From: Jdmjag@aol.com
Date: Sun, 4 May 2003 21:15:43 EDT
Subject: WP-ORG: Request for Contributions
To: Corps@west-point.org
All of us receive a number of solicitations to support groups or causes we may take interest in. Some we respond to; others we ignore. If you are like me I try to consider the merits of the request, concurrently with my ability to donate, and respond accordingly.
The WP.Org Fund Drive is no different from other solicitations in some ways, very different in others. It is similar in the sense that this organization needs donations to carry on the services it provides, and is comprised of well-intended people who toil to meet the demands of the service academy community. There are only a few paid positions in the organization, all others involved donate their time willingly. You would be surprised by the amount of coordination and technical effort which goes on behind the scenes. Hundreds of e-mails are generated each week to maintain the services provided. Despite my personal belief in this cause, I would agree that we all know of other good causes consisting of similarly dedicated people striving to contribute an important service. Unfortunately we lack the resources to support every one of these organizations.
But in my opinion, there is one significant difference between WP.Org and the others---the nature of the service academy experience and the relationships created by that experience within our immediate and extended families. There is simply no bonding experience like it. I felt it as a Midshipman, appreciated it as an officer, seen it as a parent, and now reflect on it proudly as a retiree. As I transitioned to a major law firm last summer I was again reminded of the importance of these relationships. Many Academy friends reached out to help me. The senior partners in my Firm with USMA/USNA ties went out of their way to make my career change as seamless as possible. This assistance was invaluable.
We also get daily reminders of our unique heritage---either in the public and private accomplishments of Cadets/Midshipmen and academy graduates, or collectively grieving as we learn of their sacrifices be it in combat, operational incidents, space missions or through illness/accidents. It is all around us. I had lunch Friday with a recent USNA grad that is the combat systems officer on a local destroyer who wants to be a lawyer (no lawyer jokes!!!) and called on me for such assistance. My Saturday mail brought an invitation to the USMA graduation ceremonies from a cadet who we have followed for her 4 years through our church. Her Dad is USMA '80 and a close family friend. My USNA '05 son flies in Tuesday with a few buddies following final exams, as my second son prepares to attend Summer Seminar at USNA later this month with a number of local high school students I have encouraged to participate. And, as I draft this I am working on retirement remarks for my USNA roommate in Norfolk.
These are just a few personal examples of how we remain in steady contact with our Academy network. I am sure my associations are no different in quantity or quality than yours. I would also bet that you agree that these relationships add much to the texture of our lives.
WP.Org helps us nurture these valued associations. Your donation helps assure that this Academy "network" remains energized. Without your support this service will atrophy and we all will have lost something we value. Please be as generous as your situation allows.
Sincerely and respectfully---Dan McCarthy, USNA '77.
P.S. As in previous drives, you may make a secure donation by using your credit card at:
https://www-secure.west-point.org/donate
Donate to FD13 by Credit Card
Or you may donate by check made payable to WP-ORG and sent to:
WP-ORG
PO Box 595
Floyd, VA 24091-0595
Please be sure to indicate your affiliation and year on your check.
Regardless of the method you use, WP-ORG, Inc., is recognized by the IRS as
a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization. 100% of your donation is tax
deductible. For those who may need it, our EIN number is 51-0387132.
The authorization may be found at: http://www.west-point.org/publications/501SUMMARY.PDF
Authorization
___________________________________________
WP-ORG gratefully recognizes the Army Air Force Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA)
as sponsor of WP-ORG's Fund Drive 13. Please take a look at their homepage:
http://www.aafmaa.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------