The WPPC
of Oregon & SW Washington Newsletter

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West Point Parents' Club of Oregon
  & SW Washington Newsletter   September 1999

      They entered West Point as civilians. During Warrior Forge week, the new cadets met their greatest challenge so far in their quest to become warriors in this, the culminating exercise of Cadet Basic Training. Warrior Forge is a physically and mentally demanding 24 hour field training exercise designed to test the new cadets' mettle as individuals and as a squad, according to the committee chief, Major Rich Young '87, a Special Forces and instructor in the Department of Military Instruction. As the brains behind Warrior Forge, he planned and runs the operation. His intent is to toughen up CBT's capstone event by modeling it after the individual movement techniques course taught at the Infantry School and squad tactical training at Ranger School.  He chose a five square kilometer area next to Lake Frederick because it offers a rough mountainous terrain with numerous water obstacles.
     Warrior Forge begins with an operations order given to each cadet company.  Squads then move to an assembly area and prepare for their mission by drawing ammunition, zeroing weapons, and conducting rehearsals. For approximately the next eleven hours, each squad encounters sixteen realistic situations, which test their leadership and tactical skills. The movement to each site is built into the mission so it is conducted tactically and with urgency. For the first time, new cadets are put in charge. With each situation, a new squad leader and two team leaders are chosen. The 2nd class cadet who has been the squad leader becomes an observer/controller evaluating and mentoring the new cadets. Soldiers from A Company, 2/22 Infantry from Fort Drum give the squads their missions at each site and act as scouts who pass on intelligence, such as locations of mine fields and updates on the enemy situation. After each mission, the 2nd class squad leader and the A Company soldier conducted an after action review with the new cadets; even those are conducted tactically with new cadets pulling security while they discuss what they did well and what needs improvement.
     In one situation, a squad pursues the enemy to the shore of Lake Georgina.  The enemy had fled leaving a one-rope bridge behind and the new  cadets cross the lake pulling themselves through the water using the rope. In another, new cadets are told that a HMMWV, which had broken down, has to be moved to a nearby landing zone. To get it there, the cadets have to push it. Later, under enemy fire, a squad conducts another water crossing using a three-rope bridge. Some of the other skills tested during the day are movement to contact, rappelling, first aid and ambush. In each situation, the new cadets, not the 2nd class squad leader, take charge and make the decisions.
     I got the chance to talk to some cadets during their training. New Cadet Steven Gluth said it was "something you couldn't understand unless you've done it yourself."  New Cadet Arnaldo Albornoz said "I've changed a lot (since coming to West Point) my confidence, character, and leadership skills have increased."  When I asked him what his parents would think of him if they could see him now, he said "They would sure be proud of me."  Aaron Lykling, a 2^nd class cadet squad leader told me, "It's a lot more realistic (than in the past) and a better indoctrination to what they (the new cadets) will do in the future."   When the squads complete the grueling eleven hours they move into a Company tactical assembly area. There they spend the night taking turns pulling security and cleaning weapons while being attacked by the enemy. At 0400 the next morning they road march 2 ½ miles back to Lake Frederick and swim across, finishing Warrior Forge.
     The new cadets march 15 miles back to West Point which marks the end of CBT. They will not get a break, as they will be thrust into their new academic year companies right in the middle of reorganization week. On August 14th , the newly christened warriors, baptized in the waters of Lake Frederick, will get accepted into the corps of cadets. They will have earned it. For PHOTOS go to http://www.aog.usma.edu/aog/Gray-Matter/WarriorForge.html and http://www.dmi.usma.edu/WF99Photos   (There you will find a directory to pull up a photo of your cadet's squad after finishing Warrior Forge.  Squad pictures were taken holding a placard saying "Warrior Forge"  You just need to know your cadet's beast Company and start looking.)

