Letter from ROTC Cadet (NCEA 2011 Attendee) Chad Bishop to Classmate Rich Measner

Hello, Sir.

This is Cadet Chad Bishop with ETSU ROTC. You asked if I would contact you, at the Hall of Fame ceremony, in regards to how the NCEA went at the USMA. I am pleased to report to you that it was one of the best experiences of my life. From the reception and in-processing to the trip home, all was planned well and very beneficial. I met some great people and gained meaningful friendships. The way I thought about ethics was challenged, grown, and also supported in other ways. I am very thankful for the opportunity and have been willing to share notes and the entire experience with my fellow peers.
I have attached a letter I am trying to send to the USMA in hopes that it will recognize the cadets I speak about in that letter. I also typed the letter as a simple expression of my gratitude for their investment in my personal growth.
Respectfully, Cadet Bishop

Attached Letter send by CDT Bishop to USMA:

National Conference on Ethics in America
Upon returning home to East Tennessee State University and the welcoming color of the mountains which proclaim the glory of God, memories and impressions of the USMA are still pressing heavily on my mind and soul. The NCEA is held within the realm of a place where Duty, Honor, and Country are ever present. The history of the USMA is preserved with every facet on the Post, thus propelling the ethics and values the military academy is based upon. This short letter is not a recap of the events that took place at the conference, it is much more. This letter is a thank-you to the founders of West Point like George Washington. It is a thank-you to those that organized and facilitated the event and round table discussions like LTC Brian Imiola (F2), and finally this letter serves as a thank-you to the influence and hospitality of those like Firstie CO Doug Gain (go Ducks) and one of his Platoon Sergeants Jake Roberts. My time at West Point is one of the most informational and ethical experiences I have ever had. While the views of a cadet may not be extremely important, I feel it is crucial I send my gratitude.
When I heard of the opportunity to attend the NCEA I knew it was an event to take advantage of. At ETSU, LTC Jeffress informed MSIII cadets in the Buccaneer Battalion of the opportunity. I was not sure if I would be the one qualified to go and I was unsure what to expect if I was chosen to attend. The NCEA took place over our fall break so I must admit that was holding me back in a way, as fall break is a time to relax and visit with friends and family.
As the sole delegate from ETSU I arrived at West Point and began in-processing. The first night I met Doug Gain and Jake Roberts. Roberts was the cadet with whom my room assignment connected me. The hospitality of Roberts was exceptional. Roberts offered me his bed and slept on a cot during the whole duration of the conference. This was beyond what he needed to do. Roberts was very busy with class work and other responsibilities, which resulted in early mornings and late nights for him. Still, Roberts was very hospitable and concerned about his delegate which made a great impression on me about the ethics of USMA cadets.
Another cadet I feel needs recognition is Doug Gain. Gain was the small group leader of F2. Not only myself but others in the group were very impressed with his knowledge, willingness to answer questions, and consideration for the well-being of the delegates with whom he was placed to lead. From the first night at West Point to the moment I left the hallowed academy, Gain went beyond the extra mile for each delegate he came in contact with and more specifically, my-self. Gain could have been complacent with his responsibilities at the conference and only done what he needed to. I spent more time with Gain than any other delegate or cadet, along with three or four others. We were a close group of guys which built a lasting friendship, had unforgettable discussions on ethics, and influenced each other to be the best we could be. Outside of the conference and “free time”, Gain did not go to his room to work on other things that were perhaps, equally or more important. Gain gave us a tour that was very extensive on more than one occasion, in which he made sure our questions were answered and he was always telling me in depth what each part of the USMA was about, describing a large variety of topics including locations of the Hudson river and the importance of them, statues, buildings, books in the library and much more. He did not stop there. Gain thoroughly trained cadets and civilians in weapons systems, gave knowledge on army history, took us to bible studies, and even physical training which allowed us to see just how to “crave torture” as we were pushed to do our best on the IOCT. I will admit my experience of the USMA was greatly marked in a positive way through the role Doug Gain played during my time there.
With only a basic knowledge of the USMA as an outsider, after attending this conference I have been overwhelmed with gratitude, the beauty of the historic academy, and the seriousness cadets take to the Duty of selfless service shown by many of those at West Point, specifically those mentioned above. So I thank-you for the opportunity, the work you have put into the event, and overall, your concern for ethics in America. I have nothing but great things to say about our United States Military Academy. My time there was valuable in many ways, educational, and a complete enjoyment.

Sincerely, Chad Bishop (East Tennessee State University)

NCEA 2011 Recap

Classmates: NCEA 2011 Recap

As you know, the NCEA was declared “mission essential” by the Supe this past year and included as part of the current AOG Capital Campaign. Thanks to all the classmates who’s tireless efforts on behalf of the NCEA and the Class 70 have made this possible.

Wow!!! What a Conference. A few highlights…..

