LEAD Summit 2011 mirrored the National Conference on Ethics in American (NCEA) held at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point

November 15, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Inaugural LEAD Summit a Tremendous Success

LEAD Summit 2011, organized and hosted by students in the LSUS LEAD program, was held on the LSUS campus on Friday, November 11th.  Approximately 150 high school students and faculty from sixteen regional high schools in Webster, Red River, Desoto, Bossier, and Caddo parishes, along with several Barksdale Air Force Base Airmen, and over fifty LSUS LEAD students participated in the event.   Organizers and attendees hailed the first ever conference a phenomenal success and plans to make LEAD Summit 2012 even bigger and more far-reaching have already begun.

LEAD Summit participants spent most of the day in groups with students from other high schools and a LEAD or military mentor discussing ethical and moral issues they face in their daily lives in a roundtable open discussion format.  The Summit was opened by the Barksdale Honor Guard presenting the colors and the pledge of allegiance.  Intermittently throughout the day participants sat in on LEAD student presentations on leadership, character, honor, integrity, morality, ethics, and the elements of leaders of character.  Participants also attended the LSUS Veteran’s Day Program.  Air Force Colonel Robert Fournier was the keynote speaker at the Summit lunch which was followed up by a lively question and answer session that also included lunch special guests Air Force Brigadier General Peyton Cole and Lt. Colonel Charlie Morgan.

LEAD Summit 2011 mirrored the National Conference on Ethics in American (NCEA) held at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  The purpose of the venture was to promote and facilitate character and leadership development within area high school students.  The event was organized and significantly paid for by LEAD students along with additional generous underwriting support from Mr. George Khoury. 

LEAD is LSUS’s unique inter-institutional character and leadership education and development academic and community outreach and development program.

Summit attendee Alex Parker from Northwood High School was the winner of the i-Pad raffle held in the closing ceremony.

LEAD Summit 2012 is tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 12, 2012.

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In the accompanying photograph: Barksdale Airmen and LEAD mentors facilitate ethical issue discussions with LEAD Summit 2011 high school student attendees.

For more information contact Wayne Hogue – Wayne.Hogue@lsus.edu (318)797-5276 or visit http://www.lsuslead.org.

NCEA Fund Drive November 2011 Update

November Donor Wall Update

November Donor Analysis

Detailed Cadet Company Analysis

Army Scholarship Fund - Veterans Day 2011

Jeff Gault Sends -

Fellow Classmates and Friends

Veterans Day is fast approaching. A day when our nation pauses to reflect on the service and sacrifices of our military men and women. This offers a good opportunity to help spread the word about what the Army Scholarship Foundation does to support and honor Army families. It also provides an opportunity to help honor our fallen class son, 1LT Scott Love.
We would ask as we approach Veterans Day and near the end of the year, that you might consider helping to continue to memorialize Scott and to assist army families with a tax deductible donation to the Army Scholarship Foundation in your end of year giving plans. Our soldiers and their families make tremendous sacrifices on our behalf and in defense of our freedom; a donation to the Foundation is but one small way we can say "thank you" to our soldiers and their families. We accept tax deductible donations by check to ASF, 11700 Preston Road, Suite 660-301, Dallas, TX 75230, or by credit card on our web site:www.ArmyScholarshipFoundation.org

Thanks for your service to our Nation and for your consideration,
Jeff

The Army Scholarship Foundation Home Page

www.ArmyScholarshipFoundation.org

The Army Scholarship Foundation is no longer accepting scholarship applications for academic year 2011-2012. The deadline for scholarship applications for academic year 2012-2013 is May 1, 2012.

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