WP-ORG
is a unique community - a family, really. Started in the mid 90s by
some very forward thinking and inventive grads, the initial intent of
WP-ORG was to link the West Point graduate community within that new
infrastructure called "the internet" so they could continue those strong
bonds they had forged during their cadet days, and to expand their
knowledge of and support for the Academy. Truly a unique concept at the
time - and despite the social media explosion over the past 25 years,
one aspect of that concept keeps WP-ORG unique in the on-line world -
security. While perhaps not as jazzy as online message boards, and
devoid of the bells and whistles of Facebook, the WP-ORG email lists are
also devoid of the hackers, or the intrusion of ads and the daily
onslaught of unwanted information gathering so rampant in other social
media platforms.
Communication by and between
West Point grads, expanded years ago to West Point Parents as well -
still going strong in a safe and secure environment = success.
Another
hallmark of WP-ORG is the concept of service. Obviously, all grads
live that life of service - going above and beyond ... and WP-ORG is no
different. Three areas of the services provided by WP-ORG bear noting:
the eulogy sites, the credit card sites and the level and consistency of
service offered.
WP-ORG created Taps and
Eulogy pages for the West Point community - first of it's kind - and
still the most comprehensive offered. What better memorial to a person
than to offer an on-going living site, dedicated to allowing all to
remember their fallen comrade, to share stories of experiences from long
ago, to offer a word of comfort to families? The Class and the family
help create the site, sending in whatever pictures they wish and can add
pictures at any time. A service offered at no charge - whatsoever.
WP-ORG
was also the first organization to help Classes, Societies and Parents'
Groups host functions and handle the money aspect more easily by
creating / maintaining the payment sites. Customized payment sites. My
husband's Class is gearing up for their 50th reunion, and over the past
three months, WP-ORG has created three separate credit card sites for
their use in conjunction with the reunion. While that doesn't really
sound spectacular, what is spectacular is the time within which those
sites are created, and the attention to detail on each. Ten years ago,
while helping my husband coordinate another Class reunion, I somehow
lost touch with reality for awhile - or as my husband might say -
someone accidentally let me out of my padded cell too long, and I
contracted for 68 different memorabilia items (with various color and
size choices within those 68 items) for the Class to select. I thought
it was brilliant - something for everyone, at various price points. My
husband, of course, thought I was absolutely nuts. When I asked Megan
Klein to create the site - 68 separate drop down boxes with boxes
within boxes, I didn't get a "are you kidding me?" - the response was
"let me get back to you on how we can do this" and within two days, this
work of art was sent to me for testing. Service - with a smile! Dutch
thinks he has reigned me in over the last ten years, but the reality is
that I have come to develop a greater appreciation for the magnitude of
what I had innocently requested. What's truly impressive is that there
was a "Can Do" attitude, not an "Are You NUTS?" attitude. Realizing
NOW the magnitude of work I created (not only for Megan on the back end,
but myself on the sorting and packaging end, I would definitely say not
only an emphatic "NO!" but a "HELL, NO!" to any similar request, but I
doubt there is anyone "out there" as nutty as I (was).
Service
- 24/7. There's no such thing as "normal business hours" for the two
employees of WP-ORG, nor for the hundreds of volunteers that help keep
the wheels turning. If you have a question or concern, it's addressed -
live time, not three days from now.
WP-ORG - a unique concept when created; a unique concept still in what it offers and how it is offered.
Please
help us continue to serve the West Point Community by donating to our
semi-annual fund drive - no amount is too small, and every contribution
reinforces the value of the organization.
The donation links are below my signature.
Many thanks for your support of WP-ORG and allowing us to continue to serve you.
Megan Hostler
WP-ORG Advisor
Moderator, Parent Forum
Moderator, Plebe-Net
Moderator, USMAPS Net
Moderator, Prospective-Net
==================================================
Donation page linking to all payment methods (credit card, check or PayPal):
By check, please indicate class year and affiliation:
WP-ORG
3800 Buffalo Mountain Road SW
Willis, VA 24380-5082
FD43 Donation Report, sorted by WP-ORG member group, etc.:
WP-ORG Budget April 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018:
