Ambassador & Lieutenant General (Retired) Dell Dailey, joined Beacon's Aerospace, Defense & Government practice, as Senior Advisor. LTG Dailey will work alongside Senior Vice President Matt Keegan and Beacon's President and Chairman Cliff Farrah.

"LTG Dailey and I have had the pleasure of working together for many years. He is a great American having served his country in many capacities. He has always been sage advisor and with strong insight," says Senior Vice President and ADG practice leader Matt Keegan. "His experience and knowledge comes from years of practical experience with the Army, Special Operations Forces, and the State Department. I look forward to continuing to working alongside him."

LTG Dailey held a 36-year-long career in the US Army, before continuing to serve his country as the Ambassador at Large for the Department of State's Coordinator for Counterterrorismon. In 2009 General Dailey opened a consulting firm focused on national security, aerospace and mentoring national leaders. In 2012 LTG Dailey became Chairman of the Board of Directors for Janus Global Operations. Read More

The FBI recently appointed C. Bryan Paarmann, a 20-year veteran of the FBI, chief of its counterterrorism division for the New York field office. "One misguided and evil individual, the kind of damage he can do to humanity, that keeps me up at night and it keeps my colleagues up at night," said Paarmann.

Paarmann became an agent in 1996, but the FBI has been part of his life for years. His father was an FBI agent who investigated the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi and helped protect civil rights marches throughout the south. Paarmann was raised by his father following the murder of his mother when he was 8 years old. Today, Paarmann carries the same FBI credentials his father carried for 30 years.

During his FBI career, Paarmann has investigated terrorism cases in Colorado and Washington, D.C., and has worked with foreign governments on terrorism and organized crime issues while assigned to Tblilisi, Georgia and Kiev, Ukraine. Now in New York and leading the nation’s largest JTTF -- comprised of several hundred federal, state, and local investigators -- Paarmann is also paying attention to the relatively small but growing number of hate groups across the region. Read More

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1959 | 1961 | 1964 | 1965 | 1973 | 1983 | 1988.

Class Notes

Doug Bennett, recently received the Integrity Award at the annual University of Colorado Involvement Awards which recognize outstanding leadership and engagement. The Integrity Award honors a faculty member on the Boulder campus who represents the ideals and values expressed in the CU Honor Code and has demonstrated consistent dedication to teaching or living the virtues of academic integrity. The winner must hold high moral character and consistently work to enhance the culture. This year’s winner epitomizes the values represented by the Integrity Award.

Doug has been teaching at Leeds since 2012 at the undergraduate and graduate levels. As an Airborne Ranger Infantry officer earned the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He also spent time in the Federal government as an Assistant to the President in the White House and later as the General Counsel of the Department of Education. Doug practiced law as a partner in a national law firm before becoming an entrepreneur and commercial real estate hotel developer and owner. “The award for integrity represents a quality that I consider a life and leadership imperative. I am honored to receive the award,” commented Doug Bennett.

Sean S. Fitzgerald will take over as Chief Executive Officer of Maersk Container Industry (MCI) on 1 January 2018. Maersk’s Transport & Logistics division, has appointed Fitzgerald, who comes to the container industry from the mining equipment business, as its new CEO. “We are very pleased to welcome Sean S. Fitzgerald to lead Maersk Container Industry in its next level of development.” said Soren Toft, Chairman of the MCI Advisory Board.

Fitzgerald has over 20 years of broad expertise across management, manufacturing, product management and marketing. Since 2014, he has acted as President at Joy Global China, which has eight plants in China and in 2016 was acquired by the Japanese manufacturing company Komatsu Mining Corp. Prior to this, he was Regional Vice President of Joy Mining Machinery, responsible for 13 plants in the Americas. He has also held executive positions over the course of almost 10 years at General Electric.