     "Are you going to quit?
     "No Sergeant, RECONDO!" The cadets, staggering with the weight of their raft, wearing drenched BDU's and boots, were trying to beat the clock as they extracted themselves out of Lake Popolopen and ran to the finish line. The ruck march and swim is just one of the many challenges that make up Recondo for the third class cadets at Camp Buckner during Cadet Field Training (CFT).
     Recondo began in 1961 as a "mini Ranger school" and lasted for almost twenty years. It was resurrected in 1993 with the class of '96. This year, MAJ David Clonts '88, an instructor with the Department of Military Instruction, and A Battery, 3/62 ADA from Fort Drum, are capably guiding the cadets through this rigorous competition.
     What is Recondo? It is a program that consists of nine separate events that are tested during the third class summer at Camp Buckner. Cadets must earn a minimum of 800 of 1000 points to earn a Recondo badge. In addition, the best squad in each CFT company and the best platoon and company in the CFT regiment are also recognized.
     The first five Recondo events are conducted over the course of four weeks.  It begins with the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. The next event is land navigation; there is a daytime and a nighttime course. Rifle marksmanship is another Recondo task, which is followed by the confidence obstacle course and the record obstacle course. In the first course, cadets must do a lot of climbing and balancing at dangerous heights on obstacles with names like belly buster and skyscraper. In the second, cadets run through a series of timed obstacles. The last four events are conducted in one day known as Recondo day.
     In soldier stakes, cadets are tested on five of ten pre-commissioning tasks such as install/recover an M18A1 claymore mine, assembly/disassembly of an M16A2 rifle, camouflage self and equipment, and identify terrain features on a map.  In the ruck march and swim, cadet buddy teams conduct a 3.5-mile foot march/run carrying rubber M16s and rucksacks around Lake Popolopen. Then they build a poncho raft to carry their gear and swim100 meters across the lake with it. When they reach the other side of the lake, they have to lift their raft out of the water and run with it to the finish line, about 100 meters away, where a cadre member is standing with a stopwatch. Cadet Nick Kardonsky from "Feeling Lucky" fifth Company said at this point he felt "relieved and excited that the end was near."
      Cadet Marcus White, who is not a strong swimmer, said he felt extremely tired. "I hate the water. We do not get along."  Cadets then move on to the highlight of Recondo and, for many, myself included, the highlight of Camp Buckner- the slide for life, beam walk, and rope drop.  In the slide for life, cadets climb a 75-foot tower and then step off holding onto a slide system which rides them down a steel cable for approximately 150 feet over the lake, then they let go and drop into the water. In the beam walk and rope drop, cadets walk across a 40-foot I beam 35 feet above the water, including taking two steps up and then down on the beam. Then they traverse a horizontal rope for 20 feet before dropping into the water. The last event, leadership reaction lanes, is what Major Clonts calls the most demanding, a real "gut check." Each squad must complete three nighttime missions that require field craft and ingenuity such as moving 55-gallon drums or carrying 40 water cans up a hill in a specified amount of time.
     While the cadets are meeting the challenge of Recondo, the staff is busy adding the numbers.  The same night they finish, they are awarded their badges.
For PHOTOS go to http://www.aog.usma.edu/aog/Gray-Matter/recondo.html

     When the corps reported back for the academic year, the new 2nd class cadets had more than just future academic challenges to blame for that knot in their stomachs cadets know so well every time they have to return to West Point.  After spending their first two years at the academy together with the same group of classmates, they were being split up and sent to new companies. This redistribution of cadets across the corps is called scrambling.
     Scrambling has a long history. The corps was first organized into companies in 1812. The purpose was so cadets could learn the duties of privates and noncommissioned officers. The officer roles were filled by commissioned officers. By 1824 the two companies were expanded into four and cadets were assigned to companies based on height to ensure an orderly appearance on the parade ground. Tall men were assigned to the flank companies A and D; short men were assigned to B and C companies. This practice continued until 1958 when disparities in the distribution of talent led to "Operation Equality" whereby the new cadets were distributed into their companies on the basis of leadership, scholarship, physical ability, varsity athletic ability and height.
     Modern scrambling began in 1962 and has been conducted sporadically since then for a variety of reasons. From 1962-65, the 2nd class was scrambled in order to strengthen the chain of command. In 1967-69, selected 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class cadets were scrambled in order to support the corps expansion from 28 to 36 companies. The honor scandal of 1976 prompted a scramble in 1976 of the 1st and 2nd class and another in 1977 of the 2nd class in order to disperse potentially dysfunctional sub-cultures and to promote uniformly high standards throughout the corps. In 1980-84, the 3rd class was scrambled in order to accelerate implementation of change and to give the new yearlings a "fresh start." 
    Since 1990 the 2nd class has been scrambled. The primary reason has been to strengthen the chain of command by establishing a leader-subordinate relationship between the classes uncomplicated by former friendships and antagonisms. It redistributes cadets throughout the corps based on demographics and ability levels following the peak attrition years and promotes corps wide norms in leadership, discipline and honor. 
     If you are wondering who figures all of this out, the office of Institutional Research and Analysis uses a self-designed iterative computer program to conduct the scramble. It uses cadets' academic, military, and physical program scores; company strength; corps squad participation; race and gender and attempts to get the companies to mirror each other.
     Cadets have mixed feelings about it. Cadet Charles Cannon, who moved from A4 to C2, commented that he was "real tight with the guys last year; it is really tough having to go our separate ways." Moving from A4 to H1 has made Cadet Megan McNicol feel awkward, "None of the people I'm working with now are the people I worked with before. I have not seen them in stressful situations like when we were plebes and new cadets together...I will never go through the same kind of hardships with the people in my new company."
     At West Point, just when you think it's going to get easier, there is another obstacle to overcome. But, like Cadet Cannon says, "I'm sure it will be good for me in the end, I'm optimistic."
     **The historical references in this article came from Pappas, George S. (1993). To The Point, The United States Military Academy 1802-1902. West Port: Praeger Publishers and Burke, William P. Dr. (1998) Evaluation of Scrambling in the Corps of Cadets 1962-1998 [study conducted by Institutional Research and Analysis Branch, West Point]

