USMA 1970 50-YEAR AFFILIATION PROGRAM
USMAPS 1966 with USMAPS 2016 (already in progress)
USMA 1970 with USMA 2020
See http://usma1970.com (“50 Year” Link on top of home page)
SUMMARY: The purpose of the 50-Year Affiliation Program is to strengthen the ties between graduates of
yesterday and today as both groups work together to strengthen the Long Gray Line. This program began in the
mid-1990’s and has evolved into a series of events beginning on R-Day and culminating on Graduation Day.
-John Connors and Terry Young have agreed to orchestrate our efforts. This program will require considerable
financial and personnel support over the next 5 years. If you would like to volunteer for any event, please
contact them (John jtc1513@aol.com or Terry tjyoung70@comcast.net) .
-Our affiliation activities have already started with this year’s Pre School Class. Bruce Nolte
bnolte@noltelaw.com is heading this effort and had a group participate in their R-Day and the Randy Carlson
Crucible Challenge, named in honor of our classmate.
ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES AND REQUIRMENTS:
1. Parents Club Liaison: This is our most pressing and immediate need. Each of the Parents Clubs will have one
or more Class Liaisons assigned. Their purpose will be to introduce our Affiliation Program, present
Certificates of Affiliation to incoming New Cadets (most clubs hold a ceremony for these individuals in June),
and remain as a source of information for the following four years. Ralph Churchill has agreed to handle this
activity. Please contact him directly if you would like to volunteer (Churchill12013@comcast.net ).
2. R-Day (28 June 2016): Our class holds a welcome breakfast for the parents, family and friends of the
incoming Cadet Candidates in Ike Hall. 10-12 Class Reps with spouses conduct conversations detailing the
Affiliation Program, congratulating the families, ease their apprehension and answer any questions they may
have.
3. March Back: The Class is allotted 50 slots of 250 in the March Back from Camp Buckner and unlimited slots
for the march from the ski slope to the plain. Those slots are selected on a first come basis once the site is open.
More information can be obtained on the AOG website. Bill Trivette (bill.trivette@gmail.com ) is heading this
phase. He has walked in almost all of the marches since they allowed graduates to participate. He will inform us
when the site will open next year. Please inform him, if you have not already, that you would like to participate.
4. Acceptance Day Parade: One of the Class Officers will join members from each of the other three Affiliation
Classes to comprise the Reviewing Party for the parade.
5. Crest Unveiling (March 2017 Plebe Parent Weekend): The class crest is unveiled at the formal dinner during
Plebe Parent Weekend. Two class reps and spouse/guest will represent the class. Formal attire. Les Sumner
agreed to organize this event (lsumner@nyc.rr.com ).
6. Yearling Flag Presentation (July 2017): At the end of Cadet Field Training (Camp Buckner), the Affiliation
Class presents the new Yearling Class with its set of Class Colors. 5-6 members of our class (spouses/guests)
will attend and one Representative will participate in the ceremony.
7. Cow Affirmation (August 2018): Prior to the first day of Cow Academics where the class incurs a two-year
commitment, an Affirmation Ceremony is conducted. This includes a short ceremony and presentation of a
Class Coin symbolizing the commitment of the Cow Class to the Profession of Arms and a program insert
congratulating the Class on their commitment. 4-5 members (spouses/guests) of our class can attend and we will
provide the guest speaker. Chip Leonard (leonaha@verizon.net ) will head this effort.
8. Ring Melt (Feb or March 2019): 2-3 members of the class with their spouse or guest are invited. If a class
member is a donor, they are invited as a donor and not a class representative.
9. Ring Weekend (August 2019): 4-6 class members (spouse/guest) will join the Firstie Class for Ring Weekend
activities (Ring Presentation and Ring Banquet). Our class will also host a Ring Donor Reception following the
ring ceremony.
10. Branch Night (November 2019): Our class will provide branch notification cards and branch insignia to
each senior. Class reps and their spouses/guest will attend (each branch should be represented.). The class will
host a reception following the ceremony.
11. First Class Officer Dinner (March 2020): Our class hosts a dinner for Senior AOG Staff and the Class
Officers from 2020 to discuss the mission of AOG and the responsibilities that class officers will have after
graduation. 4-5 members of our class will attend.
12. Firstie Social (early May 2020): Sponsored by the Class of 1996 and held at Herbert Hall. 2-3 class
members (spouses/guests) are invited.
13. Graduation (May 2020): Our class will provide 2LT bars and a Congratulation Card (inserted into the case)
for each graduate. 4 Class Reps participate in the graduation ceremony.
The Affiliation Program will allow us to make a significant impact on the Class of 2020. We have already
sowed the seed of including INTEGRITY into their class motto with the USMA Prep School Cadet Candidates.
The success of the program will depend upon your support and participation.
(John jtc1513@aol.com or Terry tjyoung70@comcast.net)
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