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With the support of the USMA Cyber Research Center, 2LT Matt Shockley and 2LT Chris Maixner (both with degrees in computer science) presented the findings from their honors-thesis research at the 9th ACM CCS International Workshop on Managing Insider Security Threats in Dallas, Texas. Their work involved developing a software system which permits users legitimate access to confidential information while preventing them from misusing that information, such as by sharing it with an unauthorized third party. To accomplish this without disturbing benign users or other software, presented a number of challenges which they describe in a paper published in the workshop proceedings. The 2017 USMA Cyber Defense Exercise team put VisorFlow into practice where it prevented 2,940 malicious events. 2LT Shockley and 2LT Maixner have released under an open source license the entire VisorFlow system along with VisorFlow’s companion library, guestrace. Guestrace consolidates many techniques used by VisorFlow in a way which allows other software developers to make use of them.

Chris Connelly was in seemingly good health until the fall of 2015, when he started to gradually gain weight and his legs were swollen for no apparent reason. During a visit to West Point, walking post with his wife and son, he was gasping for air and nauseous. Blood tests showed high creatine levels indicating kidney damage or disease. After an emergency incident, Chris learned he had complete kidney failure. Unfortunately, his parents and two sisters were medically ineligible to donate to Chris. Two classmates suggested posting on the class’s closed Facebook page about living organ donation. Chris opposed, being his class had been through so much in Iraq and Afghanistan, but his classmates posted it anyway. Classmate Air Force Colonel Dave Ashley answered the call, with full support from his wife and chain of command. Full Story

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1958 | 1964 | 1965 | 1992 | 1996 | 1997 | 2017.

Class Notes

Kermit Dyke graduated from high school in 1932, at the peak of the Great Depression. A block from his house near downtown Los Angeles, scores of men lined up each day, looking for work and finding none. He didn’t want to end up like them. So Dyke, tall, blond and handsome, joined the National Guard.

It drilled just once a month, but it gave him three things: a little spending money; a bit part in a Hollywood silent film (“They needed someone to stand there in a uniform with a rifle; I got five dollars”); and an entry into what he describes as “probably the most honorable profession there is.”

In 1936, he entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and today, at 103, he is its oldest living graduate. Sitting in the home he shares with his wife, Bobbe, in Solomons, Md., the retired colonel cradled an old album stuffed with black-and-white photos of young men posing in jodhpurs and shako hats, sitting on horseback, or just goofing around in T-shirts and shorts.

“That’s me, throwing a paper bag full of water on an upperclassman,” he said, pointing at one. “And here’s my graduation class.” Of the three dozen young men in the photo — the class total was 450 — few are still alive. Read More

West Point Society of the Piedmont member Ron Hudnell is the type of person who lays wreaths on veteran graves at Christmas, helps out with West Point Society events, and who hikes the entire Appalachian Trail. Think George Bailey from the movie “It's A Wonderful Life.” Earlier this year a member of Ron's Sunday School class asked the class to pray for her brother Jerry, whose kidneys were failing and who was hoping for a donor. Even though Ron did not know her brother, Ron volunteered to be tested to see if he could donate. Ron was a match, and agreed to give a kidney to a complete stranger.

After they met, Jerry learned of Ron's military connection so he began calling Ron “Cap’n.” It seems that Jerry used to be a Navy fan, so one condition of the transplant was that Jerry had to start rooting for the Army Team. Ron has red hair and he told Jerry that Jerry's hair would turn red. Pictured are “Cap’n” Ron and Jerry after the operation. The transplant was successful and now Jerry and his entire family are Army fans. Hudnell encourages everyone to consider being an organ donor.

Francis “France” Hoang was recently honored as a Washburn University Alumni Fellow. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Hoang grew up in Tumwater, Washington, and resides in Alexandria, Virginia. He is chief strategy officer at MAG Aerospace. MAG Aerospace, a veteran-led enterprise, operates manned and unmanned aircraft systems on five continents to meet the needs of federal, international and commercial customers. He is also a partner at FH+H, a veteran-owned company that was the fastest growing law firm on the 2013 Inc. 5000 list. Hoang graduated in the top 1 percent of his class at West Point, received a Masters in Criminal Justice from Washburn University, and graduated summa cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center where he received his juris doctor. He has had military deployments in the former Yugoslovia and Afghanistan and was deputy chief of police and SWAT commander at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. Hoang has 20 years of national security experience and has served all three branches of the U.S. government. In 2007, President George W. Bush appointed him Associate White House Counsel and Special Assistant to the President. He supports a number of veteran reintegration causes and serves on numerous non-profit boards.

