Departments and put together a box of supplies that enabled to room to be suitably decorated for the event.  Additional supplies were generously provided by David Rich, secretary of the West Point Society of Tallahassee, so it was a great team effort.  Oldest graduate comments were given by Colonel Polomsky and 1LT Sam Stedman, USMA 2010, did the honors as the youngest graduate present. Although the newest society in the West Point family, the members do not lack for enthusiasm and it is hoped that it will continue after Chuck's rotation home at the completion of his tour. 

 
Presentation of certificate to Colonel David "Shawn" Farrow

The West Point Society of Kentucky Bluegrass celebrated Founders Day on March 15th at Portofinos in Lexington, KY

51 in attendance by my count.  For pictures, click here.

The West Point Society of Paris France held their Founders Day Dinner on March 16, 2013 at the Ecole Militaire.  Their guest speaker was Général de brigade Christian Beau, Dean of the Ecole de guerre.   There were 37 total attendees, including 8 cadets, graduates, spouses and members of the French Army.

John Egan ’69, Cadet Ethan Muhs, Cadet Christina Plumley, Cadet Rebecca Tummers, Cadet Katherine Rutherford, Barbara Falk 

Thursday, March 14th, was the Sixth Annual Founders Day jointly hosted by the West Point Parents'Club and West Point Society of Long Island at  Russo's on the Bay.  The evening began with the Benny Havens social hour followed by the formalities of the evening and a prayer led by Father Tony Racundo.  Dwight Webster ('74), the keynote speaker, and Captain Brian Healey were the honor guard and led the flag ceremonies.  Joanne and Gerard Connolly whose son Gerard ('11) is deployed to Afghanistan explained the POW/MIA table set in the room in remembrance of them and our fallen. 

Our MC, Gary Dolan ('69), shared remarks about the origins of Founder's Day and also his West Point experiences.  and  introduced Dave Blanchard ('65) as the oldest grad in attendance.   Laurel then introduced the youngest grad attending, her son Michael McMahon ('08). 

After dinner Dwight Webster ('74)delivered the keynote speech.  Dwight gave a brief synopsis of his military and reserve service, noting that the turning point was when he served in wartime in Civil Affairs during our present wars.  Now retired, he has become involved in the Military Officers Association of Long Island, US Volunteers, and other organizations due to his horizons widening, and because of his interaction especially with children during his deployment, Another memorable and emotional event was the graduation of his son with the Class of 2009 and his later deployment to Afghanistan. 

Laurel presented the Gordon Family, Dwight Webster and Gary Dolan with certificates of appreciation.

Thank you all for making the Long Grey Line stiffened and strengthened. This year event is another great success with 19 members attending.

Click here to view photos.

We had 330 people (most ever) including 8 candidate families (most ever) and over 70 Parents & Friends (most ever).

LTG Bob Lennox '77 gave an excellent update on Today's Army and highlighted several Houston area grads currently serving abroad within his presentation.

Our fund raising via the Silent Auction, Wine Pull and Raffle exceeded our expectations in support for our mission. 

Thanks to Helene Bryant '85 for doing an awesome job as our host President & Co-Chair of the Event and doing the decorations.  

Society Board Member John King'65 with Old Grad Speaker George McDowell '37 with his daughter, Linda, and Key Note Speaker LTG Bob Lennox '77

It was another great Founders Day celebration at the High Point Country Club this past Saturday, March 9th, 2013!

The evening began with an Admissions briefing for approximately 60 attendees, followed by a Benny Havens social hour, and then a welcome from Tom Dayvault, ’72, President & CEO of the High Point Chamber of Commerce.

Joe Adamczyk, ’72, led our ceremonies which began with toasts and a “remember how the Corps was” speech by the old grad, Guy Troy, '46, followed by a short report by 1LT Ben White, '10, on how his recent USMA training had helped him through some trying times in Afghanistan.  The annual Society Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Andy Lamb, '77, for his global humanitarian and medical work.

Dan Taylor, ’68, introduced the guest speaker, Senator Richard Burr – a vocal advocate for the military and their families, who spoke on what is happening at West Point, how the budget process is proceeding, and future implications for USMA. The evening was capped with a special presentation and Certificate of Appreciation to our Society President, Bill Trivette, '70, for his continuous, six years of outstanding leadership.

Last events were a singing of the Alma Mater (led by Buz Moser, ’76) followed by an enthusiastic "Rocket" cheer by Lorraine Withers, ’85, and the many cadets in attendance.

The West Point Society of Aiken-Augusta held their Founders Day Dinner on March 10, 2013 at the Augusta Country Club.  The guest speaker was BG Rex Spitler '80, from Third Army/USARCENT. Cadet Aaron Schares '13 was the Master of Ceremony. This year piano music during dinner was provided by Ron Floyd of Aiken.

Two pictures from the joint Founders Day Dinner (San Francisco and Silicon Valley) on Saturday evening, March 2, 2013.  189 people came to Founders Day where Scotty Smiley ’03 was our Guest Speaker.  Scotty did an amazing job, with an inspirational and upbeat message to our Societies. 

Scotty at the Podium delivering his remarks

Scotty with the Class ‘69

In the photo, you will see Cadet 3d Class Granath Musson in the center, suited up to make his sport parachute jump, along with society members Gene Parker on the left and Chris Canipe on the right.  Granath was home from West Point last weekend, and he was making some jumps near Elkin.  Nothing like parachuting in the winter to build character.   Graneth is on the Cadet Parachute Team and is working hard to build his proficiency.

Mark your calendar for Saturday evening, March 9, in High Point.  You will want to attend. 

The 2012 Distinguished Societies are announced!  This annual award recognizes those Societies that have significantly supported West Point and its graduates over the past year. Sixty-five West Point Societies earned the Distinguished Society Award for 2012. To earn the award, Societies must report points in a variety of programs and activities which range from hosting a Founders Day event to supporting Cadet teams and clubs that travel to the Society's area.

Click here to view the 2012 Distinguished Society Award recipients.

There are over 130 West Point Societies and they want you! They offer social events, business networking opportunities, admissions recruiting assistance, and many other programs. Societies are located all over the United States and overseas.  Contact society-support@wpaog.org for more information.