     The Affirmation Ceremony for third year students (cows) was Sunday evening, Aug. 22^nd. Speakers were the Dean (Brigadier General Lamkin) and the Command Sergeant Major of the USCC (United States Corps of Cadets), Jeff Greer.  The Dean talked about the career that they would embark upon after graduation and related the fact that he had already served 35 years and would retire at the time the class of 2001 graduates.  The Sergeant Major spoke about the fact that the Class was now a class of cadet sergeants and what it meant to be an NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer).
     Following this the Class of 2001 took an oath which stated that they recognized they now had a five year active duty service commitment, that this would follow graduation, and that they would begin serving immediately in the army (as an enlisted person) should they leave West Point before they graduate. Following the oath they were each given a commemorative coin (provided by the Association of Graduates) which had the class crest on one side and a statement about them making a commitment to the Profession of Arms on the other side.

     This is a huge event for the firsties and those of you in the East know how prestigious this ball is.
It was held on August 20-22. The rings are given out to the Firsties during a ceremony at the Amphitheater/Trophy Point on Friday evening at 1700, and invited guests stand up the hill.
     {Attended the Ring Ceremony yesterday which was held in Ike Hall because of the weather. Simple yet very moving ceremony. Proud to be there as parents, but it clearly is a celebration for the cadets to share among themselves. Cadets were very relaxed marching to Ike and after the ceremony all seemed to beam with pride in their accomplishments and with The Ring for all to admire. Our son is now a firstie, and all I can say is that it came quickly. Enjoy the academy experience, for once you get through the plebe year, it flies by. Regards, The O'Hares}
    West Point was the first place to have class rings and this is all thick with tradition. The firsties wear their India Whites for this. Then they go back to the barracks to change, trying to avoid the plebes that are waiting to waylay them. The plebes, with very dirty hands, give their ring "poop" and the firsties let them see the new rings. Every time they meet a firstie, underclassmen get to recite:

"Oh my Gosh, Sir/Ma'am, what a beautiful ring.
What a crass mass of brass and glass.
What a bold mold of rolled gold.
What a cool jewel you got from your school.
See how it sparkles and shines.
It must have cost you a fortune
Please Sir/Ma'am May I touch it,
May I touch it Please Sir/Ma'am."

Then the firsties go change into civvies and meet their dates for a trip to NYC for dinner and a play, or something similar. Tomorrow night is the formal dinner and the dance, with cadets again in India Whites with the coveted red sash. The doors for the banquet on Saturday evening open at 6:30 p.m. and the Hop starts after dinner.  This function is basically a combined effort of various cadet groups like the hop committee, the ring committee etc. Some companies may have functions prior to the banquet.

