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Cadets Run 48 Miles to Raise Awareness for Sexual Assault
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It started almost as a contest between friends, but ended up as something much more meaningful. BG Curtis Buzzard ’92, the Commandant of Cadets, and cadet leadership had challenged each member of the Corps to run one mile during April to raise awareness for sexual assault and harassment prevention month. Cadet Jordan Lawson ’21 and a couple of his friends in Company B-1 saw the challenge and decided one mile wasn’t nearly hard enough and set their sights higher. They eventually decided to take on retired U.S. Navy Seal and ultramarathon runner David Goggins’ 4x4x48 challenge. Four miles, every four hours, for 48 hours. They sent word to their platoon and then to all of B-1 as more and more cadets signed on for the challenge. Read the inspiring story of how this challenge grew to involve other cadets, alumni and even the incoming Class of 2024.
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Grads in the Fight Against COVID-19 – Share Your Stories
We are so proud of the efforts of the Long Gray Line in the fight against COVID-19. We’ll be presenting more in the Summer issue of West Point, and in the meantime we’re sharing how some of your fellow grads are making a difference on our social media channels. Dr. Mark Karasz ’87 is making hand sanitizer from wine. COL(R) Timothy Connors ’88 connected with the WPAOG Career Services team to leverage the graduate network – finding just the right expertise to establish a temporary warehouse facility. Wyatt Batchelor ‘09, Mark Faldowski ‘09 and Michael Viti ‘08, three former Army football teammates are providing free meals to medical professionals in their local V.A. hospitals. And Tyler Merritt ’06, CEO of Nine Line Apparel, has his team working nonstop to produce and donate masks for workers who need them most. Merritt’s team has also developed a new protective mask, pending FDA approval. Send us your stories!
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Two USMA 2012 Graduates Selected as Olmsted Scholars
WPAOG congratulates CPT Joseph B. Bailey ’12 and CPT Frederick E. Beebe ’12 on their selection as Olmsted Scholars in the Class of 2021. The Olmsted Scholar Program was established in 1959 by MG(R) George H. Olmsted ’22. The program provides a two-and-a-half to three-year educational experience that includes full-time graduate study at a foreign university in the non-English language of that country. All five branches of the military nominate young officers for the Olmsted program each year. Candidates are selected for their propensity and aptitude for leadership. Bailey, an Armor officer, will study in Aix-en-Provence, France. Beebe, an Engineer, will study in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
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Pre-Order Your Face Gaiter Today!
Fashion meets function with our new face gaiters. Designed with you in mind, these gaiters are custom made for WPAOG, inspired by your Rockbound Highland Home, and are available in two styles: Dress Gray and Beanie. Visit us online at WPAOGGiftShop.com to place your pre-order today. Gaiters will begin shipping mid-May. *Please understand our gaiters/shields are not a replacement for medical grade masks. The decision to use this as a mask is the responsibility of the purchaser.
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Giving Tuesday Now
On Tuesday, May 5, WPAOG participated in Giving Tuesday Now, a “Day of Global Action for Giving and Unity” to benefit philanthropies of all types around the world during this challenging time. Many graduates, parents, and friends of West Point participated to support the Corps of Cadets, who exemplify the ethos of selfless service and Duty, Honor, Country. A special thank you to the Class of 1974, who led the way for class gifts on Tuesday’s day of giving.
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Cadet Hannah Lamb ’23 Wins Shakespeare Showdown
Typically, the Department of English and Philosophy hosts an “Academy Idol” Shakespeare monologue competition during West Point’s annual Projects Day. With the cadets now spread throughout the country due to COVID-19, the department decided to host a virtual contest and have competitors submit videos of themselves performing monologues. During a normal year, only ten cadets compete for a chance to be named Academy Idol. Because the virtual contest had no time constraints, the competition was opened up to the entire plebe class this year and 67 cadets created monologue videos. The Top 12 were compiled into a Shakespeare Showcase video, and Lamb took top honors for her portrayal of Iago from “Othello.”
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Coach K: There’s No Greater School in the World
The 14th Annual Mike Krzyzewski Award for Excellence in Teaching Character Through Sport Award ceremony was held virtually on April 30. The awards recognize West Point athletes and coaches, and sports educators for their outstanding commitment to the development of noble character through athletic participation and leadership while living and leading honorably and demonstrating excellence. Awardees are designated for each category of sport within the West Point Competitive Sports Program: Corps Squad, Competitive Club Athletics, and Company Athletics.
