Ceremony to receive the 1969 Army-Navy Game Ball on October 4, 2019

West Point Sports Hall of Fame - Bill Cater

Ladies and Gentlemen, Coach Monken,

Thank you for being here this morning to share in this moment. Thank you Coach Monken, Bob Mischak, Jr., my beloved Class of 1970 classmates, wives, friends and teammates.

For a while, I have had the privilege to coordinate with Bob Beretta at West Point athletics, Lynn Moore, my team captain of the 1969 Army football team, Joe Reeder and Bob Mischak, Jr. in order to get the game football from the 1969 Army-Navy game into the West Point Sports Hall of Fame. 

Today this football will be placed in this special hall of remembrance to celebrate and memorialize the last time Navy was shutout by an Army football team, 50 years ago.

Jokingly, in various emails; Moore, Bob Jr., Reeder and I have called this the “sacred” football ceremony.

In all seriousness, what is sacred is the fellowship that is connected to this symbolic football.

What is sacred is the fellowship that began over 53 years ago with the men that entered West Point on July 1, 1966 to begin the great Class of 1970.

What is sacred is the love that is shared by these men from our shared and vastly varied life experiences.

What is sacred is the brotherhood forged with beginning a common cadet experience and a life of service to our country, our families and our communities.

Today we also get to honor Coach Bob Mischak who was presented this football by the 1969 Army football team and his offensive line. 

As a side story, after the game ended, some kid absconded with the ball and my teammate and Ranger buddy, Don DeCort, tackled the guy and retrieved the ball.

Today we celebrate a wonderful moment in time- when a team of young men, coached by a great staff, and supported by the Corps of Cadets led by our great classmates-beat Navy 27-0. The last Navy shutout that took place 50 years ago.

Today we celebrate others that have gripped hands and are waiting on the other side. Men who banged heads and sweated in the trenches of Army football: Joe Ferraro, Joe Newman, Hank Andrzejczak, Billy Jackson, Jack McGill, Steve Muse, Tony Sobels, Johnny Brenner and others.

Today we celebrate those classmates that have bravely and courageously fought and sacrificed in our nation’s wars. Men like Pete Lilly (in attendance today). Men like our silent team captain, Lynn Moore, and many, many others.

Today we celebrate our good fortune to be alive to share this moment in time; to honor those we love, to share those experiences past, present and future that have forged a fellowship that can never be adequately described with words.

So now ladies and gentlemen; it is a great honor to give you the bearer of the “football”. That young man we knew as the 11 year old Bobby when we were college seniors. The generous donor of this legacy football-Bob Mischak, Jr.

USMA 1970 50 Year Reunion - potential Pre-Reunion Activity Survey

Classmates: In preparation for our 50th USMA 1970 Reunion next year, the Reunion Committee would like to assess interest in "extra activities" in the NYC Metropolitan area as well as the area around West Point.

Please take a few moments to take this brief potential Pre-Reunion Activity Survey - results expected to be shared by 15 October. One response per classmate please! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6P2C2G 

Thanks -

Monaco B4 ’70

Thornton D2 ’70

PS: if you haven’t already booked a room for the 50th Reunion, please visit (and stay tuned to) the Class of 1970’s 50th Reunion Website - https://www.westpointaog.org/1970reunion

Lieutenant Scott Love Memorial Scholarship Awarded - News

  

Jeff Rose Gault SENDS: 

Lieutenant Scott Love Memorial Scholarship Awarded - News

Release date: July 30, 2019

For more information contact: Jeff Gault at 703-587-5181 or jeff.gault@ArmyScholarshipFoundation.org

The Army Scholarship Foundation has awarded its 2019-2020 Lieutenant Scott Love Memorial Scholarship to Mr. Angel Aviles of Fayetteville, NC.   Angel’s father is Sergeant First Class Juan Aviles, who is serving with the US Army Security Assistance Training Management Command at Fort Bragg, NC. Kevin is a freshman at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, majoring in Film Studies and Theater Arts.  

Scott M. Love was born at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and graduated from high school in Huntsville, Alabama.  He graduated from Florida State University in 1996 and enlisted in the US Army in 1999 as a military intelligence specialist.  In 2003, Scott attended Officer Candidate School. Following completion of OCS and other courses at Fort Benning, Scott was assigned as a platoon leader with 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry stationed at Baumholder, Germany. His unit deployed to Kuwait in November 2005 with Scott's platoon assigned as part of Task Force 1-35 Armor when he was killed at Ar Ramadi, Iraq in 2006.  

The Army Scholarship Foundation was founded in 2001 to provide scholarships to deserving sons and daughters of US Army soldiers and Army veterans, and to spouses of enlisted active duty soldiers.  The Foundation is sustained by the generous donations of its supporters.  Tax deductible contributions can be sent to the Foundation at 11700 Preston Road, Suite 660-301, Dallas, Texas 75230.  Those wishing to learn more about the Army scholarship Foundation or to make a tax deductible donation may visit www.ArmyScholarshipFoundation.org.

11700 Preston Road  |  Suite 660-301  |  Dallas, TX 75230

Lieutenant Scott Love - http://www.ArmyScholarshipFoundation.org - Class Son

Dear Fellow Classmates,

Once again, the Memorial Day holiday approaches, a time when we should all pause and reflect upon and honor those many thousands of brave men and women who have worn the cloth of our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our way of life and the freedoms we all enjoy.

Memorial Day is a special holiday, a time to honor in thought and deed those who have lost their lives in combat during our nation's wars and conflicts.  Our soldiers of today continue to serve in an Army at war, and thus they are all too often in harm's way, particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq, where we have lost nearly 7000 lives, and where more will undoubtedly give their last full measure of devotion in sacrifice for us.  Their loved ones and families continue to pray and to worry about them and their safety.  Please remember those who have fallen, including our class son, Lieutenant Scott Love, and consider helping a soldier and Army family member of today by making a donation to the Army Scholarship Foundation in Scott's or another loved one's memory on the occasion of this special holiday.

Donations can be sent to Army Scholarship Foundation, 11700 Preston Road, Ste 660-301, Dallas, TX 75230 or on line at www.ArmyScholarshipFoundation.org.

Thank you all for your service to our country, and please help us and our entire Nation to remember those we have lost, not just on Memorial Day, but throughout the year.

Jeff Gault - gaultrj@prodigy.net 

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.