Allison Lane the daughter of Brian Lane ’89 is giving back to the veteran community. She is the founder of Flutes of Freedom providing Free music lessons to any veteran or dependent of a US serviceman in support of Honor Flight and McLean Bible Church, "Operation Kindness" and food pantry. Allison has played the flute and piano since age 4, she has performed at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. Recently Flutes of Freedom was awarded a$500 grant from YSA and Walt Disney. Allison intends to use that money on entry-level instruments for veterans and their children, stationary to write veterans letters, and to provide Thanksgiving meals to veterans.

Dr. Mark T. Esper was confirmed by a vote in the Senate, 89-6, to become the 23rd secretary of the Army shortly after noon on Wednesday. President Donald Trump nominated Esper in July to become secretary of the Army. In testimony before the U.S. Senate, Nov. 2, 2017, Esper laid out for lawmakers his priorities if confirmed as secretary. "If confirmed, my first priority will be readiness -- ensuring the total Army is prepared to fight across the full spectrum of conflict," Esper said. "With the Army engaged in over 140 countries around the world, to include combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, training rotations to Europe to deter Russia, and forward deployed units in the Pacific defending against a bellicose North Korea, readiness must be our top priority." Readiness, he said, starts with ensuring the Army has the best possible Soldiers in the force.

"This means recruiting and retaining the best our nation has to offer, ensuring these young men and women are well-trained and well-led, and equipping them with the best weapons and technology available," Esper said. "Every unit must be prepared to deploy and accomplish its mission. These are the fundamental Title 10 duties of the Secretary of the Army, and, if confirmed, I intend to do them well." Esper named four broad priorities he would focus on if he were confirmed as secretary of the Army. Those include ensuring Soldiers, their families, and Army civilians are "well-led, well-supported, and well-cared for."

Also top priorities for Esper, he said, are modernization, efficiency, and most-importantly, readiness. "This means that units are fully manned, weapons and equipment are well maintained, munitions stocks are sufficient, and training -- particularly for high end combat -- is ample, rigorous and realistic," Esper wrote. Esper served on active duty for over 10 years before transitioning into the Reserve, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. His service included a deployment with the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Desert Storm. For his valor during that operation, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

As such, the secretary of the Army reports directly to the secretary of Defense. The position of secretary of the Army was established by the National Defense Act of 1947. Story

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the appointment of Genda Wrenn to the Committee on Minority Veterans. Initially chartered on Nov. 2, 1994, the committee advises the VA Secretary on the needs of the nation’s 4.7 million minority Veterans regarding compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach and other benefits and programs administered by VA. The committee assesses the needs of Veterans who are minority group members and recommends program improvements designed to meet their needs. Committee members are appointed to two- or three-year terms. Minority veterans comprise nearly 21 percent of the total Veteran population in the United States and its territories, while minority women Veterans represent about 33 percent of the women veteran population.

Dr. Glenda Wrenn Gordon is a recipient of the Distinguished Cadet Award from Decatur, Georgia. Gordon is a board-certified psychiatrist and director of the Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity at the Morehouse School of Medicine, where she is also an associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Currently, she works clinically with women Veterans at the Women’s Center of Excellence for Specialty Care Education at the Atlanta VA.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1940 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1965 | 1968 | 1969 | 1986 | 1989 | 1996 | 1999.

Class Notes

Richard Pascoe was selected as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) by the Acting Secretary of the Army, Ryan D. McCarthy, to represent California (South). "I am honored to be given this unique opportunity to continue my service to our country as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army." Pascoe said. "I look forward to working with the Secretary, and my fellow Civilian Aides, to support our military and civilian communities throughout Southern California." CASAs are a vital part of the Army, promoting good relationships between the Army and the public and advising the Secretary about regional issues.

