Photos of us at recent events (Founders Day 2007 photos recently added)
 
 

The first meeting of the West Point Society of San Francisco was held in 1948 at the Presidio where the alumni of the United States Military Academy, officers stationed with the Sixth Army at the Presidio, those that retired from Active Duty, and who saw action in World War I and II, elected Harold F. Nichols, Class of 1913, as the Society's first president.

It is supposed that the original name of the group was the West Point Society of San Francisco.  It was not until many years later that the concept of a Bay Area emerged.

The charter now reads:

The objective of the Society is to provide a nonprofit, charitable organization in which graduates and former cadets of the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, may continue their associations and through which they may cooperate to further the ideals of their Alma Mater.

For the very few that don't know, Mary Paul has faithfully served as Secretary, Scribe, Administrative Assistant and sometimes acting President of the Society.  She has served the Society for the past 40 years and has been the link of Grads in the Bay area to West Point.

Mary Paul's association began in 1958 when she was assigned as a secretary to COL Robert S. Ports '30.  COL Ports was Headquarters Commandant of Special Troops at the Presidio at that time and simultaneously served on the Board of Governor's as Secretary to the Society.  As Mary Paul stated, "he loved to write and had me assist in keeping the records of the Society". He retired in 1960, but because Mary Paul did such an outstanding job, she was asked to keep the Board's files and has been doing so since.

Some of her fond memories include working for Board members who were the Commanders of the South Pacific Engineers.  Mary Paul notes that most of the Board members that she was acquainted with seemed to end up in Washington, DC.  The Society owes a debt of gratitude to Mary Paul and much thanks for all of her hard work and dedication to our group.

Recent History

1995 -
For fiscal year 1995, membership rose to 195.  The Society held their Founders Day dinner for the last time at the Presidio Officers Club.  MG Mallory was the featured speaker.

The Society hosted a dinner for the coaches, players and parents of the ARMY Rugby in May 1995 that was chaired by Connolly '82.  The Rugby team competed in the National Collegiate Championships held at UC-Berkeley on 6 - 7 May 1995.  It was a rare event to have a team from the Academy compete in our local area and thanks to all members that attended the dinner and to those that were cheering the team at the field. Unfortunately, ARMY suffered a heartbreaking loss (by 1 point) in the semi-final match, at the hands (and feet) of the Air Force Academy.

On 17 May 1995, the Society conducted its annual business meeting at the Gateway Club, Oakland Army Base, hosted by Mike Herman '79.  Over 40 grads and guests listened to Ted Van Kirk, Group Navigator on the Enola Gay, share his memories of the event plus his perspective of the 50 year anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.  This was followed by the election of new officers to the Society.  The new officers included Phil Connolly '82 as President, Jack Hug '60 as 2d Vice President, Howard Curtis '69 as Secretary. Jack Gordon '58 continued as Treasurer.

Connolly '82 started a new program communications and events with an emphasis on: 1) Effecting an attitudinal shift to focus on support of graduates and classes; and 2) Improving service and support of graduates and classes.  The first issue of the new newsletter, dubbed "The Poop Deck" premiered in August 1995 and is now issued four times a year.  The Society's Communications Committee developed a computerized database and the ability to fax and email our members to remind them of late breaking news and updates.

On 10 June 1995, the Society joined with the West Point Parent's Club on a picnic honoring incoming members of the Class of 1999 at the Coast Guard Station at Alameda.  This event was hosted by Keith Fink '82 and Tom Strehle '77 who are the USMA Liaison Officer in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Society's First Benny Havens started on 21 September 1995 at 6:00 in the Upper Room of The Gold Coast Restaurant & Saloon, 230 California Street in San Francisco.  Benny Havens gatherings are now a quarterly function and beginning in 1999 will be held through the area encompassing our ever-growing membership.

As part of the on-going effort to "modernize" the rules under which our local West Point Society is governed, the Society's Board of Governors adopted new By-Laws at its meeting on 9 November 1995.  This followed in the wake of the membership approving a new Constitution at the annual business meeting in May 1995.  A summary of the By-Laws changes made: 1) the Society's fiscal year now will begin on 1 January each year, changing when membership dues become payable to avoid confusion with Founders Day reservations, 2) clarifying the criteria for election of Honorary members, 3) realigning the duties of certain officers of the Society, 4) creating new standing committees for "Communications" and "Career Advisory," and 5) reducing the number of Society members that must be present at meetings in order to conduct business.

The highlight of 1995 occurred on 2 Dec 1995 during the Annual Army-Navy Game Party at the Kubala Kitchen/The Club Car in San Francisco.  In another close contest, ARMY beat NAVY for the fourth consecutive time in the 96 year old battle.  Much thanks to the victory goes to Navy's coach who unsuccessfully tried to convert a fourth and goal; and for a great gathering of over 70 attendees to BG Dan Balough '69 for preparation of the Society's joint celebration with the Naval Academy's Society.