Firstie Branching Information: http://www.dmi.usma.edu/Branch/Brindex.htm

The class of '98 graduated and commissioned 75% of the cadets who originally entered West Point four years prior. (Ed. 39 West Point Report).  At the President's Conference, in April 1999, the following statistics were presented by BG John P. Abizaid, then Commandant of Cadets, on corps strength:

Class of '99 1187 entered; 956 as of 12 Apr.'99= 80% retention
Class of '00 1186 entered; 992 as of 12 Apr.'99 = 84% retention
Class of '01 1191 entered; 1025 as of 12 Apr.'99 =86% retention
Class of '02 1246 entered; 1144 as of 12 Apr.'99 =90%retention
Class of '03 entered1134, there were1102 as of 8/20*
(*the fastest attrition rate is during/after CBT)

     You will note that '02 had an unusually large entering class.  It was explained that they had an unusually high acceptance rate by the candidates offered in the spring . The entering class of '03 is slightly smaller as a result. The strength or retention % is more reflective of the length of service at West Point than of a larger or smaller attrition rate by class.
     Here are the figures for the four classes for the period 1/99-6/99. The figures below for 2000, 2001, and 2002 came from parents whose cadets had sent them their grades for the year and the class figures are on that report. The figures for 2003 were furnished by the Commandant's office.

Class of '00 1/99 enrollment = 997 now = 985 (12 in last 6 mo.)
Class of '01 1/99 enrollment = 1048 now = 1011 (37 in last 6 mo)
Class of '02 1/99 enrollment = 1160 now = 1119 (41 in last 6 mo)
2003 entered CBT w/ 1134; Aug. strength = 1102 (32 in last 2 mo)

Sept 25, 1st & 2nd Regiment scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
Oct 2, 3rd and 4th Regiment scheduled for 9:00 a.m.
Oct 7, 1st and 2nd Regiment scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Oct 8, Class of 2003 Plebe Parent Review scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
Oct 23, Brigade, Alumni '79 '84, '89, and '94 scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
Oct 28, 3rd and 4th Regiment scheduled for 4:10 - 6:30 p.m.
Nov 20, 1st and 2nd Regiment scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

          Reviews prior to home football games normally are held 3 hours prior to kick-off. Some games have been moved up to accommodate TV and the review will be an hour earlier.

West Point's Center for the Professional Military Ethic

     It stands alone in the middle of central area, a reminder of the past with a vision for the future. The first division, built in 1851, was the only part of central barracks left standing when the new barracks were built in the 60's to support the expansion of the corps. Schofield, Sheridan, Pershing, MacArthur, Patton, and Schwarzkopf all lived there as cadets. Newly renovated, it is now the home of the Center for the Professional Military Ethic (CPME).
     Although a new center, the CPME's foundation goes back to West Point's beginnings. The first Superintendent, Major Jonathan Williams, believed strongly in an officer's honor and often discussed this concept with cadets. The honor code was first codified and an honor committee was created in 1924 during MacArthur's term as superintendent. The system gradually evolved so that by 1990 there were company honor education teams, which included officers and cadets teaching formal lesson plans. A consideration for others education program was started in 1992, which eventually became the respect program with company respect education teams. The CPME was created in August 1998 to combine the two programs (honor and respect) into one values education curriculum which includes instruction on the honor code, respect, Army values and professional military ethics.
     The CPME's purpose is to foster identification with and commitment to the values and ethical standards of the United States Army within the corps of cadets. To this end, approximately 75 hours of instruction is given to cadets over the course of four years. The CPME also supervises the cadet honor committee and the respect program action counsel.
     CPME's lesson plans are taught by values education teams consisting of staff and faculty members, tactical officers and noncommissioned officers, cadet commanders, training officers and honor and respect representatives. These instructors bring a rich blend of experience and insight into the program. The instruction is progressive, starting with the basics during fourth class year such as the honor code, rules, policies and respect toward others. In their third class year, cadets continue with discussions on the Army values, character development and command climate in an effort to understand the larger picture in the Army. The second class year focuses on the application of ethical decision making in situations cadets may face in the future including decisions made in combat, a non-commissioned officer's perspective on Army values and diversity in the workplace. The instruction culminates first class year with learning about the professional military ethic and the ethical requirements of an officer.

Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer, was previewed in the NY Times, Monday, Aug. 16^th. Often recommended for officers' training/reading. West Point is mentioned several times. Anyone have a copy or read it?