"It is my distinct privilege to invest Rich into the CASA program. You're joining an elite group. You are needed now more than ever given that only one percent of the American population has served in the Armed Forces. You are the bridge from your community to the military. Your support to Soldiers and their Families is unsurpassed. You have a history of supporting Soldiers and their Families through the various charities and boards that you serve on. I am confidence that Rich will have a positive impact to California and the CASA Program."

Pascoe has been a leader in the biotech industry for over 25 years. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Apricus Biosciences in San Diego, CA. Pascoe serves on several boards to including BIOCOM, where he leads their Veteran's Outreach Initiative, The Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, which funds scholarships for Gold Star Families, and Kempharm, Inc., a public pharmaceutical company. CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years of service. The secretary may recognize a civilian aide as a CASA Emeritus after 10 years of distinguished service. Read More

The Beacon Group welcomes Major General James "Jim" Madora, as Senior Advisor for Beacon's Aerospace, Defense & Government practice. Major General Madora will work alongside Senior Vice President Matt Keegan and Beacon's President and CEO Cliff Farrah. Major General Jim Madora is a retired Army Major General who has over 10 years' experience in the defense industry.

Major General Madora has had a distinguished career in the United States Army. His last assignment before retirement was as Director of Army Program Analysis and Evaluation, in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs and Resources. In this role, he developed Army funding strategy and the 6 year $500B Army Program / Budget Plan. During his career, Major General Madora commanded at platoon, company, battalion, brigade and general officer level. He is a combat veteran and his numerous military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 6 awards of the Legion of Merit, 3 awards of the Bronze Star and 3 awards of the Army Meritorious Medal. Story

At the WPAOG Annual Meeting today, November 21, 2017, the following members were elected to positions on the Board of Directors and the Advisory Council.

To serve their terms from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019:

Chair
Joseph E. DeFrancisco ’65 - 3,394

Vice Chair
Stanley J. Shipley ’73 - 3,326

To serve their terms from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020:

Directors
Deirdre P. Dixon ’84 - 3,430
James A. Hoffman ’78 - 3,424
Felisa S. A. (Sally) Lewis ’90 - 3,415
Robert A. McDonald ’75 - 3,415
William D. Rogers ’82 - 3,418

Advisors at Large
John R. Higgins ’87 - 3,215
Jennifer Voigtschild-Minus ’93 - 3,262
William S. Pavlick ’72 - 3,253
F. Daniel Streetman ’90 - 3,247
Holly F. West ’91 - 3,263
Michael W. L. Yap ’67 - 3,258

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1959 | 1960 | 1986 | 1996.

Class Notes

The San Jose Barracuda have signed goaltender Parker Gahagen to an Amateur Tryout Agreement. He previously attended Sharks development camp, as well as their rookie camp this past summer, but due to Army restrictions, he was unable to sign with the club. Gahagen is now being granted special status under the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, which will allow him to train with the Barracuda in preparation for the Olympics, while maintaining his military career. He’s the first team sport athlete to be granted the status.

Gahagen left West Point first in Army history in save percentage and total saves (3,172), second in shutouts (10), and third in goals-against average (2.60).

Gahagen (a former Buffalo Junior Sabre) is hoping to represent the United States at the PyeongChang Olympics. It's a unique opportunity for him. Buffalo News reported that Gahagen already had a deal in place with the Sharks organization, but until his Army duties could be sorted, it was shelved. Without the NHL participating in the Olympics, Gahagen was able to be granted the World Class Athlete exception, despite it previously having been only awarded to individual athletes. General Manager of the U.S. Olympic team, Jim Johannson, had to write a personal recommendation to the newly appointed Defense Secretary James Mattis, who had made it a requirement for military academy and ROTC graduates to serve in their first two years after graduation.

"It's a great opportunity to serve your country," Gahagen said of the Olympics to Buffalo News. "I've been able to do it in a different way, but it would be an honor to be on the team." Read More