Fellow Classmates:
 
Nearly one year ago, we celebrated our 35^th reunion.  At the same time, we made a commitment as a Class, to help fund the new library project at West Point.  Our pledge to our Alma Mater was $2.5 Million.
 
At that time, I asked each of you to consider making a gift regardless of the size.  Why?  Because this is a gift from the Class of 1968, not just a few select individuals.
 
I would like to give you an update as to our progress.  Keep in mind, we have already given the Academy $500,000.
 
        *   Through July 2004, we have pledges equaling $1,450,522, thus leaving us short of our $2.5 million goal by $550,522.
 
            *  We need to give the Academy an additional $1.0 Million at the end of calendar year 2004.  We currently have $707,615 in the bank, leaving us $292,385 shy of that goal.
 
        *  Only 220 out 665 classmates so far have made a pledge.  I would like all of you to consider making a gift.
 
        *  Attached is a list of contributions to date by company, including the company representative who volunteered to help raise the money needed.
 
I would like to thank and congratulate Preston Miller (C-1), Al Kimball (E-2), Nelson Laughton (E-4), Terry Holland (F-2) and Dick Shipley (G-2), along with their company-mates.  They have done an outstanding job so far in terms of the percentage of folks making a contribution.
 
All of us have benefited from our West Point experience.  We were the beneficiaries of those who preceded us.  They helped maintain the margin of excellence that we enjoyed while cadets.  Now we have a responsibility to help be stewards for those who have yet to begin their West Point experience.
 
If you haven't made a pledge, I urge you to do so.  If you have already made one, thank you.
 
Warmest regards,
 
PAUL A. DeCOURSEY
Capital Campaign Chairman