Finally, on 30 December 1995, the West Point Parents Club of Northern California in conjunction with USMA Admissions Liaison Officers, MAJ Tom Strehle '77 and MAJ Keith Fink '82, conducted their annual Cadet Christmas Brunch at the Gateway Club at the Alameda Army Base. The West Point Society annually supports this event with a donation. Strehle and Fink did an excellent job organizing this event for over 200 Cadets, their parents, and candidates for the USMA Class of 2000. Phil Connolly '82 attended this brunch and received the thanks from the Parents Club and MALO's for our Society's continued support of this event.

1996 -
For fiscal year 1996, membership in the Society stands at 180 and should reach or exceed 195 by year end.  The Society held their Founders Day dinner for the first time outside the Presidio on 16 March 1996 at the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame.  The evening began at 6:00 pm in the breathtaking 10-Story Atrium Lobby with 147 in attendance. At 7:45 pm, the 91st Division Bagpipers who played for a short time and then led us to the poolside pavilion for dinner.  The 91st Division presented the Colors.  Phil Connolly '82, our Society President, acted as the evening's MC and introduced the Society's oldest graduate, James Brett '30. Vernon Gilbert '39 gave us his very interesting remarks representing the oldest graduates.  David C. Stone '89 was introduced as our youngest graduate in attendance. MG (Ret) Joseph P. Franklin '55 spoke at the event. Franklin, who served as the Commandant of Cadets from 1979 to 1982, is currently the Chairman and CEO of Frequency Electronics Inc. in New York.  Marc Cerniglia '86 presented a framed engineer's drawing of the Golden Gate Bridge to MG Franklin and his wife Connie in appreciation for their remarks. Howard Curtis '69 organized an excellent display of cadet memorabilia including cadet uniforms and sabers. Steve Balentine '86 did an excellent job as Founder's Day Chairman with the help of his committee, Steve's wife, Kim Balentine; Paul Morris '80; Dan Balough '69; and as always, Mary Paul.

The Official West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area Home Page or Web Site officially hit the Net on March 11, 1996.  With excellent help from the AOG Webmasters, Tom Mulcula and Patti Wilcox, who provided final touches and the key service of a Server, Paul Morris was able to design and put up a WebSite to serve the Society.  The address is: http://www.aogusma.org/soc/sanfran/

In addition to our ongoing Benny Havens functions, in May 1996 our Annual Meeting was held during a Bay Yacht Cruise organized by Phil Connolly '82.  The Society sponsored a Yacht Cruise aboard the Admiral Hornblower on 1 June 1996 from Pier 40 spending over 2 hours on the Bay. A great time was had by all and was a chance to renew friendships with fellow members.  The Society expanded its Benny Havens functions with its first East Bay Benny Havens, on 31 July at the Pacific Coast Brewing Company in Oakland.

On 7 December 1996, the Society held their Annual Army-Navy Game Party, this time in Pleasanton at Girasole's.  We witnessed another excellent game as the Cadets defeated the Middies for the fifth win in a row, 28 - 24, on Pearl Harbor Day. Besides winning 10 games this season the Army-Navy Game, and the Commander-in-Chief's trophy, the Cadets also won a bid to go to the Independence Bowl. Thanks to the Naval Society who sponsored this year's party.

1997 -
On 15 March 1997, the West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area held its Annual Founder's Day Celebration at the Saint Francis Yacht Club in the Marina, San Francisco in conjunction with the West Point Society of Silicon Valley.  The event was almost a sell-out as 196 Graduates and guests were in attendance. LTG (Ret) Willard W. Scott '48, was the key note speaker.  The Oldest Graduate and Youngest Graduates gave excellent remarks.  The location was superb offering a sunset view of San Francisco's famed Golden Gate Bridge.

On 18 June 1997, the Society held its Annual Meeting at the Fort Mason Officers Club.  COL Peixotto, CE, spoke on the U.S. Corps of Engineers recent efforts with Flood Control after the January 1997 California Floods.  Board elections were held at this meeting to fill several Board of Governors openings. The board elected new officers.

On 24 August 1997, the Society held its First Annual Day at the Ballpark.  We saw the Oakland A's play Cleveland.  A tailgate/picnic preceded the game and all had fun.

October 23, 1997 there was the 50th Anniversary of the 1947 Columbia-ARMY Football Game.  The event was hosted by the Columbia University Alumni Club. Hors d'oeuvres, memories and fun was the order of the day.

In December 1997, the Society held their Annual Army-Navy Game Party, once again at Pleasanton at Girasole's. The activity was a success even though the outcome of the game was not what we expected.

1998 -
On March 13, 1998, General Dennis Reimer spoke to us about "America's Army" and on March 27, 1998 the West Point Society of the San Francisco Bay Area held its Annual Founder's Day Celebration.  The Founders Day dinner was held at the Lakeside Club in Oakland and the featured speaker was the Superintendent, LTG Dan Christman.  LTG Christman graced us with his fine speaking, provided much insight into our ever-evolving Rock-Bound Highland Home, and had some interesting stories about inspiring the 90s high school students to consider West Point as part of their future.

This page is maintained by Kurt Ricci '88.  This page last updated on December 08, 2007.