There is an article in the September issue of Army magazine I would like to
recommend. It is available at http://www.ausa.org/armyzine/steele2sept99.html
It gives a great idea of the challenges a recent ('98) West Point grad faces in the new "operations other than war" environment. While you're there take a look at the Association of the U. S. Army home page. This seems to be a worthwhile
organization both for us parents and our cadets.

** Also see majordomo lists "get reading_list" and "get reading_list_2"**

THANKSGIVING DAY TICKET SALES

BUS TICKET SALES WILL BE ON SALE NOV. 15, 16, & 22 FROM 1700-1930

BUS DEPARTURES FROM WEST POINT : NOVEMBER 24, 1999
TO STEWART AIRPORT:  OW $ 10.00 RT $ 17.00; @1200, 1315 & 1515
TO NEWARK AIRPORT:  OW $ 14.00 RT $ 25.00; @1200, 1315 & 1515
TO LAGUARDIA AIRPORT:  OW $ 17.00 RT $ 32.00; @1200, 1315

RETURN BUSES TO WEST POINT : NOVEMBER 28, 1999
FROM STEWART: 1445
FROM NEWARK : 0800, 1000, 1400, 1630, 1700, 1800
FROM LAG : 1300, 1600

CADETS SHOULD ALLOW SIGNIFICANT TIME TO AND FROM THE AIRPORTS.
APPROX. TRAVEL TIMES: WP TO STEWART 35-45 MINS
WP TO NEWARK 1 3/4 - 2 HRS
WP TO LAGUARDIA 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 HRS

NOTE: LOCAL SHUTTLE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FROM LAGUARDIA TO BOTH JFK AIRPORT AND NEW YORK CITY.

CADETS ARE ALLOWED 2 PCS OF LUGGAGE AND ONE CARRY ON.

Now, on to the Christmas schedule, but first, from a discussion on the parent-forum:
     "Why do the cadets have to wait until October to find out their TEE schedule, especially since now they are already assigned to their classes for this semester?  I ask this in reference to this: in a post a few weeks back concerning the Yearlings usually being the last to get out after TEE's. You answered that you had been told by the Vice-Dean that the last TEE would be no later than 2nd period (1830) on Dec. 17. If that is the case, then why are there no buses leaving WP after that for the airports? (The last bus on Dec. 17 to any airport is listed at 1200.) And then on Dec. 18 the only bus listed is at 0715 to Newark with no buses going to the other airports. Since GMK must have made this schedule with the TEE exam schedule known to them, is there anyway our cadets can get their TEE schedule sooner?
     I know you think that we are way ahead of time already looking at Christmas flight schedules, but already some of the less expensive fares are gone and each week it gets even tighter on available flights. Way out West/Northwest we have to do this! Thanks in advance for any additional info you can add! Debbie"
     TEE scheduling is a complicated process of trying to match classrooms, courses, and departmental grading requirements in a fair and equitable manner.   As much as possible, we try to make sure that exam schedules are de-conflicted, so that cadets (particularly plebes and yearlings) do not have all their exams stacked-up back-to-back.  Indeed, we try to limit exams for the underclasses to one per day (although that is not always possible). We also have to offer make-up and make-ahead exams in some courses, which require scheduling. Our goal is to set cadets up for success on their exams. Our exam periods are three and a half hours long, and we only schedule two exams per day (0735-1105 and 1500-1830). Therefore, it takes us a little longer to get through exams, but we believe the pace of the schedule and the comprehensive nature of the exams are educationally sound. We do, however, try to publish the exam schedule as soon as we can once we have all the relevant information.  In fact, the cadets do not know their exam schedules at this point because it hasn't been finalized and published. We have to wait until drop-add is complete before we even know which cadets are in which courses.   I might also point out that cadets are in the Army on a paid status, so they have certain military responsibilities to attend to once exams are complete--such as clean their rooms, secure their valuables, and sign out.
     I know this answer will not be acceptable to some parents, but I can assure you that we try to publish the TEE schedule as soon as possible.