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Cadets Learn from Each Other While Helping Community
As some Americans begin to struggle to put food on the table across the country, USMA cadets in the Northern Virginia area are doing their part to help community members overcome their personal predicament. Cadet Jack Felgar ’23, of Falls Church jumped at the chance to help his mother, Julie, as she became involved with La Colectiva, an organization that helps the immigrant community in several different ways. They have received help from three international cadets staying with them during the pandemic and a fourth cadet who lives nearby. Full story.
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Washington, DC SACC Is Going Virtual 6/9-6/12
The Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) is dedicated to assisting our alumni in their career transition, no matter the location or platform. Now more than ever, we recognize how important it is for our alumni to make valuable career and educational connections. Register now to join us online!
- Participate in three days of employer webinars June 9-11.
- Connect virtually with recruiters from industry-leading employers on June 12.
- Connect with representatives from advanced education institutions.
- Employers are already reaching out to prospective candidates for introductory, pre-screen phone calls.
Text “careerservices” to 51555 to stay up to date on hot jobs, webinars and announcements from the WPAOG Career Services team.
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Update Your WPAOG Records
Now is a great time to take a few minutes to make sure all your profile information is up to date. Just login at WestPointAOG.org/profile and complete all of the sections. An important step is to update your Register of Graduates entry. This career biography should contain as a minimum your military assignments (and decorations) and can also include your career after the military. If you really want to “beef up” your records, consider these ideas for your Cullum File – and complete an online Vital Stats sheet.
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Grads Helping Grads
As part of our vision to be the most connected alumni body in the world, WPAOG has activated our Gripping Hands portal. Hosted on our new Sallyport platform, this program can assist the Long Gray Line in the times of greatest need such as natural disasters, economic events, and the current global pandemic. Here, you will find helpful resources, ideas for mental breaks, and be able to connect with others. You may also contact us at grippinghands@wpaog.org to volunteer or ask for assistance. Graduates who have not already activated their Sallyport account should log in using the email address you have on file with WPAOG and it will prompt you to set up a password. If you login with an address not matching our records, the Alumni Services staff will reach out to you for confirmation details prior to activating.
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Alumni Glee Club Remembers VE Day
May 8 marked the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Regrettably, this VE Day found many of our remaining WWII Veterans in assisted living and nursing facilities without visitation by friends and families during the pandemic. The West Point Alumni Glee Club wanted them all to know they are not forgotten, and asks you to share this video with families and facilities caring for these WWII Veterans. The video is from the show “Johnny Vet: Freedom Isn’t Free – a Veteran’s Musical Journey through History,” performed by the Club in November of 2017 – and is a tribute to the “Greatest Generation.” The West Point Alumni Glee Club is comprised of over 40 West Point alumni, averaging almost 20 years of active duty service, with over 75% having combat experience.
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Grant Statue: One Year Anniversary
April 25 marked the one-year anniversary of the dedication of Ulysses S. Grant Statue at West Point. The statue was funded through a generous donation from the Honorable Robert A. McDonald ’75 and his wife, Diane. Situated on the edge of the Plain, Grant’s statue joined those of Washington, Eisenhower, and MacArthur to remind cadets and the public of Grant’s contributions to the nation. Read an article about the dedication in the Summer 2019 issue of West Point magazine.
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Follow WPAOG on Instagram!
We are less than 300 from our goal of 10,000 followers! Take us over the top and stay up to date on the latest West Point alumni news! From exclusive photography to information on upcoming alumni events, like and share our posts and videos with fellow Old Grads.
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2nd Annual Army Spirit Button Design Contest
Looking for an activity to do while you’re home? The designer of the 2020 Army West Point Spirit Button will receive two free tickets to attend the GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY TAILGATE on December 12! All 1,500 attendees at the tailgate will receive the winner’s button. For instructions on the button design content, click here. Digital entries only.
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Calling All West Point Authors!
Reserve your space in the Fall 2020 West Point Authors Bookshelf, a specially-priced advertising section in West Point magazine showcasing books by West Point affiliated authors. Check out the latest West Point Bookshelf in the Winter 2020 issue to discover and support these books. Learn more about this and other WPAOG advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
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Order Your 2020 TAPS
TAPS, the official memorial magazine of the Long Gray Line, contains the fascinating and inspiring life stories of West Point graduates. Advance orders for the 2020 edition may now be placed online. We are now accepting Memorial Articles for the 2021 edition. Guidance on submitting articles may be found online or by calling 845.446.1647.
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