May, 2003; Page 5
CADET NEWS
CLASS OF 2003
“PROTECTOR OF THE FREE”
Kevin Manley: Everyone says it, but the four years do truly go by so fast. We will really miss the visits to WP, and the wonderful fellowship with the club next year. I'm sure we'll have withdrawal symptoms and will attend some of the functions. Not sure whether Kevin is busier with graduation, or with wedding preparations. He was in Cincinnati (again) last weekend helping with a shower and other wedding stuff. Sandhurst was a little disappointing again this year, but Kevin said that he improved in marksmanship. He is enjoying his scuba class this last semester, and he thinks he will take it up as a hobby with his fiancé, Rachel. They will get to put it to use in the Dominican Republic during their upcoming honeymoon (the wedding is two weeks after graduation). Kevin branched Infantry and will be at Ft Benning for OBC and Ranger school until the end of the year. Early next year he will be assigned in Germany. All of the parents are looking forward to a European visit while they are there. Hope to see some WPPC members at Benning this summer for Airborne, while we are visiting Kevin and Rachel.
Josh Southworth: 03: We can’t believe it’s almost over! We’ve been to many parents meetings over the past 4 years in both Florida and Pennsylvania and heard all the cliché’s about how fast the 4 years go but I must admit it’s been a while.
We apologize for only attending 2 meetings but I’ve been on assignment in LA and Pa. The past 6 months.
As previously reported Josh branched armor, his former army MOS, and will report to Ft. Knox August 1st. OBC won’t begin until September 18th so he wonders what his short-term assignment will entail.
Initially Josh was assigned to Ft. Riley. He was contacted April 1st and asked if he was interested in changing his duty station to Ft. Hood. Naturally he thought the call was one of his buddies pulling a prank. It took a few moments for the real “Major” to convince Josh it wasn’t an April fools day joke. Now we are perusing the Internet for houses in the Killeen area.
Carol and I are arriving at West Point the Monday before graduation to set up for family members and friends arriving later in the week. Josh has been blessed with a core group of high school friends that have been a source of solid support. Two of them are National Guard members and are planning on attending the graduation in class A’s to receive their silver dollar from Josh at the bar pinning.
We look forward to a post graduation picnic at round pond then a party in Erie Pa. on June 1st.
CLASS OF 2004
“FOR COUNTRY AND CORPS”
Mark Swanson: Mark has had two CTLTs cancelled, one in Korea and one at Ft. Drum, N.Y. Now we know that Mark will be going to Ft. Irwin, CA for an aviation CTLT.He reports 2 June. This will be followed by a home visit from 25 June to 3 July He is still looking forward to helicopter flight school at Univ. of N. Dakota the second half of the summer. He has enjoyed his truck and the privilege of transportation. We are looking forward to ring weekend in August.
Jennifer Barrow: G2, 2004: Jennifer enjoyed
intramural orienteering this semester; it's very much like an on-post
treasure hunt. Once again she attended the Volunteer Recognition
Ceremony, where cadets stand up when their organizations are named. She
was teased afterwards about spending more time standing then sitting. As
usual, she had over committed herself.
At the Big Sister dinner Jen received the "Outstanding West Point
Cadet Mentor" award. They told the story of Ayeesha, for whom Jen has
become, sort of a "second mom." (On a recent field trip Ayeesha refused
to part with an Easter basket Jen gave her, carrying it with her the whole
time.) Jen has also been chosen to be the Cadet Representative of the
Military Counsel of Catholic Women. Her job will be to increase MCCW
support and presence among Catholic women cadets.
This summer, Jen will be doing northern warfare training in Alaska and
military police training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. We're excited
that she will spend her Academic Individual Advanced Development here at
home, by interning with the District Attorney's office in Tampa. The
Firstie year is right around the corner, yet R-day seems like it was
yesterday!
Aaron Poe: '04 A-3 This has been a really great
Cow year for our young man. He changed his major at the suggestion of his
English instructor and is really happy with APL (Art, Philosophy and
Language). Add to that having his car at WP and you have one satisfied
Cadet. Of course the frosting on the cake is having decided he has met
his soul mate. Aaron will be presenting Angela, a former high school
classmate, with an engagement ring this June, after performing the
traditional rite of asking her father for her hand in marriage. Wedding
plans are for June '04 in Tampa. She is a lovely young lady and we are
very pleased with his choice.
Aaron is slated to be S 4 at Buckner and is looking forward to a
challenging experience.