WPPCMI Annual Meeting Reminder
February 24 Meeting 9:00 – 12:00
Lansing Catholic High School
501 Marshall St
Lansing, MI 48912
- Pot Luck Social–meet Class of 2028 Cadet Candidates and Families
- Special Guest Speaker–Deputy Commandant of USMA
- Parent of Michigan Graduate–Transitioning into the Big Army
- Annual Meeting
- Election of WPPCMI Officers
- Sign up to support the exciting programs in the calendar for 2024/25
- Learn more about Plebe Parent Weekend/Class of 2024 Graduation Week offerings for members
- Agenda and potluck details coming soon
- Reminder that memberships are on a calendar year basis and renewable beginning in January. General Memberships are $50/Associate Memberships for parents of Graduates are $25. Select from the pull down menu under Membership Dues in the link. Please be sure to include the appropriate Graduation Year in the transactions. Memberships must be current no later than February 20 to attend and vote at the Annual Meeting.
- While in-person attendance is highly recommended, virtual attendance option will be available.
2024 Nominations
Carey Potter
Year of Cadet: 2027
Position Desired: President
Past Positions Held: 2023 Michigan All Academy Ball – Communications/Marketing
Biography: Carey Potter is a proud mom to Cadet Jacob (Jake) Potter, United States Military Academy at West Point Class of 2027. Carey is thankful for the support and mentorship she has received as she embarked on her journey as a West Point parent just one year ago. Despite being relatively new to the WPPCMI, Carey has already made significant contributions to the club, leading the Communications and Marketing for the 2023 Michigan All Academy Ball.
Her career has taken her from Chicago to New York City, where she honed her skills in marketing, advertising and communications. Currently, Carey holds the position of Communications Manager at Steelcase, Inc., where she leads a talented team dedicated to crafting impactful campaigns for the company’s products and brand. Within Steelcase, Carey is an active member of the “”Steelcase Salutes”” group, which supports veteran employees and initiatives within the community. Before joining Steelcase, Carey ventured into entrepreneurship, owning and operating Brick House Marketing Group and 85 Miles, where she gained valuable experience which she has often used consulting with startups and small businesses. Her dynamic personality and extensive career background make her a valuable asset to any organization.
As President of the West Point Parents Club of Michigan, Carey is determined to uphold the club’s tradition of excellence in programming and initiatives that support cadets and their families throughout their West Point journey. Her goal extends beyond the West Point community, aiming to support families across the U.S. Army and Armed Forces.
Residing in East Grand Rapids, Carey is gradually embracing the “”empty-nest”” life while finding joy in outdoor activities, painting, listening to podcasts, traveling, and spending quality time with her family. She is always eager to embark on new projects and endeavors while actively seeking opportunities to give back to her community.
Fun Fact: I love to bake cakes.
Contact Details: 616-818-5778
Tom Merten
Year of Cadet: 2026
Position Desired: Vice President
Past Positions Held: Fundraising Chair; All Academy Ball subcommittee
Biography: 25 year resident Royal Oak MI; spouse Rosemarie; sons Jack (CMU 2024), Peter (USMA 2026); Insurance Professional; Relationship Mgmt; enjoy spending time with family and good friends; 2 trips to Army-Navy!
Fun Fact: Anyone wanna talk about U.S. space program I’m all ears
Contact Details: tcmerten@gmail.com
Lucy Simmerer
Year of Cadet: 2026
Position Desired: Recording Secretary
Past Positions Held: I have been Recording Secretary for the past year. I have worked on, supported, and/or attended most of the other WPPC-MI events for the past 2 years.
Biography: I was previously on the board of our soccer organization, and I learned a lot from that experience that helps me in my roll as Recording Secretary and member of the board of the WPPC-MI. I will always try to work for our cadets and families to the best of my ability. We lived on post at West Point when my husband (Class of ’81) taught there.
Contact Details: lesimmerer@charter.net
Jim Pool
Year of Cadet: 2025
Position Desired: Corresponding Secretary
Past Positions Held: NA
Biography: Jim is the husband of one wonderful wife, and father of four rambunctious and amazing kids, the eldest of which is in the Class of 2025. An old grad from the Class of 1994, Jim served in the regular Army at Fort Bragg (Liberty) and in the Army National Guard outside Chicago. He planted and pastored a church for 21 years, and recently has founded a new ministry initiative. He loves adventure, the joys of hiking, storytelling, reading and learning from folks from other cultures. He lives with his family in Ferndale on the near north side of Detroit.
Fun Fact: I was the 3rd place finisher in the 2003 Michigan State Fair Hog Call Competition.
Contact Details: jim.pool@me.com, 248.506.5457
Jason Eppler
Year of Cadet: 2027
Position Desired: Treasurer
Past Positions Held: Tailgate Committee, Audit Committee (Observer), Governance Committee
Biography: Recently retired after almost thirty years as a Michigan municipal executive. Have served as a board member of many non-profits over the years ranging from the West Michigan Girl Scouts to the Sparrow Ionia Hospital Board. Currently serve as the Esteemed Loyal Knight at the Grand Haven Elks Lodge #1200, Trustee of the Ionia County Community Foundation, and, a member of the City of Ionia Board of Review.
Fun Fact: My wife, Trish, says I’m not fun.
Contact Details: Jasoneppler1969@gmail.com