Greetings from your Rockbound Highland Home

Greetings from your Rockbound Highland Home,

Below are some updates from WPAOG, please be sure to share this information with your classes! Please post to your social media sites.

WPAOG 150^th:

Calling all classes to send in your toasts!

We hope that you all are enjoying our ‘On This Day’ timeline and the other great features on the 150^th page on our  website. In celebration of our Sesquicentennial birthday, WPAOG will be conducting a “virtual birthday toast” via Facebook on May 22, the anniversary of our founding date in 1869.  All alumni and members of the West Point community are encouraged to record live videos of themselves toasting and wishing “Happy Birthday” to WPAOG and to upload them to the exclusive event page. To coincide with these virtual birthday toasts that will be occurring on Facebook, we will also be collecting videos received in advance (please submit videos by 1 May) to be possibly featured in a WPAOG -produced video which will be released on the day of the event. If you want your class to be considered to be featured in the video, please submit your clip by flowing the guidelines below.

Guidelines for pre-recorded videos to be included in the official birthday video:

• Cell phone videos are fine, but please do not use filters
• Pre-recorded videos should be 15 – 20 seconds in length
• If shooting on a cell phone, shoot horizontally – not upright/vertically
• Pick a creative background
• Recommend a well-lit area with minimal background noise.
• Sample messages that can be included in the video:
• “Happy 150th Birthday to AOG from THE CLASS OF XXX!” 
• Consider ending the toast with your class motto
• “Congratulations to AOG for 150 years!”
• “Cheers, AOG! We are happy to celebrate 150 years with you!”

You can also email me your submission using WeTransfer.com. I can’t wait to see what your classes do!

Flat Cullum: 

Another way to participate in the celebration of our 150^th is to include Flat Cullum in your travels and adventures. Have no idea what I am talking about? Be sure to check out page 13 in the Spring issue of the West Point magazine. #FlatCullum, #WPAOG150.

All Academy Challenge (May 30 – June 3, 2019):

The sixth annual All Academy Challenge is right around the corner! West Point graduates will come together to defeat Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine.  All gifts – large and small to any fund – will bring West Point to victory! Please help us spread the word! Are you interested in serving as an All Academy Challenge Ambassador for your class? If so, contact 845.446.1657 or AAC@WPAOG.org. 

The requirements to be an Ambassador are simple: (1) share with your social media networks, post and re-post throughout the Challenge, and (2) be sure to make your gift. Your support will inspire others! Visit wp.allacademychallenge.com/pages/toolkit-2  for more information. Also, follow us and join in at #AllAcademyChallenge. For more information please see attached PDF.

Gift Shop: 

The WPAOG Gift Shop is the premier stop for all your Army West Point shopping needs.  We offer a variety of styles, unique designs, and personalized product, like our DIY Travel Tumbler – available for pre-order now!  Discounts for cadets and West Point employees available.  The WPAOG Gift Shop is located in Herbert Hall Alumni Center (Bldg 698), or online at WPAOGGiftShop.com.  Questions?  Call 800.426.4725 or email giftshop@wpaog.org.  

Career Services - SACC is Coming to Washington DC:

If you are considering a career transition, a new job field, or just exploring your options, don’t miss the Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) on June 13-14 in Washington D.C.  SACC job fairs are exclusively for service academy alumni and are a great way to learn about the current job market, advanced degree options, and discover employment opportunities across the U.S. SACCs allow candidates to connect face to face with companies and universities.

• Over 80% of jobs are secured through networking!
• 60% of SACC candidates had on-site interviews during conference
• 75% of SACC candidates had follow up interviews
• You must pre-register by June 3^rd to have your one-page resume included in the SACC Candidate Resume book
• If you register between June 3^rd and June 7^th, your resume will NOT be in the printed SACC Candidate Resume Book, but the recruiters WILL have electronic access.
• Walk-up registration is available beginning on June 13^th on site.
• Go to https://sacc-jobfair.com/Home/CandidateRegistration?city=Washington to register now!

Contact your WPAOG Career Services team for assistance in preparing for the SACC or if you need assistance in finding your next job! Email: careers@wpaog.org or go to our new enhanced careers website wpaogcareers.org/for more information.

