West Point Society of Michigan Founders Day

 Shortly after the Civil War ended, West Point alumni began celebrating annually, the founding in 1802 of the U.S. Military Academy by President Thomas Jefferson. Like other West Point alumni societies around the World, the West Point Society of Michigan (WPSMI) stages a Founders Day Dinner every year. The recent 216th anniversary event attracted 190 guests to the Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac on 17 March 2018.

Guest speaker was Detroit native MAJ(R) Pat Locke, author, motivational speaker and teacher, and the first African American woman to graduate from West Point in 1980.  Since retiring from the Army, she has dedicated her live to improving life skills of under-privileged youth.  Following an introduction by event chair Jim Suhay ’66, Pat described how, as a child, she was impressed by the appearance and demeanor of the 82^nd Airborne Division soldiers camped near her home, during the summer of 1967 Detroit riots, which led to her decision to join the Army.  She went on to describe her leadership of West Point’s program that teaches middle and H.S. students valuable Leadership, Ethics and STEM skills through a workshop piloted in Detroit in 2011 and presented annually by WPSMI and other West Point societies around the country.

 The evening was filled with traditions and toasts including one, in absentia, to the fallen soldier for whom a dinner place was set, a video message from the West Point Superintendent and remarks from the oldest and youngest grad in attendance, MG Jim Pocock ’57 and Caleb McCullum ’08.  AOG’s Mike White ’82, gave us an update as we move toward the 150^th Anniversary of the AOG.  The traditions and messages made a big impression on future members of the West Point class of 2022 in the audience (20 of them), who were cheered as they were introduced.   The evening was quite lively with numerous shouts of “Beat Navy” whenever references were made to football, especially the 14 - 13 Army victory over Navy in December 2017—its 2^nd victory in a row over Navy after a long drought.  The three Navy representatives tried a few “Beat Army” yells, but were definitely in the minority.

Len Dixon ’73 was awarded the WPSMI Distinguished Member of the Year award for his multi-year efforts in support of West Point recruiting, LEADS and numerous other Society activities.

A unique feature of this year’s dinner on St Patrick’s Day was provided by its President and MC, Tom Lynch ’82, who entertained guests with his Irish jokes, and in typical military fashion, concluded the dinner on time.