Nominations for 2018 WPAOG Election

Dear Fellow Graduates,

As previously announced, nomination packets for the 2018 WPAOG Election must be received at Herbert Alumni Center by July 1, 2018. The requirements for a nomination packet are posted on the WPAOG website (please see the link below).

Talented and dedicated volunteer leadership is critical to WPAOG’s success in serving West Point and the Long Gray Line. WPAOG Directors are fiduciaries, and they are responsible for the oversight and the guidance of our Association’s services, programs, and operations (see Bylaws, Sec. 6.1). The Advisory Council advises the Board of Directors on matters pertaining to the Association’s affairs (see Bylaws, Sec. 7.1). Advisors also serve on WPAOG committees and task forces.

The 2018 Nominating Committee shall consider submitted nomination packets and compose a slate for recommendation to the Membership at the Annual Election. The slate shall include five nominees for five Director positions (each with a three-year term), and six nominees for six Advisor-at-Large positions (each with a three-year term). All terms shall begin on January 1, 2019. The 2018 Election will take place at our Annual Meeting, Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at 5:00pm Eastern Time, in Herbert Alumni Center at West Point. All USMA graduates may vote at the Annual Meeting, or vote by proxy, which will be distributed in October.

Read more: Nominations for 2018 WPAOG Election

2019 Thayer Award Guidelines

Mark House, the Chair of The Thayer Award Nominating Committee sent out a note inviting all members to provide names of potential Thayer Award candidates together with a brief description of the individual’s qualifications. Your inputs should be received by June 15th. Mark also wanted you to be aware of the award guidelines adopted by the AOG Board of Directors (listed below).

The reason the nominating committee is asking now for just names and short descriptions, rather than requesting formal submissions, "is to take advantage of the collective wisdom and experience of members of the Long Grey Line who interact daily with hundreds, if not thousands, of great Americans deserving consideration for this very important and coveted award." 

Mark has sent this message to all Society Presidents in order to get the message out.  Mark has provided a link below to view past Thayer Award recipients along  with biographies, photos, videos and speeches presented to the Corps of Cadets. Mark guarantees "you’ll have goose bumps!" after reviewing the list of names, photos and speeches.

Please visit https://www.westpointaog.org/ThayerAwardrecipients

The Thayer Award Guidelines are listed below:

Read more: 2019 Thayer Award Guidelines

2018 Founders Day - Oldest & Youngest Graduates

Our oldest graduate in attendance this year was Jack Halsey, LtCol, USAF Retired, Class of ’58 and our youngest graduate present was 1LT Karlos Febus, Class of 2014. 

Mike Genettie ('75) acted as our master of ceremonies and had the following background on both our graduates being honored that night.

"For those who have attended previous Founders Day dinners here, you know this next statement to be true--Jack was at odds with the Tactical Department from the moment he arrived at West Point. But, Jack’s “Glory to God” was good enough to get him into the Cadet Chapel Choir, which allowed him to escape some of Plebe Year into music, and into New York City. He met the love of his life in 1956 on a blind date. Even though she introduced herself as Arlene, Jack had misunderstood and later tried to introduce her as Marlene. But it all ended well as they married in the Catholic Chapel on Graduation Day.

Read more: 2018 Founders Day - Oldest & Youngest Graduates

Wine and Dine Italia - Aprons Cooking Class

On Friday, February 23rd, the Society kicked off its first event of the year at the Aprons Cooking School.  It was a demonstration-style cooking class where we all had great wine, great food, were entertained and had great fun just being with friends. The menu included - Four Cheese Arancini with Tomato Jam; Pan Roasted Shrimp and Cavatappi "Caponata"; Marinated Pork Roast Marsala with Risotto and Mushroom Ragout; Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake with Meyer Lemon Curd and Pistachios.

The minute we sat down we were poured our first glass of wine.  Wine was paired with each course that was demonstrated and served.  Not only was it educational with a couple of tricks they passed on to us, but it was very entertaining.  We will be having another cooking session later on this year and will send out more details later on in the year.  In the meantime if you would like a copy of the recipes then Click Here.  We also took a "few" pictures that you can see in our Photo Gallery by Clcking Here.