     Dick Breakiron gave a valiant attempt at answering this question, and I believe he is correct that the bus service is estimating based on past experience. I was an instructor and course director at USMA from 1994-97 and I can tell you that I had no idea when my term end would be until late in the semester. The Dean's office asks the departments for guidance -- since my course, the required firstie Constitutional and Military Law course, had a lot of essay questions, the Dean always gave me an early date in the week so that my instructors would have time to grade the exams and have the grades approved, whereas an exam that consisted solely of multiple choice questions and thus could be graded by the computer grading program would be assigned a date later in the week. They also have to wait until the responses from the departments arrive, so that they know about exam conflicts and can ensure the make-up (or make-ahead) schedule will work.  Both the Dean's office and the departments are aware of the need for an early decision so flights can be arranged -- after all, we P's can't depart USMA for Christmas leave either until all our exams are graded and the Department Head approves the grades! So we have as much incentive as you to get them done quickly, and get the schedules set.
       I KNOW that the Dean's office has not yet set the final Term End Exam schedule, and I'll bet that the predicted schedule may change. USUALLY plebes are done by Thursday pm, but the exam week goes through Friday afternoon, so I'll bet GMK is hedging its bets with no busses after noon on Friday -- but if I had the Dean and the head of GMK on the witness stand right now under oath, each would admit that no schedule has been finalized.  If you are not risk-aversive, make your cadet's schedule to leave Friday -- but be aware of the chance you may have to change.  USMA is not in cahoots with ANY private organization on schedules -- the Dean (and all of the Administration) are up front with the parents, and your cadets will know their exam schedule as soon as they are officially released -- and probably a few minutes sooner than any bus company.

CHRISTMAS TICKET SALES

BUS TICKET SALES WILL BE ON DEC. 6 & 7 FROM 1700-1930,
AND DEC. 12 FROM 1400-1730 IN THE RED REEDER ROOM.

BUS DEPARTURES FROM WEST POINT : DECEMBER 15, 1999
TO NEWARK AIRPORT: OW $ 14.00 RT $ 25.00 @1200 &1900

BUS DEPARTURES FROM WEST POINT :  DECEMBER 16, 1999
TO NEWARK AIRPORT:  OW $ 14.00 RT $ 25.00 @1200 & 1900
TO STEWART AIRPORT:  OW $ 10.00 RT $ 17.00 @1200
TO LAGUARDIA AIRPORT:  OW $ 17.00 RT $ 32.00 @1200

BUS DEPARTURES FROM WEST POINT : DECEMBER 17, 1999
TO NEWARK AIRPORT:  OW $ 14.00 RT $ 25.00 @ 0800 & 1200
TO STEWART AIRPORT:  OW $ 10.00 RT $ 17.00 @ 0800 & 1200
TO LAGUARDIA AIRPORT:  OW $ 17.00 RT $ 32.00 @1200

BUS DEPARTURES FROM WEST POINT : DECEMBER 18, 1999
TO NEWARK AIRPORT:  OW $ 14.00 RT $ 25.00 @ 0715

RETURN BUSES TO WEST POINT : JANUARY 02, 2000
FROM NEWARK : 0800, 1000, 1400, 1700
FROM STEWART: 1445, 1630 ,1800
FROM LAG: 1200, 1400, 1600

CADETS SHOULD ALLOW SIGNIFICANT TIME DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF TRAFFIC TO AND FROM THE AIRPORTS.  APPROX. TRAVEL TIMES: WP TO STEWART 35-45 MINS, WP TO NEWARK 1 3/4 - 2 HRS , WP TO LAGUARDIA 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 HRS

NOTE: LOCAL SHUTTLE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FROM LAGUARDIA TO BOTH JFK AIRPORT AND NEW YORK CITY.

=====================

SPRING BREAK TICKET SALES

BUS TICKET SALES WILL BE ON MARCH 6 & 7, 2000 FROM 1700-1930 IN THE RED REEDER ROOM.

BUS DEPARTURES FROM WEST POINT : MARCH 17, 2000
TO STEWART AIRPORT:  OW $ 10.00 RT $ 17.00 @1100, 1200, 1300
TO NEWARK AIRPORT:  OW $ 14.00 RT $ 25.00 @ 1100, 1200, 1300
TO LAGUARDIA AIRPORT:  OW $ 17.00 RT $ 32.00 @ 1100,1200, 1300

RETURN BUSES TO WEST POINT : MARCH 26, 2000

FROM STEWART AIRPORT: 1445,1630,1800
FROM NEWARK AIRPORT: 0800,1000,1400,1700
FROM LAGUARDIA AIRPORT: 1200,1400,1600

CPRC:  IF YOU ARE ON CPRC 1, TRANSPORTATION WILL BE  TO NEWARK ONLY AT 0700 ON WEDS. MARCH 15, 2000.  FOR CPRC 2, TRANSPORTATION WILL BE  ON FRI. MARCH 17, 2000 AS NOTED ABOVE, AND RETURN TRANSPORTATION WILL BE ON WED. MARCH 29, 2000 FROM NEWARK AT 1700.