…..Col. Waters (OIC, SCPME) and LTC. Turner (OIC, NCEA) both agreed that “the NCEA is the highlight of their year and that this year was the best ever.” Congratulations to the SCPME and their staff and all the cadets for their support. Without them none of this is possible. We are both grateful and indebted to them for their selfless efforts.

.....Approximately 187 student delegates (not including the USMA cadets) from some 93 colleges and universities, and another 30 Faculty Advisors. All records for attendance!

.....Great buzz on the speakers, content, organization, conduct and presentation of this year's event. NCEA 2011 was, by all accounts (still need to review the delegate feedback forms), the best NCEA yet.

….. go to the NCEA website and click on the NCEA 2011 conference guide, speaker videos, delegate testimonials, etc. - seehttp://usma1970.westpointaog.com/USMA-Class-of-1970/ncea.html or direct http://www.usma.edu/uscc/scpme/ncea/index.html It’s guaranteed to make you pop your chest up, stand taller, and be proud.

.....Also, the Don & Betsy Blakeslee very generously hosted an exceptionally nice class reception and dinner at their home on Monday night. Chez Blakeslee is the newly crowned 5 Star restaurant in the WP/Highland Falls area. Rumor has it Don is seriously considering enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) upon retirement. Based on the quality of the dinner he served us, he should be recruited by the CIA as an instructor.

.....Kudos to Pat Sculley, Speakers, the Mentors, and all 25 of our classmates in attendance. This Conference continues to inspire, lead, and help create the next generation of ethical leaders for our country. Being with these young men and women for 4 days is an honor and a privilege. The Class 70 is doing truly noble work. We are making a difference.

…..finally, we were pleased to welcome AT&T as a presenting sponsor for the three years. In addition to a sizable monetary contribution over this period, AT&T committed substantial other resources to us to help further build the reputation and capabilities of the NCEA. special thanks to Ron Spears for “spearsheading “ this AT&T initiative in support of the Class 70, the NCEA, West Point, and the nation. Think Possible.

We (the class and SCPME) are out ahead for planning for next year. Conference dates for next year are: 10/14-17/2012 (Sunday evening Delegate Meet & Greet thru Wednesday evening's Banquet and Keynote Address) at USMA. Mark on calendars now! Several Speakers are already confirmed and NCEA 2012 Registration will open up right after the start of the New Year.

SWI.

Gil Pritchard and Patrick E. Sculley

AOG First Call

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NCEA - USMA 1970 Attendees - October 2011

Mike Murphy Needs 4 A-N Tickets!

Mike Murphy Sends:

Frank

I’m looking for 4 tickets in the Class of 70 section for this years Navy game (In Washington, D.C.).  Can I post that request on the USMA 1970 Website, and if so…how do I do that.

thanks much.  Mike
--
Michael T. Murphy
Cell: 703-856-3571
Home: 703-818-3472
greenmntains@gmail.com

BG (USA, Retired) Barney Forsythe Sends

Dear Classmates,

As many of you know, I have been involved with the National Conference on Ethics in America (NCEA) from its inception. With you, I am delighted to see our original vision for the conference become a reality, thanks to West Point’s stewardship and the unwavering support of our classmates and friends.
When I retired from the Army in 2005 and came to Westminster College, I made a point to send student leaders from my new campus to the NCEA. They return invigorated and inspired to create the conditions at Westminster that promote the College’s values (integrity, fairness, respect, and responsibility) and foster civic engagement and community service. I have no doubt the investment that I have made along with so many other classmates is paying dividends; I see it every day.

Our gift to West Point extends far beyond the Corps of Cadets; it is an amazing outreach to the nation, which was our intent when we first established the endowment. We wanted to stimulate dialogue about the values that shaped our lives—integrity and service in the context of duty, honor, and country—not only at West Point but beyond the Academy grounds to the nation and the world. Clearly, we have been successful, as the conference has grown in popularity and scope. Because of our generosity and that of friends of the Class, we are helping to promote conversations on campuses around the country about principles that are essential to the future of our nation. In so doing, we are helping promote West Point’s mission “to educate, train, and inspire” to the Corps and to a larger group of young people. Well done, Class of ‘70!

Just like we did during our time together as cadets, I hope that we will “give way together” to ensure the NCEA has a sustainable future. I would hope that every classmate would join the cause and contribute to this important effort. It would be amazing if we could get 100% participation—that would set new records for class giving. More importantly, it would make a difference to West Point and the nation in meaningful ways.

Serve with Integrity, ’70
Barney Forsythe

George B. Forsythe, Ph.D.
President
Westminster College
501 Westminster Avenue
Fulton, Missouri 65251-1299
(573) 592-5315
Barney.Forsythe@westminster-mo.edu

fjm: NB: The Annual National Conference on Ethics in America starts this Sunday Evening, October 16, 2011 –http://usma1970.westpointaog.com/USMA-Class-of-1970/ncea.htmlto contribute now!

ncea

usma1970.westpointaog.com

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AOG First Call October 2011

AOG First Call October 2011