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