PLEBE PARENT WEEKEND NOTIFICATIONS:
--The Village of Highland Falls will have their annual Fall Foliage Festival
on October 9, 1999, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Highland Falls
Historical Society is sponsoring this event on N. Main Street in downtown
Highland Falls.  All are invited to attend.
--While you are in Highland Falls, if you want to stay at the West Point Motel or Best Western Palisades for graduation (very long range planning), the WP Motel accepts reservations during this weekend.  The BW takes names IN WRITING for a waiting list and will confirmed reservations two years before graduation.


GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
West Point Parent’s Club of Oregon and Southwest Washington
August 29, 1999

Present: Virginia & Tom Ewing, Susan Adams, Suzanne & Kent Olsen, Ilene
& Joe Danelson, Bruce & Gladys Hall, Sandy Glenn, Gene & Maureen Stone,
Al & Patty Klascius, Wayne & Carol Hatton, Evelyn & George Mears

After BBQ, President Al Klascius opened the meeting at 2:15 PM with a welcome and introductions. Secretary George Mears led the cadet prayer.
Treasurer Wayne Hatton reported that the club currently has $1160.
Secretary Evelyn Mears read minutes from the last meeting, which were
approved.
Historian Suzanne Olsen showed the scrapbook she purchased at West
Point, and showed the pictures she’s collected so far. Suzanne asked
members to submit pictures for the book.

Agenda Items
1. Carolyn Snider is sending cadet birthday cards to your cadet if you have supplied here with their birthdate and P.O. Box #. Thank you, Carolyn. (ed. note: Contact her at rsnider36@earthlink.net or 27544 Bud Baughn Rd., Junction City 97448 if you want to include your cadet.)
2. Al explained the club “two year term of office” bylaw. He discussed
the possibility of an exemption when the club doesn’t have a volunteer
to fill a position, and the current officer is willing to continue. A
motion was introduced and passed which gives this exemption.
2. Discussed dues for parents who’s cadets have graduated, and decided
according to prior passed motion and practice that they are $5 less than dues for parents who have current WP cadets. The dues for grad parents is $20.
3. R-Day was attended this year by Olsens, who reported on their
experiences. Patty Klascius reported on her Ft. Knox experience, Danelsons reported on Ring Weekend and Airborne School, and Klascius discussed the upcoming Plebe-Parent Weekend. Bruce Cross has rooms reserved for Army/AirForce game and needs to know soon if any club members want them. Klasciuses' have a condo with an extra room available for the week of Army/Navy game, but it is in Williamsburg, VA.. Spring Break corrected dates are March 18-26.
4. Patty discussed the web page for the club, what’s on it, and how to
use it. Links include book order site, Dept. of Defense, public affairs, academic board, parent club web pages, admissions, etc.

Break for Boodle distribution, where Evelyn explained process of members
going around the table to put boodle into bags for cadets and 2nd LTs.
.
5. Discussed sending cadet news submitted by parents to the club
member’s cadets at West Pt. Two options: Continue to send cadet news via e-mail (not on the web site) or do cadet news only at club meetings.
Decided to only do oral cadet news at meetings.
6. Hattons will send out hard copies of revised rosters to everyone once
they have all the revisions.
Meeting adjourned.

1999 Oregon/SW Washington Club Officers

President: Al & Patty Klascius (Chad ‘01, Craig '02) klascius@teleport.com
V-President: Richard and Susan Adams (Matt '02) adams@proaxis.com
Secretary: George & Evelyn Mears (Dwight ‘01) egmears@casco.net
Treasurer: Wayne & Carol Hatton (Sarah ‘00) sarahpdx@aol.com
Historian Suzanne Olsen (Michael '03) kentolsen@home.com
Newsletter: Al & Patty Klascius (Chad ‘01, Craig '02) as above
**Please feel free to contact any of the above with questions, suggestions, corrections or for "free" advice.  Your  newsletter editors regret any errors, and appreciate notification of such. Thank you. **

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