Discipline honed as football player and cadet at Army West Point laid the groundwork for a remarkable military career

LTG (R) Robert L. Caslen Jr. '75 is the 2019 recipient of the NCAA's highest honor, the Theodore Roosevelt Award. The award, which is given annually to an individual who exemplifies the ideals of college sports, is named after the former president whose concern for the conduct of college athletics led to the formation of the NCAA in 1906. Caslen will be recognized Wednesday, Jan. 23, during the NCAA Honors Celebration in Orlando, Florida. Read More

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1949 | 1953| 1954 | 1956 | 1970 | 1973 | 1975 | 1977 | 1984 | 1986 | 1997 | 2002 | 2011 | 2017. Class Notes

At Fort Hood, TX is where John developed he leadership style. "The general's philosophy was great," he said. "If one of the subordinate commanders asked the division surgeon for something, my job was to say yes. I was not allowed to say no. That's been my philosophy ever since."

It's that philosophy that has helped John Fogarty, known as "J" to friends and colleagues, guide Florida State's relatively young medical school to new heights and national prominence — and it's that philosophy that endures as a polestar for Fogarty and his entire administrative staff.

"Our job as an administration is to be responsive, to figure out what people need to be successful," he said. "I think we've done that. I don't care who gets the credit around here as long as we get the job done."

"My sense is that team-based health care, chronic health care and disease management is really the care of the future," Fogarty said. "Having our doctors in training learn to work side by side with physician assistants, and vice versa, will be very exciting going forward."

Another object of Fogarty's excitement is the college's forthcoming primary care clinic in northwest Tallahassee. » Full Story

Kevin Byrne has Published Annie Flynn - Front Row, Second Desk. WARNING: This is a short story. Of the 104 pages, the story itself is only 16 (2844 words). There are many pages with limited text. This is intentional — you must read this incredible story to discover why.

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Annie Flynn knew early on where life would take her. "The northeastern region of Syrtis Major Planum. That's where I'm going to land." Experience the magical life of Annie Flynn, from those early years in the first row, second desk to humankind's first landing on the red planet.
Annie Flynn — Sacrifice — Valor — Humankind"

…fantastic stories, where I'm limited only by my imagination, not by the confines of this stupid disease." National MS Society Leadership Conference, Denver, CO - November 2016 - Kevin Byrne shares unique insight into the world as a man condemned by both his body and mind.

Published by the Never Stop Never Quit charitable foundation, 100% of the revenue earned from each sale will go directly to the fight against multiple sclerosis. Available on Amazon.

The National Football League announced its rosters for the 2019 Pro Bowl and former Army West Point football player Alejandro Villanueva '10 was picked to represent the American Football Conference.

Villanueva was one of six Pittsburgh Steelers players to be voted onto the roster. This is his second-straight Pro Bowl recognition after being tabbed to the team last season. He continues to be the first United States Military Academy graduate to make the National Football League Pro Bowl since former Heisman Trophy winner Glenn Davis was a Pro Bowl selection in 1951.

Both Davis and Villanueva served five years in the U.S. Army prior to their careers in the NFL. Joining him from the Steelers corps is wide receiver Antonio Brown, running back James Conner, guard David DeCastro, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and center Maurkice Pouncey. The six-man group will play in the annual all-star game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. ET

Saving Thousands by Refusing To Forget

After the last American left Saigon and 155,000 Vietnamese were resettled in the United States, Americans just wanted the Vietnam War put behind them. Many Vietnamese who stayed behind could not, and they continued their struggle of staying alive, now under new terms. Starving, their crops and catches collectivized by the new Socialist Republic of Vietnam, over 1.5 million people fled with their families most in small fishing boats. But they sailed into an indifferent world. No country wanted them, most notably the United States. Faced with a growing, unwelcome population, the countries of first refuge along the periphery of the South China Sea forced the overcrowded refugee boats back onto the open ocean. Hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese perished.

On a Sunday morning in Thailand, Mike Harpold was on assignment at refugee camps in Southeast Asia to prepare a report for a congressional hearing on the boat people. Alerted by a doctor with Médecins Sans Frontières, Harpold rushed to the aid of thirty- four Vietnamese men, women, and children whose disabled boat was about to be towed out to sea by the Thai Navy and cast adrift—certain death for all aboard. He had ten minutes to come up with a way to save them.

What Harpold did next forced a change in US policy, encouraged Americans to once again look into their soul, and demonstrated how one person with integrity and courage can make the difference in the lives of thousands.

For a tale to restore your faith in humanity and America, The People We Wanted to Forget is a must-read. − Terry Pyles

About the Author
Michael G. Harpold first served his country in the US Army followed by a thirty-five-year career in the US Border Patrol and its parent, the then Immigration and Naturalization Service. He continued to serve his community into retirement in Ketchikan, Alaska, where he lives with his wife, Elaine, as a member of the city council and the school board. He ventures south to visit his five daughters and his grandchildren on the West Coast. His first book, Jumping the Line, describes the lives of Mexican-American farmworkers and Mexican immigrants.

