On Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, a small group of veterans and their families, along with West Point graduates, went to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with one goal: never forget the prisoners of war and others who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Jack Senneff '96 and Gary Chippendale '87 laid a wreath beside the mass grave which includes West Point graduates from the Bataan Death March. The wreath was made with streamers to commemorate local West Point grads who passed away within the last year. 

See the video here.

Edmond, Oklahoma’s Public Works Director, Herb Blomquist ’78, was recently awarded the American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Executive (PWE) credential. The PWE credential is the third highest level of APWA’s Donald C. Stone Center for Leadership Excellence. Blomquist is the third public works professional to receive the PWE credential among 47 public works professionals from across North America who have participated in the APWA Public Works Executive program.

As Edmond’s Public Works Director, Blomquist leads, directs and manages a 130 person Public Works Department, and participates on the city’s management team in the development of a strategic plan and other policy processes. He is also responsible for planning, training, operations, and administration of the department including managing a budget in excess of $10 million and an equipment fleet of over 450 vehicles for the city of almost 85,000 citizens.

Blomquist’s career includes 13 years of experience in the public works profession, part of which included his service as the Public Works Director in Watertown, South Dakota for eight years. He also has nearly 20 years of experience in the United States Army as an Army Officer, where he served in various positions of increasing responsibility at both command and staff level. Blomquist earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the United States Military Academy in 1978; a Master’s in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University in 1991; and a Master’s in Public Administration from Norwich University in 2012.

Maj. Gen. Robert M. (Bo) Dyess, Jr. '82 joins Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Robert B. Rosenkranz '61 following the induction of Rosenkranz into the U.S. Army Force Management Hall of Fame May 29 at the Pentagon. Rosenkranz played a major role as a U.S. Army Force Manager during a period of world-changing events and Army transition. The Hall of Fame recognizes military and civilian personnel who made significant and lasting contributions in areas such as doctrine, manning and equipping. Maj. Gen. Dyess is the Director of Force Development, G-8 and is responsible for equipping the U.S. Army and oversees the activity of all U.S. Army Force Managers.

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Rosenkranz retired in 1995 following a distinguished 34-year career and is the 14th inductee to receive the honor. From 1989-1992, while serving as Director of Force Programs in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, Rosenkranz planned, designed and organized end-strength reductions during the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, the fall of the Berlin Wall, Operation Desert Storm (Kuwait/Iraq) and Operation Just Cause (Panama).

From 1992-1995, as Commander of the Operational Test and Evaluation Commandhe led the assessment of weapons systems and the design of organizational requirements and capabilities. During this assignment, he was responsible for bringing digitalization to the battlefield with Force 21. Rosenkranz graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1961 and holds a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. 

He continues to apply his experience and skills as a leader in the defense industry.

(Photo credit: Marla J. Hurtado)

The WPAOG Board of Directors would like all graduates to be aware of the Board’s continuous effort to broaden the base of expertise and experience present on the Board of Directors and the Advisory Council. The effort is intended to enrich the perspectives, characteristics, skills and attributes important to the performance of the Board and Advisory Council as groups representing the full spectrum of graduates. On May 2, 2014, the Board offered more specific guidance to the 2014 Nominating Committee on the skills and attributes desired. Nominations are due by July 1, 2014.

Make sure you check out the most recent Campaign special edition of First Call online.  Features include a sneak peak of the Visitor's Center, the Semester Abroad Program, STEM summer workshops and a new opportunity for the Best of the Best.

Rich Morales ’89, former Executive Director of Joining Forces, has been recognized for his achievements within the Office of the First Lady of the United States.

During a Joining Forces event held in April at the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., Morales was given a heartfelt farewell and applauded by First Lady Michelle Obama for his leadership efforts as Executive Director of the national organization. He will soon transition to Brigade Command of the ROTC command at Ft. Sam Houston, after which he will serve as Deputy Head of the Department of Systems Engineering at the United States Military Academy. 

Joining forces is a national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our military, veterans and their families the opportunities they have earned by working to support their employment, education, and wellness.

Read the article and see the video* here.

*The First Lady’s comments regarding COL Morales can be heard at the 5:50 mark.

The 21st Annual Alumni Golf Outing was held at West Point 5-7 June 2014. The outing included 36 holes of golf: Captain’s Choice on Friday and Individual Play on Saturday.

Other events included a reception and dinner in Herbert Alumni Center, a boat cruise, dinner in the Kimsey Center overlooking Michie Stadium, and breakfast and lunch at the West Point Golf Course. 66 graduates and guests, spanning over 57 years of USMA classes, participated. The senior graduate was Bill Quinn ’51 and the youngest was Mario Barrett ’07. The largest class represented was 1972 (Proud and True, ’72) with nine members of the Class. Not far behind were the classes of 1968 (No Task Too Great for ’68) with seven grads, 1962 (Can Do) with six grads, and the class of 1996 (Freedom We Risk) also with six grads.  

Thank you again to everyone who participated and made the event a success!

To view photos, click here.

Below is the complete list of winners:

First-place teams on Friday were:

A-Flight with a score of 58 – Marc Dorrer ’96, Kirk Ringbloom ’96, Kyle Aemisegger ’98, Eric Weis

B-Flight with a score of 67 – Ray Crawford ’72, Frank Hoke ’72, Kweon Stambaugh ’72, John Northrop ‘72

First-place winners on Saturday were:

A-Flight with a score of 75 – Ritchy Vidmar

B-Flight – Dick Irwin ‘62

C-Flight – Jim Lawson ‘76

3 Individual Hole Prizes:

Hole #2, Closest to the Pin - Dave Kelley ’67

Hole #5, Longest Drive in the Fairway, Ladies/Senior – Mitch Chaney ‘72

Hole #14, Longest Drive in the Fairway, Open – Rick Bolyard

Saturday, 7 June (Individual Play)  

A-Flight 1st Place with a score of 75 – Ritchy Vidmar

2nd Place with a score of 81 – Kyle Aemisegger ‘96

3rd Place with a score of 82 – Earl Newsome ‘68

B-Flight:

1st Place – Dick Irwin ‘62

2nd Place – Kweon Stambaugh ‘72

3rd Place – Tim Alden ‘96

C-Flight:

1st Place – Jim Lawson ‘76

2nd Place – Jess Gatlin ‘68

3rd Place – Joe Creeden ‘68

3 Individual Hole Prizes:

Hole # 2 – John Hickey ‘62

Hole #13 – Kirk Ringbloom ‘96

Hole #16 – Joe Guignon ‘68

We hope to see you next year! 11-13 June 2015. Click here if you would like to receive an email when registration opens in February 2015.

The West Point Society of Philadelphia held their Founders Day celebration on Saturday, June 7 with 200+ guests in attendance. Governor Tom Ridge was presented with the 2014 GEN Alexander M. Haig, Jr., Guardian of Liberty Award, and during his acceptance speech, he had a special message for West Point. 

WPAOG is pleased to announce CPT Kevin Mott ’07 as this year’s recipient of the Alexander R. Nininger Award. The award presentation will be Thursday, September 18th, at a dinner in Washington Hall where CPT Mott will address the Corps. CPT Mott is currently a Company Commander at Fort Bliss, TX.

On May 31st, LTC Todd Scattini ’96, Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché to the Republic of Slovenia hosted the first annual Joint Founders Day celebration in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Slovenian Armed Forces proudly boasts eleven graduates of US Military Academies; six from West Point, four from the Air Force Academy, and one from the Naval Academy. 

The purpose of this joint Founders Day was to celebrate the common histories, values, and leadership capabilities learned at the academies. It was also designed for other graduates to hear firsthand from their leadership the appreciation for and confidence that the Slovene Armed Forces have in each of their abilities.

Due to continued training in US military schools and operational deployments the Slovenes represented with six of their graduates. Present during the dinner and ceremony were Maj Klemen Mijatov (USMA ’02), Cpt Jure Himelrajh (USMA ’06), Maj Majcen Slavko (USAFA ’99), 1LT Matija Zupancic (USAFA ’12), 2LT Marko Podplatnik (USAFA ’13), and LT(N) Miran Balazic (USNA ’01).  Many of the graduates were also accompanied by their spouses who were appreciative to be included. LTC Todd Scattini (USMA ’96), represented the US, along with LTC John Frick (USMA ’96), and Maj Matthew Manning (USAFA ’00). The US Ambassador, Mr. Joseph Mussomeli was in attendance, and the Slovenian Chief of Defense, Major General Dobran Bozic gave the keynote address.

In May 2014, seven members of the Class of 1989 participated in Warfighter Exercise 14-05A at Fort Leavenworth. At the conclusion of the exercise, the group decided to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of their graduation (24 May 1989) by taking a photo in front of the statue of General Ulysses Grant at Fort Leavenworth. Joining the group was Kate (Regan) Sullivan, who is also a member of the Class of 1989.

In the photo: Back Row (left to right) COL Tim Sullivan, Kate Sullivan, COL James Raymer, COL John Allred, COL John Dunleavy, COL John Andonie

Front Row (left to right) COL John Epperly, COL Ed Bohnemann

BakerHostetler Orlando is proud to announce that Joel Roberts ’90 has been named in the 2014 Super Lawyers list.

Joel Roberts is a civil trial lawyer who focuses his practice on eminent domain, commercial litigation, construction litigation, and government contracts law. For more than 10 years, Joel has represented property owners and condemning authorities in eminent domain matters. He also maintains a very active commercial litigation practice, where he focuses on representing defense contractors and design and construction firms in various government contracting, professional liability, construction defect, and general business matters. 

Joel is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and served as an officer in the United States Army. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of a national consulting and engineering firm focusing on defense and public sector projects. Joel's diverse professional experiences provide him with a rich understanding of the challenges facing individuals and businesses, enhancing the advice and representation he is able to provide. 

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. 

Jacksonville University is very pleased to announce that Dr. Donnie Horner ’81 has been appointed to serve as Director of Atheltics at Jacksonville University, effective immediately.

A native of Bressler, Pa., Horner graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science, and played quarterback for the Army football team under Head Coach Homer Smith. He later served as the Officer Representative of Academics & Operations for Army Football. He received an M.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Stanford University. A Distinguished Professor of Leadership Education in the Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., Horner served as the Faculty Representative to the Naval Academy Athletic Association. He currently serves as Chief Government & Community Affairs Officer and Professor of Management in the Davis College of Business at JU.

Horner replaces Brad Edwards, who has accepted the position of athletic director at George Mason University. Edwards served as the head of athletics at Jacksonville University since 2012. Horner will work with Edwards in transition over the next month.

Dan Sharphorn ’69, a longtime attorney with extensive experience in higher education leadership and law, has been named vice chancellor and general counsel to The University of Texas System, effective June 16.

Sharphorn joined the UT System in 2007 as associate vice chancellor and deputy general counsel and has been serving as ad interim vice chancellor and general counsel for the past year.

Sharphorn played a central role in the development and implementation of expanded conflict of interest and conflict of commitment policies and also led the review of policies and procedures to help address and prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault on UT System campuses. He also has provided critical legal guidance on the separation of UT Brownsville and Texas Southmost College as well as the establishment of UT Rio Grande Valley and its medical school.

Prior to joining the UT System, Sharphorn served in the vice president and general counsel’s office at the University of Michigan for 25 years, with his last appointment as associate vice president and deputy general counsel. He began his career in higher education as an instructor with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He received his bachelor’s degree from West Point, and he served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and at the Pentagon. He also holds a law degree and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan.

Hosted by the: Directorate of Academy Advancement (DAA) USMA Staff
THIS EVENT IS ONLY OPEN TO WEST POINT GRADUATES!     

11-12 August 2014 (Monday - Tuesday)  
USMA Graduates can march back with the New Cadets at the end of Cadet Basic Training.​  
There are two options:
    1. March from Camp Buckner - Approximately 12 miles
    2.  March from the Ski Slope - Approximately 2 miles

Details Found Here

THIS EVENT IS ONLY OPEN TO WEST POINT GRADUATES!
POC is Vince McDermott

Like many soldiers, LTC Patrick Harkins ’95 has a veteran father who knows firsthand the stress of wartime deployments. One big difference is that Harkins’ dad led the very same unit of paratroopers known as the Iron Rakkasans into combat decades earlier... read the full story.

Last month, LTG David Huntoon ’73 and MG Chris Leins ’79 received the National Order of Merit in the rank of Knight from the French Government at a ceremony hosted by the Ambassador at the French Embassy in Washington, DC. 

Read the full story and view photos here. 

Bryon E. Roshong ’66 was sworn in as the 145th president of the New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA) on June 29, 2014, in Atlantic City, NJ. The NJDA, founded in 1870, is one of the state’s oldest professional associations.

Dr. Roshong is a general dentist living and practicing in Dumont, NJ.  In 2011, Dr. Roshong was elected treasurer of the New Jersey Dental Association. He is a long-time representative of the Bergen County Dental Society and is the first Bergen area dentist to hold the office of NJDA president in the past nine years.

Dr. Roshong is a graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point and a decorated veteran of the Vietnam era. He received his dental degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University Dental School. He serves as an adjunct clinical professor in the dental hygiene program at Bergen County College, and has served on the Board of Directors at Bergen Pines County Hospital and on the Board of Governance at Bergen Regional Medical Center. Also, Dr. Roshong served as the dental consultant to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services’ Children’s Dental Grant program.

Dr. Roshong is a member and past president of the Bergen County Dental Society. He is a former trustee of the New Jersey Dental Association and former chair of the NJDA Council on Governmental and Public Affairs.

With deep sadness, we mark the passing of Mr. H. Minton Francis, USMA Class of 1944, the 8th African American graduate of West Point. Mr. Francis passed away on July 7, 2014 in Washington, DC. Funeral Services will be held on July 12, 2014 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Washington, DC. He will be interred at West Point Cemetery at a later date.

Jerry Colangelo's first trip to West Point was one that he will never forget. "I was in awe, I really was," said Colangelo, the director of USA Basketball. "You feel proud just being there."
Colangelo hopes his men's national team, which includes Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Kevin Love and Derrick Rose, leaves with the same impression after they practice at the United States Military Academy on Aug. 18.
"I would be naive to think Coach K's involvement didn't have something to do with it," said Army athletic director Boo Corrigan, who worked with Mike Krzyzewski ’69 as an senior associate athletic director at Duke from 2008-11. "This speaks about West Point being the preeminent leadership institution in the world. ... Coach K, Adam Silver (the NBA's commissioner) and Jerry Colangelo, when you think what they are all about, it makes sense when you talk about doing something above and beyond the bigger cause." Read More.