WPAOG Job Postings – Know of someone who is looking for a great place to work in the Hudson Valley? WPAOG job postings are available online at westpointaog.org/employment.  

WPAOG Leaders Conference, sponsored by the Class of 1967:

Hotel blocks are now open for the WPAOG Leaders Conference, August 14-17, 2019.  This conference is generously sponsored by the Class of 1967.   A detailed agenda will be posted online soon, and registration will open in June. Click here for more information.  If you have any questions, please emailAlumniconferences@wpaog.org.

Happy Spring and Happy Easter!

Cathy

Cathy Kilner ‘90

Director, Class Services

West Point Association of Graduates

698 Mills Road West Point, NY 10996  | 845.446.1563  |  WestPointAOG.org          

1869-2019: Celebrating 150 years |  #WPAOG150  | WestPointAOG.org/150^th

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this email message and any attachments is confidential and the property of West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG). This message is intended for viewing and use by the original recipients only. Any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication and/or its attachments is prohibited without the sender’s written permission. WPAOG does not accept liability for changes to this message after it was sent or privacy violations caused by forwarding to additional parties. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete this email from your computer. For additional information please refer to the privacy statement available at WestPointAOG.org.

USMA 1970 Class Ring Found in 1995 (Colorado)

Sent to AOG Class Services for possible owner identification and return.  Contact me if this is your   ring or have any information on who the owner might be.  

Thanks!

Class of 1970 Campaign for West Point: 50 Year Reunion Gift Progress - End of March, 2019

April 16, 2019

To: My Classmates (and Friends of the Class)

Subject: Correction to Yesterday’s Note (Class of 1970 Cyber Leaders Conference)

Gentlemen – 

In an effort to hold down the size of yesterday’s 50 Year Gift Campaign update, I included an embedded link on “Ways to Give” in the body of the note. Unfortunately, the link (developed by AOG) was an outdated one.  Mea Culpa!

Instead of repeating the link error, I am enclosing a more current information sheet (see below) which has many more options for those who elect to participate in our legacy gift effort or those who wish to increase the size of their pledge.  This information sheet has several options that are available for your use.  If all else fails, you can always call the AOG Class Giving Office (phone number: 845-446-1656) and discuss what best fits your circumstances.

Again, I apologize for any confusion this may have created.  Getting old (and having some eyesight problems to boot!) is not for the faint-hearted.

SWI,

Steve Strom

WAYS TO GIVE TO THE USMA 1970 50^thReunion Class Gift

Check or Credit Card by Mail

Both cash gifts and pledges can be made by mail. WPAOG accepts MasterCard, Visa, and American Express credit cards, as well as checks. Checks should be made payable to the “West Point Association of Graduates—Class of 1970 Gift Fund.” Donors may mail credit card information (card type, card number and expiration date) with a signed note indicating the amount of the gift and that it is for the Class of 1970 Gift Fund. Gifts and pledges should be mailed to:

West Point Association of Graduates 

Attn: Gift Operations

698 Mills Road

West Point, NY 10996

Pledges

Pledges should be structured so that they are fulfilled before the Class presents its gift to the Academy at its milestone reunion. Pledges may be made online, by phone, or by mail, and can be paid automatically by using a credit card or through payment reminders via mail.

Online Gifts

Gifts and pledges to the Class of 1970 Gift Fund can be made online via credit card at:

www.westpointaog.org/giveto70.

Gifts by Telephone

Gifts and pledges can be made by telephone by contacting the Class Giving Office at 845.446.1656.

Gifts of Stock or Mutual Funds

For more information, please contact the WPAOG Gift Operations Office at 845.446.1658 or giftoperations@wpaog.org.

Government Allotment

Active duty and retired military may contribute via government allotment by filling out DD Form 2558 and turning it in to their local finance office. The form and detailed instructions can be found at www.westpointaog.org/allotment. 

Donor-Advised Funds or Foundation Gifts

Donors may recommend or direct gifts to “West Point Association of Graduates—Class of 1970 Gift Fund” through donor-advised funds or private foundations. Please contact the WPAOG Gift Operations office at 845.446.1658 or giftoperations@wpaog.orgfor more information.

Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)

Donors may make their contributions monthly from a bank account by filling out the form found at the WPAOG website at www.westpointaog.org/waystogive. Contributions will be automatically deducted from the bank account on or about the 15^thof every month.  

Matching Gifts

Many employers will match charitable contributions made by their employees and, sometimes, retirees or spouses. These programs can double or triple the size of your gift. A database listing most, but not all, companies that match gifts, as well as instructions on how to apply, is available on WPAOG’̓s website at www.westpointaog.org/matchinggift. You might be able to submit the forms online, but most companies will also have them available through their personnel office. Once you submit the matching gift information, WPAOG will take care of the rest.

Note: Pledges to the Class Reunion Gift should not include the anticipated matching gift portion; the pledge represents the donor’s personal commitment. Matching gifts are recorded separately from personal gifts.

Gifts to WPAOG receive all of the income tax and estate tax benefits allowable under the law. The official title of WPAOG in the IRS Publication is "Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York." Federal Identification Number 14-1260763.

Army Rugby: Prop and Poet: Mike Mahan's Tribute to the Brothers

Thanks Bob Ginn for forwarding this.  Congratulations Mike Mahan!

Welcome to the Army West Point Rugby newsletter, If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please use the unsubscribe function in the footer of this message.  It is intended for anyone who has an interest in Army West Point Rugby, whether they played as Cadets or not. Prop and Poet: Mike Mahan's Tribute to the Brothers Fellow Ruggers, I want to thank all of you who attended the Legacy Weekend and those around the world who reached out to me!  It was magical.  As I said on Saturday evening, “It is my great honor to be a footnote in the lives of those in the room and the hundreds of others they represent.” Back at the Hotel Thayer on Sunday morning, I missed our Fallen Brothers who gone ahead of us.  I had the urge to write something.  So, I did.  And I shed a few tears.  As a gift, I want to share what I wrote with you.  I know I’m a prop and not a poet, but these words flowed out.  Deal with it! Thank you. Coach Mahan Heaven’s Rugby Pitch (Copyright 2019) Someday will be the day I go And leave this dry old earth. I fear the price my sins will cost For naked I will be. But waiting on the other side Will be my long-lost mates. They’ll welcome me to Heaven’s Pitch With many a manly hug.  The grass is high and rich and soft   And the wind is at your back. We’ll puff and run and grunt some more But always with a laugh. They’ll yell to me, that rugby thing “With you mate, I’m here!” And I’ll know I’m home again Forever with my mates. It’s a dream of happy days And laughter with my friends. I think I’m now strong enough To suffer all my sins. And join in one last, glorious run On Heaven’s Rugby Pitch. Coach Mike Mahan Honored  With First Brothers Legacy Award In a stirring tribute to the longest tenured rugby coach at West Point, the Army Rugby Advisory Committee presented the inaugural Brothers Rugby Legacy Award to Coach Mike Mahan ’70. Coach Mahan's multi-decade leadership for both the men's and women's programs at West Point is without equal and the selection committee was unanimous in its decision that he should be the first honoree. Mike's inspirational speech on humility, hard work and brotherhood brought down the house. It's available here for download. Coach Mahan's efforts were the key to developing the Army sports program with the most wins and securing the Anderson Rugby Complex project.  Most importantly, he was instrumental in creating the culture of service, sacrifice and camaraderie among the players, which has been his most enduring legacy.  Coach Mahan graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1970 and was commissioned in the Infantry.  He played collegiate rugby and Division I men’s rugby and coached for over 30 years. Under his leadership, Army Rugby made ten appearances in the final four of the collegiate rugby national championship. He retired from coaching at West Point in 2015.  He and his wife, Dorothy, live in Monterey, California.  Coach Matt Sherman Aspirations of Army Rugby "The team aspires to be the best and most respected team in the country, cadets in the corps and leaders of our nation. Essentially, building great complimentary habits of actions, attitudes and behaviors on the field, off the field, for continued success after West Point".  First Brothers Legacy Dinner a Stunning Success The ARAC set out with a goal of building an annual event that would socially bring together the Army rugby community, reconnect old friends and teammates, and tighten the bonds with the current players and coaches. We had 265 players, coaches and guests attend our first ever dinner, including members of the founding team, the current team, 2 former superintendents, one former commandant and Lee Anderson, benefactor of the Anderson Rugby Complex. For context, the Army Football Banquet, after 20 years, had 220 attendees this year and Navy Rugby had 230! Our goal next year is to break 350 attendees.  In addition to coach Mahan, speakers this year included ARAC Chairman Lew Boore '81, MG Brian Mennes '88, LTG Frank Kearney '73, Coach Matt Sherman, Army Rugby Captain Tony Smith '19 and Tim Lawton '03.  In the keynote address, MG Mennes reminded us that "if you want to hang out with rugby players, you've got to be a rugby player." And in order to hang out with the Army Rugby alumni, you'll have to come back to West Point for the Legacy Event next year.   Many thanks to the donors, AOG and the team at the Kimsey Center for making this such a wonderful event! AOG posted pictures of the BLE Dinner event here. "What a Feeling" Ric Cesped, Class of '62 and Founding Brother with a Brothers Legacy Event Rugby Ball. Sandra demonstrates the patented Army Rugby spouse look also first seen in the 60's.  "Grip Hands"  The 2019 Brothers touched hands with Old Gray as they stepped on to the pitch vs. Navy. Army Falls Just Short Against Navy WEST POINT, N.Y. - After a hard fought 80 minutes Saturday at the Anderson Rugby Complex, the Navy Midshipmen hung on for a 17-10 victory over the Army West Point men's rugby team. Navy (9-3) opened the first half with possession and forced Army (9-4-1) to play defense in their own side for the majority of the first 40 minutes. The Mids opened the scoring early with a try in the 6th minute. The Black Knight defense was stout for the rest of the first half, fending off several near scoring chances by Navy. Just before halftime, Austin Rutledge put Army on the board with a try to cut into Navy's lead and make it 7-5 at the break. The second half was much of the same, as the Cadets struggled to mount any consistent attacks. Another try and a penalty extended Navy's lead to 17-5 with under five minutes to go. Army refused to quit, as Jason Green scored a try from nearly the length of the field to keep the hopes alive in the waning minutes. Navy was able to hang on in the final minutes to secure the win. The 2019 D1A playoff bracket is now set, with the Army West Point men's rugby team taking on Arkansas State, April 13 at noon from the Anderson Rugby Complex. Cadets Win The Bidding Wars!  The BLE speakers were followed by an energetic live auction, where Todd Van Sickle '96 was able to knock down items & vacation packages generously donated for the event.  Overall, the Brothers Legacy Event pledges and auctions raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Men's Rugby Funds.  For those that missed the event, good news! Its not too late to donate: The Army West Point Men’s Rugby Program has two vehicles for outside donations: Mens Rugby Team Fund (“Friends of Men’s Rugby”) This source funds shorter-term goals of the program such as trips and training for the Cadets The Men’s Rugby Endowment This is a longer-term strategic fund that the AD and Coach use to strengthen the overall program; such as hiring additional Coaches, etc. (NOTE: This is currently the preferred focus of our efforts) WAYS TO SUPPORT: Online: https://www.westpointaog.org/givetorugby Mail: Please make check payable to: WPAOG – Army Men’s Rugby. In the memo line indicate whether this is a Mens Rugby Team Fund or Men’s Rugby Endowment Mailing Address: Army A Club, Attn: Jonathan Rodak, 639 Howard Rd, West Point, NY 10996 Questions? Jonathan Rodak :  jonathan.rodak@wpaog.org/845-446-1542 Garrett Munro:    garrett.munro@wpaog.org 2019 Old Gray Game  Alumni Winning Streak Continues In a stirring tribute to Mike Mahan, more than 50 of his ex-players took the pitch with and against the Development Side on Saturday March 30th. In a hard hitting match, where no quarter was asked, and the amount of blood proved none was given. The Old Gray squad emerged victorious over the Cadets and the Alumni volunteers/victims.  Led by the ferocity of a hungry pack (and Nate Conkey’s thighs), the Old Gray were able to fend off a shifty side, made up of Plebes, Yuks, with a ferocious Andy Pero anchoring the alumni augmented white scrum. In the first period, the Old Gray were knocking the rust off systems that were last used a year ago. Relying on Tony Fatula’s desire for “Forward Ball”, the Old Gray were able to wear the out the Young Bucks First 8 in the first half, but not break the Brothers defense for a score. However, the Brothers would not be denied, and scored twice on nifty tries from two of their speediest backs. After the second try, however, the Old Gray had seen enough. Andy Locke, David Geib, Nate Conkey, and co. were sent in to take care of business and bring some structure to the Old Gray’s back line attack. Within 5 minutes, their worth was shown as the Old Gray continued to advance the ball down field and scored another forward try at the hands of Pat Downes. With seconds left in the second half, the Old Gray found themselves ahead 22-21. With the perfect combination of stalling, penalties, and slow ball, the Old Gray were able to wear down the clock and closeout a successful Old Gray victory. Shockingly, Lew Boore did not leave any blood on the field this time, but components of Brian Schnack's shoulders are still being picked up off the turf field.  Old Gray once again taught Cadets that youth and fitness are no match for heart, weight, arthritis, old age and treachery. Thank you to Troy Schnack, '96 and Sean Simpson '93, for providing the great photos, available here in the "Old Gray 2019" album. May the record reflect that the Old Gray have won 6 in a row. 1989's Friday Night Social Starting on Friday, 29 March 2019, Old Gray and Army rugby alumni descended upon our Rockbound Highland Home for the Army Rugby Legacy Weekend.  It was a great time to renew and strengthen old bonds and forge new ones. As Preston Miller ‘68 noted, “Going to Class Reunions is always nice, but being able to see friends from all Classes we knew while at West Point is truly special.  Seeing some for the first time in over 50 years really brought back fond memories.” To start off the weekend, Old Gray, friends and families gathered at the Anderson Rugby Complex Friday afternoon to watch the Brothers go through their final practice before the match.  On site were several members of the Class of 1971, former USA Eagle Tony Ridnell ’82, as well many others representing over 60 years of Army Rugby. Shortly after practice adjourned, the masses traveled the short distance to Eisenhower Hall for the Friday night social hosted by the Class of 1989.   Under the guidance and coaching of Mike Mahan ’70 and led by Team Captain, John Oliver ‘89, and Club President David Blain ’89, Army Rugby made its first foray into the National Collegiate Final Four.  Well over 100 Old Gray ruggers, families and friends attended the social, including Coach and Officer Representative from 1989 to 1993, Dave Ross and members of the Class of 1983 – Ken Tovo, Mike Lerario, Tim Kuklo, and Chris Carlson.   At some date in the future, the Class of 1989 will select the host for the 2020 Army Rugby Legacy Weekend Friday Night Social.  Al Hogue offers his personal guarantee that the selection process will be fair, transparent and irrevocable. Honor Cup May 18, 2019 Old Gray vs. Navy's Old Goats Attendance for the Old Gray game included a large Navy Almuni continent, camped out in the East try zone. The Old Goats did not look too happy as Navy has challenged Army to two matches in the 2019 Honor Cup: an open age side and an over 50 ancients match.  Last year, Navy alumni challenged Army's Old Gray to play in the inaugural Honor Cup tournament held in Washington DC. Old Gray pulled together a crack over 40 touring side and beat Navy 15-5. The Honor Cup raised over $13,000 for veterans, police and firefighter charities, and the tournament has been confirmed for May 17-19, 2019 at Fort McNair.  The Old Gray Honor Cup team point of contact for the Open Side team is Andrew Locke, and Lew Boore is pulling together the Ancients roster. Please email Lew and Andy to sign up for your chance to BEAT NAVY again. "We are the Army Ruggers"  Old Gray belt out a rousing rendition of the Army Rugby Song before kickoff  Old Gray Call for Photos Several of you who were present for the many activities of Army Rugby Legacy Weekend took photos (either with your large professional cameras or your smart phones).  We want your photos.  Please help contribute to the Army Rugby History Project by uploading your photos to this google photos folder.

Army West Point Rugby | United States Military Academy, 639 Howard Road, West Point, NY 10996