The WPAOG offices will be closed on the following schedule:
December 24
December 25
December 31 closing at 1pm
January 1

If you have questions about a year-end donation to West Point, please contact Gift Operations at 845.446.1658 or giftoperations@wpaog.org. Please note that online and mailed contributions must be postmarked by December 31, 2018, for this year’s tax credit. For information and forms for wire or stock transfers, visit https://www.westpointaog.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=3198. 

Year-end gifts made over the phone can be made until 1pm on Monday, December 31.

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1959 | 1961| 1962 | 1968 | 1971 | 1972 | 1982 | 1988 | 1993 | 2010. Class Notes

Superintendent Curtis Jones says Bibb County Schools have come a long way since he took the position in 2015. After earning the title of Georgia's Superintendent of the Year, he says it's the district's teamwork that won him the award. The Georgia School Superintendents Association, or GSSA, honored Jones with the award at the Georgia School Board Association's Winter Conference in Atlanta. "My heart was beating so fast. I was so excited. I was proud. I felt thankful. I was blessed," Jones said.

When he returned to work on Monday, the Bibb County School District was ready to celebrate. "Our school system has worked hard since 2015. We had some challenges, and I think across the state, they have recognized that," Jones said. GSSA said Jones's initiatives to get more students reading at grade level and increasing the district's graduation rate made him stand out.

"We got to this point because we were ready. I think people are trying to make it be the very best it can be. We're not where we need to be. We still have some mindsets to change, but we're getting there," Jones said. He says seeing how the district has improved in three years was a victory in itself. "I didn't know I was going to win, but I felt like we had already won just because of the progress we had made," Jones said. Jones will go on to compete for the national superintendent title. Finalists will be announced in January, and the winner in February. Read More

The Town of Matthews, NC recognized Michael Rusho (D-3) as the town’s 2018 Veteran of the Year during the Board of Commissioners meeting. Mayor Paul Bailey awarded Rusho the Mayor’s Medal for his selfless dedication to the betterment of his community. Mike has been involved in various community service organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, American Legion Post 235 (an active member for 24 years), and the Matthews Rotary Club. Of particular note is his ongoing leadership role in the annual Rotary Veterans Day luncheon, celebrating the service of all military veterans in Matthews.

L to R: Matthews Military Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Tom Cannon, Mayor Paul Bailey, and Michael Rusho

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Dan Elwell named D. Kirk Shaffer as the FAA Associate Administrator for Airports. In this position, Shaffer will oversee the annual Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Since 2017 through the AIP program, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced nearly $7 billion in investments in the nation's airports. Shaffer also will be responsible for national airport planning, airport safety, standards, airport design engineering, and regulatory compliance.

From 1986 to 2004, Shaffer served as executive assistant to the president, director of properties, and general counsel to the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. In those capacities, he worked on a wide range of environmental, construction, and airport funding issues, especially those related to the FAAs AIP and the National Environmental Policy Act. Shaffer also served as chairperson and vice chair of the legal committee for Airports Council International-North America from 1998-1999. He also is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Shaffers previous federal government service included leading the operations of the FAAs airports organization from 2007-2009. He ensured that airports around the country met all regulatory and statutory guidelines relating to safety, capacity, and security at the nation's airports. Shaffer is a Ranger, airborne, jumpmaster, and air assault qualified. Read More

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1956 | 1973| 1974 | 1977. Class Notes

Because of you, 2018 was another incredible year supporting West Point, the Long Gray Line, and Margin of Excellence programs.

It takes all of us to make this possible, and we thank you for your generous participation and we look forward to serving you in 2019!

Celebrate with Us! * 1869 - 2019 *
2019 marks 150 Years since the founding of the West Point Association of Graduates.
Throughout 2019, WPAOG will be celebrating our 150th Anniversary through our publications, social media, and events including:

• Our website, WestPointAOG.org/WPAOG150th will be a communications hub for the celebration, containing a wealth of information on history and events
• "On this Day" facts for each day highlighting historic events and achievements of West Point graduates on our website and in social media
• Feature articles on WPAOG's history and WPAOG today in each issue of West Point magazine
• West Point Societies around the world will celebrate WPAOG's 150th during Founders Day events taking place February-April 2019
• George W. Cullum (1833), one of West Point's most notable graduates, will be seen everywhere in 2019! The spring issue of West Point magazine will include a "Flat Cullum" to incorporate in your photos and share with us
• A Virtual Toast on WPAOG's "Birthday," May 22, 2019, where graduates around the world will offer their best wishes with a virtual birthday toast

Plus much, much more! Visit WestPointAOG.org/WPAOG150th for details and to join the celebration as we prepare to Honor the Past and Prepare for the Future.

Because of you, 2018 was another incredible year supporting West Point, the Long Gray Line, and Margin of Excellence programs.

It takes all of us to make this possible, and we thank you for your generous participation and we look forward to serving you in 2019!

Celebrate with Us! * 1869 - 2019 *
2019 marks 150 Years since the founding of the West Point Association of Graduates.
Throughout 2019, WPAOG will be celebrating our 150th Anniversary through our publications, social media, and events including:

• Our website, WestPointAOG.org/WPAOG150th will be a communications hub for the celebration, containing a wealth of information on history and events
• "On this Day" facts for each day highlighting historic events and achievements of West Point graduates on our website and in social media
• Feature articles on WPAOG's history and WPAOG today in each issue of West Point magazine
• West Point Societies around the world will celebrate WPAOG's 150th during Founders Day events taking place February-April 2019
• George W. Cullum (1833), one of West Point's most notable graduates, will be seen everywhere in 2019! The spring issue of West Point magazine will include a "Flat Cullum" to incorporate in your photos and share with us
• A Virtual Toast on WPAOG's "Birthday," May 22, 2019, where graduates around the world will offer their best wishes with a virtual birthday toast

Plus much, much more! Visit WestPointAOG.org/WPAOG150th for details and to join the celebration as we prepare to Honor the Past and Prepare for the Future.

Campbell Soup Company named Mark Clouse CEO. Clouse has a reputation as a seasoned food industry operator. He was previously the CEO of Pinnacle Foods. Clouse began working in the food industry more than two decades ago. He had been chief growth officer at Oreo-maker Mondelez International Inc and previously worked in marketing at Kraft Heinz Co.

"Mark was the board's top choice due to his success leading organizations through significant transformations," Campbell said in a statement, adding that Third Point provided input into the CEO search process and supported Clouse's appointment. Read More

CathWorks announced that Paul Kapsner has been named as Global Vice President of Sales. His initial focus will be on accelerating the clinical and commercial organization in the United States. Paul joins CathWorks with 27 years of commercial sales and marketing leadership experience in market-leading medical device companies. That experience includes deep engagement in the coronary diagnostic market.

Jim Corbett, CathWorks CEO, said of Paul’s appointment, "I have worked with Paul previously and am confident in his ability to develop and lead our commercial sales and customer support organization. CathWorks FFRangio System represents a tremendous opportunity for interventional cardiologists, their hospitals, and patients to improve the quality of care and lower costs in the treatment of multi-vessel coronary artery disease. Paul understands how to develop a team to provide the clinical and technical support our customers need. We could not be more excited to have Paul on board." Read More

The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1960 | 1977| 1986 | 1990. Class Notes

Congratulations to Colonel Spencer Clouatre and family on his promotion! COL Chris Cerniauskas '93 did his promotion. He is a longtime friend of the family. Also at the promotion was COL(R) Larry Horacek '70, who introduced COL Clouatre to West Point as an idea when he was a SGT in Louisiana National Guard. COL Horacek is also Caleb Clouatre's '20 50-year affiliate class. COL Clouatre graduated right in the middle as class of '95.

Dr. Rick Wilkerson, a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine practitioner, will be traveling to Basra, Iraq on February 25th as a guest lecturer and teaching professor for nine days as part of Iraq's International Orthopedic Conference. In addition to his lecturing schedule, Dr. Wilkerson will be heavily involved in an on-going training program for Iraqi orthopedic residents.

Rick has made annual trips to Iraq where among many things, he created a total knee replacement (TKA) program for Iraqi orthopedic residents. So far, this has led to more than 1,500 TKAs performed. He also sponsored eight Iraqi orthopedic surgeons in his private practice for postgraduate training. During their time in the U.S., these surgeons lived with Rick and his family. For this type of work involving significant improvements to the Iraqi orthopedic infrastructure for well over a decade, Rick was named an honorary professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Basra in Iraq.

Patterned after the Iraqi resident sponsorship program, Rick recently created an orthopedic residency rotation for Haitian orthopedic residents to spend three months in their second or third year of four years training to do an orthopedic rotation with him and other American volunteer surgeons starting September 19th, 2019. In preparation for the rotations, he's busy travelling to Haiti to train hospital staff surgeons to be able to thoroughly prepare the residents for the U.S. rotations.

Haiti is also where Rick led an effort to create an orphanage from the rubble of the 2010 earthquake that totally devastated an already deeply impoverished nation. Today the orphanage is thriving and well on the way to becoming self-sustaining.

Gene Bailey named 2019 Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year" for Construction Law in the Charleston-WV area. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the "Lawyer of the Year," making this accolade particularly significant. These lawyers are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the peer review assessments.

Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity.