Mission First 2013 by Army West Point Athletics

Mission First PROFILES OF ARMY AT HLET I C S 2013

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The Army Athletic Association

Bob Beretta

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EDITED BY:

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PRODUCED BY:

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Introduction by Boo Corrigan

Foreword by Bob Beretta

34 Kate, John, Rick and Annie Houghton “The First Family Of Army Tennis” by Pamela Flenke

Paige Brink “Turning The Paige” by Christian Anderson

38 CW5 Dan and Jane Jollota “Flying Below The Radar” by Ryan Yanoshak

10 Peter Carey “Man On A Mission” by Tracy Nelson 14 Dick Edell “Big Man On Campus” by Mady Salvani

30 Dick Hall “A Legend In His Own Right” by Mady Salvani

50 Lt. Col. Jennifer (Johnston) McAfee “When Tragedy Strikes” by Mady Salvani

62 Larraine Saavedra “Serving Up Strength” by Pamela Flenke 66 Gary Steele “Leading From The Front” by Ryan Yanoshak 70 Carl Ullrich “Blazing A Trail” by Brian Gunning 74 Haley (Edwards) Uthlaut “Down But Not Out” by Tracy Nelson 78 Lt. Col. Myreon Williams “Lean On Him” by Brian Gunning 82 Acknowledgements 84 Dedication

54 Jack, Rob and Brian Riley “The Hockey Life Of Riley” by Ryan Yanoshak 58 Gen. David Rodriguez “Sense Of Duty” by Brian Gunning

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26 Lt. Col. Gaylord Greene “Going The Distance” by Pamela Flenke

46 Elizabeth LoRusso “A Mother’s Love” by Tim Volkmann

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22 Dr. Barney Forsythe “A Frontrunner For Leadership” by Pamela Flenke

42 Capt. Liz Lazarri “Born To Serve” by Tracy Nelson

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18 Rich Ellerson “Answering The Call” by Christian Anderson

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Since our arrival at West Point more than two years ago, my

generate those bright numbers on scoreboards throughout their careers as a cadet. But more importantly, these 19 individuals have

duty that envelopes West Point.

contributed so much more that transcends athletics, that crosses

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family and I have been overwhelmed by the tremendous sense of

the professors to the Army officers stationed here to the civilian

hallowed grounds. As athletic administrators our mission is quite

amazing feats of selfless service, endless examples of a current or

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Introduction

simple ... “To provide an extraordinary Division I athletic experience

former athlete or administrator placing the mission before all else. In

Goodness surrounds the United States Military Academy, from

cultural lines and ultimately make this world of ours a better place. We are so proud to be able to call them our own and privileged to

workers all joining together to form a cohesive team that supports

have the opportunity to share their unique stories.

the wonderful Corps of Cadets, who are the lifeblood of these

Here at West Point, we are very fortunate to be wrought with

that develops leaders of character committed to the values of Duty,

fact, it was challenging to whittle the lengthy list of possible stories

Honor, Country.”

under consideration for our inaugural edition of Mission First down to

Duty, Honor, Country. Three simple words that carry an immensely powerful meaning. Together they form much more than a motto, much more than a slogan. No, for West Pointers, Duty, Honor, Country is a way of life. Daily examples can be seen everywhere you turn ... you can see that spirit in the action in the officers, you see that spirit in the

the ones you see chronicled here. West Point is a place unlike any we’ve ever been, and quite honestly, unlike any we could have ever imagined. We hope you enjoy reading some of these wonderful accounts half as much as Kristen, myself and our three children enjoy living them each and every day.

enlisted personnel assigned here, you see that spirit in our coaches, and you can see that same spirit in the eyes of every young man and woman that don the sacred dress gray. Inspirational stories can be found in almost every corner of this installation and occur daily, both and off the fields of friendly strife. This book, so appropriately titled, Mission First, attempts to capture a few of those individual stories of inspiration. Heartwarming

Go Army!

accounts of cadet-athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters

Eugene F. Corrigan, Jr.

all placing the fortunes of others far ahead of their own personal

Director of Athletics

desires. These are the faces of West Point. More specifically, these are the faces of Army Athletics. So often we measure success by the final statistical account of a particular game, match or invitational. We know that winning is important to our mission. We understand and accept that responsibility. After all, we are in a scorekeeping industry and wins and losses matter a great deal or we wouldn’t keep score at those events. But we must also take time to reflect on those greater victories that take place far away from any playing field or arena, well removed from any scoreboard. We must make it a point to focus on those special triumphs that are not defined by goals, baskets or runs scored, but rather calculated by the smiles and tears of joy associated with goodness. College sports and the Army are in the people business and we must never lose sight of that. The 19 stories captured here are representative of many of the members of the Long Gray Line that have passed through West Point’s athletic department and helped to

Foreword

We ended up with stories on 12 former cadet-athletes, one current athletic department staff member who is preparing to retire and three head coaches.

In one of our first executive staff meetings following the 2012

We focused on a family that has sent four of its members to play

Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Army Director of Athletics Boo

tennis at West Point and a mother that has delivered four of her sons

Corrigan held an interesting book that he had picked up during a

to the Military Academy and its lacrosse program.

visit to his parents’ house. It was a very different type of publication, something not often produced by collegiate athletic departments. It wasn’t a media guide and it wasn’t a game program. It wasn’t an Annual Report and it wasn’t a solicitation piece. No, this book was something more like an item you’d see living

We featured one former head coach, two current head coaches with strong West Point familial bloodlines, and finally we highlighted a pair of former administrators that have positively impacted the lives of thousands of cadets. Many of those profiled within these pages have served the

inside a doctor’s office or a personal den. This publication,

public tirelessly, for a wide variety of causes, some here at West Point

developed by the Notre Dame athletic department, served as a high-

and others in their own communities.

end collection of profiles celebrating the lives of 20 individuals with

Some have dealt with personal hardships in their lives — from

strong ties to Notre Dame’s athletic program. In each case, the

the wretched disease, Body Myositis, to the dire diagnosis of a brain

personality featured had overcome great odds, dealt with personal

tumor.

hardship, or gone far out of their way in terms of service. In many cases, the subjects had placed checks in all three blocks. “Do you think we could produce something like this?” Boo asked, sliding the book across his office meeting table. The answer from the staff members gathered was a resounding, “Yes!” Just like that, the concept of Mission First was born. Boo liked the criteria established by Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick when considering potential feature subjects for Notre Dame’s special endeavor, but added a West Point twist. “When considering our story possibilities, let’s search for the

Several have traveled to the farthest reaches of this world of ours, far away from American soil, with the ultimate goal of improving the welfare of others planted firmly in their mind. All have the common thread of selfless service woven deeply into the fabric of their lives. We hope you enjoy the writing in this debut edition of Mission First. All literary work was completed by a talented staff of writers currently or previously employed in West Point’s Office of Athletic Communications. Many have earned awards for their journalistic prowess over the years. They are excited to share these special

same kind of subjects — those individuals with strong ties to Army’s

stories and have worked hard to poignantly detail their amazing

athletic department who have overcome strong odds, dealt with

subjects.

personal hardship or gone far out of their way in terms of service — but let’s also focus on those individuals that have demonstrated the character and virtues of West Point throughout their lives.” So we set out to identify 19 special examples of individuals with

We also hope you appreciate the photographic work contained here. Our goal was to capture the true essence of our subjects in their own environments, wherever that might be. And so you’ll find photos from faraway lands like the Middle East and Germany, and

ties to the athletic department that have lived a life of Duty, Honor,

still others from our own back yard along the banks of the mighty

Country, that have allowed the character and virtues of West Point to

Hudson.

serve as a moral compass throughout their lives, that have always placed the mission before all else. The title for this book followed naturally — Mission First. our inaugural edition of this publication. appropriate, a release date that would follow commencement

We hope this book finds a prominent place in your den or living room, a noted resting area on your favorite bookshelf or work desk. For the individuals spotlighted on these pages have filled a special place in many of our lives, whether we knew their names before

exercises at the United States Military Academy. As West Point added

reading their inspiring stories or not. They are the brightest beacons

another link to the Long Gray Line, Mission First would detail the

of light who have helped make this world better by positioning the

stories of some most responsible for strengthening that chain.

greater good before all else, by always placing the mission first.

The process to identify those featured in Mission First was

For that we should remain forever grateful.

from administrators, to coaches and athletes, alike, for subject

by Bob Beretta

candidates. We began forming a lengthy list of potential subjects, and

Executive Athletic Director

carefully whittled the count before settling on our final group of 19

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thorough. We solicited all members of the athletic department —

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We felt a late-summmer printing for the book would be most

editions.

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No other words are needed to describe the subjects featured in

Your feedback about our new endeavor is much appreciated, and we are always poised to receive potential story ideas for future

profiles.

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Paige Brink E TurnIng The PAIge By Christian Anderson

s she sits inside Arvin Gymnasium and reminisces about her Army swimming career, Paige Brink cannot help but smile. Not many athletes in any sport are able

to go out on top, the way that she did at the 2012 Patriot League Swimming and Diving

Championships. The vivacious Brink, who instantly lights up any room she walks into, had a hand in shattering six Academy records at the conference championships en route to earning a spot on the All-Patriot League first team for the second time in her decorated career. A native of Markle, Ind., Brink capped her remarkable weekend at the Patriot League meet by winning the 100-yard freestyle in a school-record time of 50.74 seconds. She also broke Army standards in the 200-yard individual medley (2:04.64) and 200-yard freestyle (1:50.08). In addition to her individual success, Brink was also a part of three Black Knight relay teams that took down school records. She helped obliterate Academy marks in the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:34.62), 200-yard medley relay (1:46.18) and 800-yard freestyle relay (7:35.14). “The Academy records are amazing,” says Brink. “I especially love that we set so many relay records, because those actually might stay around for a while. I love relay records because it shows four girls working together to do something really big. At the same time, I grew up believing that records are meant to be broken. I hope they stay up there for a little bit, but I won’t be at all disappointed if they don’t.” After all was said and done, Brink had racked up an astounding 51 points at Patriots and helped Army achieve its highest score at the league meet (422.5) since the 2005 squad totaled 446 markers. The lone senior on the 2011-12 squad, and one of the team’s cocaptains, Brink also took some satisfaction in leading the young Black Knights to their best Patriot League Championship performance in seven years. effortlessly through the water, it is sometimes hard to imagine that less than two years prior Brink burst onto the scene as a freshman, breaking five individual “Plebe” records and earning a spot on the All-Patriot League first team. She also copped the conference’s Female Rookie of the Meet award after authoring three top-six finishes at the championships. The butterfly and freestyle specialist continued her standout career as a sophomore, earning All-Patriot League second-team plaudits after scoring points in six different events at feel soreness in her left shoulder. When the decision was made to go ahead with the surgery, Brink was overcome by emotion. It was at that moment that she saw her entire swimming career, which began when

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the conference meet. But it was near the end of that sophomore season that Brink began to

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she underwent surgery to alleviate soreness that developed in her left shoulder.

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Brink’s natural ability is obvious to anyone who sees her swim. When watching her move

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“In a perfect world, I wouldn’t have gotten injured and I would have made it to NCAAs. But the biggest learning experience of my life has been my injury. At times, it was the most defeating thing I’ve ever experienced, but coming back from it has been the most rewarding thing in the world.” — Paige Brink

she was five years old, flash before her eyes. “I simply could not believe it,” says Brink, who had visions of qualifying for the

pool and swam for them, it was the best feeling ever.” The ultra-competitive Brink was unable

“Even though I didn’t do well at Patriots that year, I did better than I thought I would after only having two months in the water,”

Olympics following her outstanding

to round into top form in time for Patriots,

says Brink. “It ended up being a really, really

freshman season. “I was supposed to go to

and she failed to earn all-conference honors

good year.”

the NCAA Championships, and I was

for the first time in her career, but just being

supposed to break Patriot League records.

back in the pool and competing at the

When the injury happened and we decided

conference meet after several months away

After seeing how fragile her career was,

to opt for surgery I was completely

from the sport made it worthwhile.

and how quickly it all could be taken away,

Her tumultuous junior season set the stage for a memorable senior campaign.

devastated and very shocked.” Brink was further discouraged when the scheduled six-to-eight week rehabilitation lasted twice as long and she was forced to miss the entire first half of her junior season. “The surgery was invasive, and the doctors told me that would help me heal faster,” she says. “Then, I didn’t recover, and I didn’t have a lot of flexibility in my shoulder. What was supposed to be six-to-eight weeks turned out to be an entire semester of me trying to figure out why my shoulder wasn’t flexible anymore, and why I couldn’t work with it like I was used to. “At that point, I started thinking that something went wrong, and actually thought that I might need another surgery. I began to think my swimming career was over. I thought that I was never going to recapture the form I had established as a freshman, and that was terrifying.” All of her doubt and frustration melted away, though, when she got back into the competition pool for the first time since the surgery in January 2011. “My first meet back was amazing,” says Brink. “None of the girls were around my freshman year, so when I finally got in the

Paige stands on the medal podium after winning the 100-yard freestyle at the 2012 Patriot League Championships in Annapolis, Md.

Brink soaked up every single moment she had with her team in the pool as a “Firstie.” Brink’s final season, which culminated in her winning the last individual event of her career, the 100-yard freestyle at the Patriot

water I told myself that no one was going to

“In a perfect world, I wouldn’t have

take this from me. I’d been waiting four years

gotten injured and I would have made it to

to get a first-place medal, and I’d been so

NCAAs,” reflects Brink. “But the biggest

close a couple different times. “I think it proved to everyone that I had

learning experience of my life has been my injury. At times, it was the most defeating

League Championships, was difficult for

toughed it out and made it through,” adds

thing I’ve ever experienced, but coming

anyone to envision after all she had endured.

Brink. “To come back after the surgery and

back from it has been the most rewarding thing in the world. I wouldn’t change that experience, that challenge and what I’ve

the ups and downs she had experienced

always have that little gold Patriot League

learned from it, for anything.”

over the previous 18 months was a little

medal, which is the biggest thing that’s ever

surreal for Brink. She finished ninth in the

happened to me.”

100 free at the conference meet as a junior,

Brink admits that she would have liked

Brink graduated from West Point in 2012, owning 10 Academy records, five “Plebe” standards and that one elusive

to have had a shot at the NCAA

Patriot League gold medal. And it’s a safe

determination, found a way to take gold in

Championships, and sometimes wonders

bet to assume that big shining smile remains

where her swimming career might have

painted on her face even today. ★

that same event 12 months later. “Standing up there on the podium felt amazing,” says Brink. “When I dove into the

gone had she not been injured and forced to undergo surgery.

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but through her grit, hard work and

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win an event was such a huge triumph for me over the injury. It was incredible. Now, I’ll

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Standing on top of the medal stand as the 100-yard freestyle champion after all of

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Peter Carey E MAn on A MIssIon By Tracy nelson

sk Peter Carey about his days at West Point and he’s quick to tell you he was a back-up quarterback for four years and barely saw the field. Ask others who know

Peter Carey and they will tell you he was and remains a consummate leader and teammate. Carey spent his formative years growing up in Simsbury, Conn., and playing pick-up

football with the neighborhood kids. He always knew he could put some zip on the ball and eventually ended up being Simsbury High School’s starting signal caller in each of his final two seasons. Carey doubled as a team captain during his senior year, just scratching the surface of a life of leadership that would follow. For Carey, whose grandfather served in World War II, the military had always been something intriguing sitting in the back of his mind. “Some boys want to grow up to be a policeman or fireman,” he says. “I guess I grew up wanting to be a soldier. Once I started getting a bit older, my curiosity got me researching more about leadership and the importance of the military. I was really attracted to the idea of becoming an officer.” Midway through his senior year at Simsbury, Carey was accepted to and planned to attend the Virginia Military Institute. With his bags half-packed for Lexington, Va., he was offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy Prep School (USMAPS) and 18-year-old Carey had a huge decision to make. He chose to forgo his plans to attend VMI in favor of a prep year with the aspiration of gaining admission to the United States Military Academy. Carey “walked on” to the football team at USMAPS and used the year to grow and mature both mentally and physically. On a trip to the Academy, he recalls thinking, “It is one heck of a stretch for me to play here.” The following fall, Carey earned a roster spot at West Point under head coach Jim Young “I was a perennial back-up who kicked, scratched and clawed my way up to third

to excel in. “Of course the goal was to play, but as you get older, you realize being part of a team helps you in so many ways later in life,” Carey says. “I learned more about leadership at Michie Stadium than anywhere else. It’s all about getting people to work together towards a a part of who you are.” Carey’s four-year teammate, starting offensive lineman, Steve Chalout (USMA ’92), says “Pete didn’t see the field much, but he never lost focus on how important his role on our team

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common goal and fighting through adversity. Being a cadet, that ‘never-quit’ attitude becomes

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string,” Carey recalls with the utmost humility cutting through his voice. “By the time I was a junior, I had a pretty good arm. But I knew the wishbone was not an offense that I was going

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and continued to hold down that position over the next four years.

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“One of my former classmates was in charge of Infantry personnel. I remember calling him at 11 o’clock on September 12. I said, ‘If you need me to come back in, I’m healthy and ready to go.’” — Peter Carey

was. His job was to get me and the rest of the

company in Northern California for about a

prior and simply wanted to talk about a

starters prepared to go against a passing

year, Carey began his first year of business

couple of things. The following day, he

quarterback. He did it with great success

school at the University of Southern

received a phone call back from Maj. Henry

week-in and week-out.”

California (USC). A summer internship at

Pettit, head officer for recruitment in the state

Commissioned as second lieutenants,

Bear Stearns in New York City eventually led

of New York, and who ironically had served

Carey, Chalout and the rest of their

to a job after his completion of a Master of

with Carey five years prior.

teammates tossed their hats to the Michie

Business Administration from USC.

Stadium sky in May 1992. Carey, who branched Infantry, soon

sector, Carey’s sense of duty never wavered.

attended Airborne School, Officer Basic

He was a student at USC when the events of

Course and Ranger School before eventually

Sept. 11, 2001, silenced the nation.

joining the 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Brigade

“One of my former classmates was in

at Fort Hood, Texas. As a mechanized

charge of Infantry personnel. I remember

platoon leader and executive officer, his

calling him at 11 o’clock on September 12,”

The two met for lunch at Smith and Wollensky in midtown Manhattan where Carey made his intentions clear. “It wasn’t like I thought I alone was going to make a difference,” he says. “I just felt I had something to contribute.” “I didn’t tell anyone about this until it was a ‘done-deal’ because I wanted it to be my

infantry company was deployed to Kuwait as

he recalls. “I said, ‘If you need me to come

decision,” says Carey, who was still single at

part of a rapid deployment force in 1995.

back in, I’m healthy and ready to go.’ ”

the time. “Once I did, a lot of people thought

With his first taste of a short deployment

Carey’s was one of about 200 similar

under way, Carey made the decision to

phone calls the personnel officer said he

extend the minimum five-year active duty

had already received that morning.

commitment all cadets must make. He

“I hung up the phone and thought to

returned to Fort Benning, Ga., for additional

myself, ‘Wow. That kind of commitment to

training and was promoted to captain. Carey

the nation, especially in time of peril, says

spent the better part of the next two years

a great deal about West Point and the

in Korea.

individuals that graduate from there,” he says.

Carey was selected to serve in the Joint Security Area of the demilitarized zone

Carey’s professional career, meanwhile, was going well. He was enjoying success as

between North and South Korea. He was an

a bond salesman with Bear Stearns in the

assistant operations officer of the most

early stages of a very successful career in

forward deployed American unit on the

the fast-paced New York financial world.

peninsula, with responsibility for maintaining

“The war kept ticking on in Iraq and it

the integrity of Pammunjom. He then

wasn’t going as well as people wanted it to

became a company commander of an air

go,” Carey says. “As I talked to more and

assault light infantry company in the 2nd

more guys, it became obvious to me that

Infantry Division.

they needed people. The burden of

Carey returned stateside with the idea

responsibility was falling on fewer and fewer

that he would soon turn the page on his

soldiers. Units were just turning around and

military career and begin the civilian

going back.”

chapter of his life. He spent the ensuing year

When the New York National Guard

working with the 42nd Infantry Division, a

began to mobilize, Carey made a “cold call”

New York National Guard unit.

and left a voice message to say he had

After working for a high-tech services

With a bright future in the financial

worked with the National Guard five years

(PICTURED BELOW) Carey spent four years as a member of the Army football team before graduating from West Point in 1992. (PICTURED OPPOSITE) Carey on the streets of Manhattan where he now calls home.

I was crazy. I hit my family with a ton of bricks. I put them through a lot, but at the end of the day, I think they understood. “ Chalout says, “Pete’s red, white and blue blood runs very deep. While his decision

service when I got there,” Carey jokes. Stationed in one of the most war-

Common Retirement Fund’s $5 billion hedge fund portfolio. Like everything else in his life,

ravaged regions of Iraq, Carey spent the

he did so successfully amidst great adversity

majority of a nearly year-long deployment in

with the organization in the middle of a

Samarra, heading up the advisory team that

corruption scandal and the market crisis of

didn’t shock me, I was honored to know a

worked hand-in-hand with an Iraqi Army

2008. For his efforts, he and his team were

guy who would take that type of stance.”

battalion.

recognized by Institutional Investor as “Best

In addition to Chalout, Carey called

“That’s where the rubber met the road,

Public Plan Hedge Fund Program Of 2010.”

another close friend and former classmate,

Carey recalls. “You’re on the ground in a

Scott Belveal (USMA ’92), to tell him about

tough part of the country in a very

propel Cary into his current position as a

the decision. The two had been friends for

demanding counter-insurgency fight. There

principal with Archview Investment Group.

That resounding achievement helped

nearly two decades at that point, having met

were a lot of guys who served in Samarra

He also got married. He and his wife, Abby,

while both playing football at USMAPS.

over the years to include a lot of West

now reside in Manhattan and are expecting

Pointers, and every one of them knows

their first child in August 2013.

“Pete always held the idea of service to this nation in a very high regard,” Belveal that he thought he could help out and make Carey hadn’t put on a military uniform

continues. “Some of them were on their second and third tours. Yet mission after

board member on the Investment Committee for the West Point Endowment. While the casual Army football fan may not remember Peter Carey for gaudy

in five years, but within a matter of a few

mission, day after day, I asked them to go

statistics or wins over Navy, they should take

months he left Bear Stearns, raised his hand

deeper into their well of courage and they

notice of his name now. After experiencing a

in a New York City armory and had orders to

always responded. It was an honor to serve

call to duty and having the fortitude to act

report to Fort Drum, N.Y., for a month-long

with them.”

upon it, he is the epitome of what West

By August 3, Carey touched down in Kuwait and three days later he arrived in Iraq. “I felt every bit of my age and break in

Carey touched back on U.S. soil and

Point’s mission is all about. The Academy

returned to Bear Stearns to resume his

should be proud to call Peter Carey one of

financial career. He then received a career

its own. ★

opportunity to restructure the New York

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training on July 5, 2005.

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a difference. That’s who Pete is.”

“The guys I served with on the advisory team were simply outstanding,” he

Carey also continues his service as a

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says. “The circumstances had become such

what I am talking about.

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Dick edell E BIg MAn on CAMPus By Mady salvani

ational Lacrosse Hall of Famer Dick Edell, affectionately known as “Big Man,” is one

of collegiate lacrosse’s all-time winningest coaches. However, the battles he fought

on the sidelines are nothing compared to what he’s faced every day since being diagnosed in 2001 with Body Myositis — a wretched disease that gradually destroys muscle fiber and tissues. The disabling medical condition hasn’t changed Edell’s zest for life, though. He always

has a story to tell, a smile on his face and a laughter that comes from deep within. That makes you forget his illness as you listen to him spin a yarn from his treasure chest of stories. One of the most respected and beloved coaches in the game of collegiate lacrosse, Edell spent over 29 years on the sidelines at West Point and the University of Maryland, reaching the NCAA Final Four six times and playing in three NCAA Finals. During his seven seasons at Army and 18 at Maryland, he coached in two of the largest rivalries in the nation — Army vs. Navy and Johns Hopkins vs. Maryland. When Edell was elected to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2004, he became the 11th member associated with the Army lacrosse program to be so honored. His 282 career wins ranked fifth on the all-time NCAA charts. He patrolled Army’s sideline from 1977 to 1983, posting a 66-24 mark and leading the Black Knights to the NCAA Tournament four times overall, including each of his final three seasons at West Point. The two-time national Coach of the Year, once at Army and once at Maryland, was never an assistant coach. Edell made his coaching debut as the freshman mentor at Towson University, his alma mater. His first head coaching position was at the University of MarylandBaltimore County (UMBC). Edell left his mark at Army as a leader and mentor to cadets at an institution that breeds leaders. “When I first came to West Point in 1977, the lacrosse position was under the Office of Al Rushatz.” instructor in one of four sports — boxing, wrestling, gymnastics or swimming — and it entailed working six days a week, Monday through Saturday. “At 6-5 and over 220 pounds, I couldn’t see myself in gymnastics,” Edell recalls. “Since I was managing a pool that summer, I was sent to Denny Forbes, head of the swimming committee, to be tested. I told him I didn’t have a suit. Denny threw me a rubber band would have dropped dead if I was seen. After the pool test, I was told I would be a good wrestling instructor.” Edell got a reprieve the following year with the arrival of Gen. (ret.) Ray Murphy as the

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(Speedo). I changed downstairs and set a speed record from the locker room to the pool. I

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Edell was hired, but in addition to coaching, he would also serve as a physical education

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Physical Education,” explains Edell. “I interviewed with Jim Anderson and his deputy,

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“I enjoyed coaching and miss doing something I loved for 35 years with people I enjoyed doing it with. Do I miss it? … Damn right! But you deal with what you are faced with and that is what I am doing.” — Dick Edell

head of West Point’s Office of the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Murphy wanted

better place to raise his children. “I never before or never after coached

basketball head coach from 1975-80). He said ‘Remember one thing — the first

Edell to take over the soccer program with

kids that played the game as hard as they

tendency when you see these guys at 4

the retirement of Army’s legendary head

did at Army,” adds Edell. “This was a group

o’clock is to put your arm around them and

coach Joe Palone. Murphy had checked out

of kids that was so close, and that closeness

comfort them a little bit because they have

Edell’s resume that showed he was equally

is still evident today.”

been hassled all day. You want to be the

successful in that sport, having led UMBC to the Division II national title in 1975. “I agreed to do both sports and it was

When Edell took over as Army’s

loudest voice they hear that day. You have to

lacrosse coach, he retained the coaching

fight off that impulse to ease up. You want to

staff because all were in the military. He

be as demanding.’ Had I not heard that from

inherited Dave Slafkosky and former Army

Mike and gone off to practice, especially

Edell. “For three years I was the head coach

attackman Tommy Cafaro, one of the most

with the ‘Plebes,’ we never would have

for two sports and was going all year long

prolific scorers in school history.

achieved what we did.”

one of the hardest things I ever did,” says

between in-season and out-of-season sports. They were the three fastest years of my life.

“It was a blessing because I had

With the success Edell enjoyed at West

Tommy, who lived it as a student and an

Point, Maryland came calling and would not

My kids went from ages three to six and I

athlete, and ‘Slof,’ who had already worked it.

take no for an answer.

don’t remember four and five.”

They helped me bridge the gap from a

West Point proved to be a special place for Edell and his family. He felt privileged to coach the kind of young men that West Point produces, and as a family man, there was no

“The hardest decision I ever made in

civilian college to West Point, and I don’t

my life was to leave West Point,” he states.

think we skipped a beat.

“Maryland gave me everything I asked for

“The best piece of coaching advice came from Mike Krzyzewski (Army

at the interview, and it was a chance to come home. My dad had passed away prior to that, and to come back for my mom and give her a chance to watch her grandchildren grow up was a part of that decision. It was very tough to leave West Point, and it is a place that will always be a part of our life even though we were only there for seven years.” Edell continued that success for 18 years at Maryland, leading the Terps to six Final Fours and three National Championship games. It was a different environment for Edell and his family at College Park. But at the height of his success at Maryland, Edell started noticing how difficult it was to get in and out of his car. Walking upstairs became very challenging and he started losing his balance at times. “My leg would give out and I would fall down,” admits Edell. “I was embarrassed to talk about it, sort of hiding it. I fell down a few times and my wife, Delores, saw it and said

that we have to get this checked out. It was in

stepped down my leg gave out and I fell out

the fall and I said I would check on it during

of the pulpit. Delores said, ‘That’s it, you are

Christmas vacation. When that time came,

going to the doctor tomorrow.’ ”

I pushed it back to the summer.” Edell’s situation worsened. When Slafkosky’s oldest son was killed in an

Edell wanted to keep his condition a secret, so the Maryland athletic trainer set up an appointment in Baltimore. On the first

automobile accident, Dick was asked to

weekend of May 2001, Edell, his wife and his

do the eulogy for the coach’s son.

mother heard the doctor’s prognosis.

“I was in the pulpit of a Catholic Church in Gainesville, Md. — foreign territory to me.

“The good news is it is not going to kill you, but it is going to cripple you,” said the

I thought I would be struck by lightning. It

doctor. “The bad news is there is no cure.”

was very emotional and after I finished and

Over the summer Edell made a decision that he would step down from coaching.

(PICTURED BELOW AND RIGHT) Dick served as Army’s head lacrosse coach for seven years before holding the same role at the University of Maryland for 18 years. (PICTURED OPPOSITE) The Edell family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner in November 2011.

“I have always asked for 110 percent of anyone who has ever played for me, but also I have always been willing to give 110 percent to them. I could not do that anymore.” In the fall of 2001, Edell resigned, leaving the sport he loved with a great deal of dignity. “Honestly it was a relief when I made that decision in a lot of ways. It was the greatest weight off my shoulders that I carried for over a year as I kept trying to hide something. Now, I could focus on the situation. “I enjoyed coaching and miss doing something I loved for 35 years with people I enjoyed doing it with. Do I miss it? … Damn right! But you deal with what you are faced with and that is what I am doing.” Edell worked with a Maryland radio station for a short period, an enjoyable time for him. But even that became difficult as his condition worsened, forcing him to use a motorized wheelchair.

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The “Big Man,” who underwent a heart procedure in the spring of 2012, still enjoys and five grandchildren, his former players and friends. If you think you are having a bad day and need someone to pick you up, just make a phone call to Edell. He will find a way to cheer you up with his captivating Even the wicked disease that has claimed many of his past motor skills cannot steal that away. ★

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sense of humor.

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every day, helped by his family, four children

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rich ellerson E AnswerIng The CAll By Christian Anderson

ich Ellerson sits at his desk and gazes out his window at historic Michie Stadium. He doesn’t get too many of these quiet moments, but when he does, he almost always

seems to find himself thinking about what a tremendous honor it is to preside over one of the most tradition-rich programs in all of college football. It is during these times of internal reflection that Army’s fifth-year head football coach often thinks about his life’s journey and how he ended up on the banks of the Hudson River.

Ellerson’s coaching career, which spans five decades, was spent primarily on the other side of the country. He calls Tucson, Ariz., home and he attended the University of Hawai’i. But despite numerous ties to the west coast, Ellerson has always had a soft spot in his heart for West Point. It probably should not come as much of a surprise to those who truly know Ellerson that he ended up at the United States Military Academy. Most who know where he came from understand that Ellerson was born to coach at West Point and lead the Army football team. Ellerson, whose father graduated from West Point in 1935, was born in Japan and grew up in an Army home. His older brothers, John and Jeffrey, were classmates at the Academy and graduated together in the spring of 1963. John spent a year at the U.S. Military Academy Prep School before starring on the Army football team. He capped his gridiron career as team captain of the 1962 squad before going on to become a major general in the U.S. Army. Jeffrey, meanwhile, arrived at the Academy directly out of high school and became a brigade boxer at West Point. Following graduation, he served a long military career before retiring as a full colonel. Rich Ellerson was just four years old when John was off at West Point enjoying his standout football career. The Ellerson family was overseas during the time both John and Jeffrey were at the Academy, and they were unable to make it to West Point to watch John play. “fields of friendly strife” and those who did not. football career at West Point,” says Rich. “John and Jeff were both real heroes to us. Growing up in an Army home, all of my heroes were West Point grads.” Ellerson, who played college football at Hawai’i, began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater in 1977. After nearly 25 years of coaching, Ellerson ended up at California Polytechnic State powerhouse during his seven seasons as head coach in San Luis Obispo. Throughout his career, Ellerson continually kept tabs on the Army football program. He had grown up as an Army fan, and he simply could not turn that off.

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University, where he built the Mustangs into a Football Championship Subdivision

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“I was just becoming aware as a child while John is having this ‘Oh-my-goodness’

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No matter, young Rich looked up to West Pointers, both those who competed on the

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— Rich Ellerson

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“I have the same job description as the guys in the Department of Physical Education and the guys in the Physics department. The first line in all of our job descriptions is exactly the same: Build leaders of character. That, to me, growing up in an Army family and a West Point family, is about as prestigious a job description as I can imagine. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

“Army Football was always something I followed,” says Ellerson. “I grew up following it, and I continued to follow it as a coach.” Before he signed his last contract at Cal Poly, Ellerson made sure that it included a provision that allowed him to leave the Mustangs’ head job for the same position at either West Point or the University of Arizona without penalty. The head coaching job at Army was always a position that intrigued Ellerson, and he figured it would be a good idea to keep that door open, just in case. That decision proved to be prophetic, because not long thereafter, Army was looking for a new head coach to lead its storied football program. When the (PICTURED ABOVE) John Ellerson (87) with Gen. Douglas MacArthur and former head football coach Paul Dietzel along the Army sideline in 1962.

When former West Point Superintendent Gen. Franklin Hagenbeck spelled out the job description for the Army head football

(PICTURED BOTTOM LEFT) John Ellerson served as Army’s team captain in 1962 before reaching the rank of major general in the U.S. Army. (PICTURED OPPOSITE) Rich Ellerson led Army to a berth in the 2010 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in just his second season at the Black Knights’ helm.

coach, the totality of it all blew Ellerson away. “His approach was that we all have the same job description,” remembers Ellerson. “I had the same job description as the guys in the Department of Physical Education and the guys in the Physics department. The first line in all of our job descriptions is exactly

Academy offered Ellerson the job, it didn’t take long for him to accept. “Part of the appeal (at West Point) is that

me, growing up in an Army family and a West Point family, is about as prestigious a job

it is a challenge,” says Ellerson. “Obviously,

description as I can imagine. It doesn’t get

we’ve struggled and it was hurtful to me that

any better than that. In my opinion, that is the

we’ve struggled so hard and so often. I grew

most prestigious job description in the world.”

up an Army fan, and I’ve always believed in

the same: Build leaders of character. That, to

It did not take long for Ellerson to get

West Point. I believe in what it does, and to

Army back on track, as the Black Knights’

be a part of that was always compelling.”

new field general led Army to its first bowl

victory in a quarter century following the 2010 campaign. Army finished a 7-6 season

Through Army slipped to 3-9 in 2011

doubt that we’re a better football team than

and 2-10 in 2012, Ellerson seems happy with

we were. We’re a more physically mature

by knocking off SMU, 16-14, in the Bell

where the program is headed as he begins

team, but we’re still going to be a relatively

Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Dallas,

his fifth season along the Black Knights’

young team. I think our success this year is

Texas. It was the Black Knights’ first

sidelines.

postseason bowl appearance in more than a decade.

“I’m pleased with the direction of the

still going to be fragile, but less so because we’re a little bit more veteran than we were a development of our younger cadets will

major bowl victories while a member of the

“We knew that 2011 was going to be

really be important this year.”

coaching staff at Arizona, but he had never

especially challenging, but we did some of

As long as Ellerson is in charge, Army

experienced anything like winning a bowl

the harder things we needed to do.

fans can rest assured knowing that the

game as the head coach of the Army team.

Unfortunately, we missed on a couple of

program is in capable hands. The Black

“That was about as good a feeling as I’ve ever had on a field after a game,” says

crucial issues that kept us from having a

Knights’ current mentor navigated his entire

chance to continue to feed that momentum.

coaching career with West Point in the back

“In terms of the recruiting and the

but I don’t know if I’ve ever felt anything quite

internal development and some of the other

things to bring Army Football back to

like that day. To see the extended Army

things we’re doing, that’s all in place,” adds

prominence. ★

football family have a gushing of emotion like

Ellerson. “The trajectory is still very positive,

that was really something to experience.”

and the arrow is going to stay up. There is no

of his mind, and he’s doing the necessary

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Ellerson. “I’ve been a part of some big wins,

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year ago. How well we manage the internal

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program, but I’m frustrated with the lack of success on the scoreboard” says Ellerson.

Ellerson had been a part of several

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Dr. Barney Forsythe E A FronTrunner For leADershIP By Pamela Flenke

n March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill gave his renowned “Iron Curtain” speech at Missouri’s Westminster College. Referencing the newly founded United Nations,

Churchill stated, “…We must be certain that our temple is built, not upon shifting sands or

quagmires, but upon a rock.” Today, Westminster College is led by President Dr. George “Barney” Forsythe, a 1970 graduate of the United States Military Academy. The solid foundation, or “rock,” of Forsythe’s life and career thus far has been a commitment to leadership. A self-proclaimed “Army brat,” Barney’s father was a career Army officer. His father’s career kept the family moving, as Barney’s formative high school years were split between Fort Benning, Ga., and Schofield Barracks, Hawai’i. Despite the transient nature of his childhood, Barney always knew what he wanted to do with his life. “I knew I wanted to be an Army officer all my life,” says Forsythe. “It was fair to say I was a late-bloomer, so I never thought I’d ever be able to go to West Point. As an ‘only child,’ I grew up with a close relationship with my parents, and from birth, I saw my father in senior leadership positions. He spent a lot of time talking about leadership and sharing his experiences with me.” An average student in high school who didn’t do much in the way of extracurricular activities, Barney discovered a talent during a fitness test sophomore year which would eventually pave the way for his admission to West Point. Forced to run the 100-yard dash in

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gym class, Barney beat out the school’s top sprinter, catching the eye of the track and field coach. By junior year, Barney was a Hawai’i state champion sprinter.

his senior year. With track merits stacking up and academics coming together, combined with his father’s aide being a West Point graduate with a personal relationship to track coach Carleton Crowell, the stars started to align for Barney and West Point. always had this sense that coach Crowell recruited ‘good kids.’ He looked for youngsters with some track talent but really looked for kids who wanted to be Army officers that he could develop into track athletes. That was the biggest break I have ever had, or at least one of the

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“As I began to develop as an athlete and mature as a student, things came together. I

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Barney’s athletic triumphs gave him the confidence to succeed in the classroom, improving his grades by the time his family was once again transferred to Fort Benning for

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“Intercollegiate athletics, when done right, can be a wonderful laboratory for developing leadership and character.”

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— Dr. Barney Forsythe

top two or three; which is why I stayed

to say I retired the 600-yard record,” jokes

company or return stateside to attend

involved with the track team when I was on

Forsythe. “I’ll never forget the morning of that

graduate school and become a teacher,

meet, coach Crowell came in and read

Forsythe chose the latter.

the faculty and staff at West Point.” Barney ran a variety of events while a

“I knew that I wanted to go back to West

member of Army’s track team, ranging from

deployed all over the world, in Vietnam and

Point,” says Forsythe. “I was one of those

the 60-yard dash to the quarter mile as well

everything, saying, ‘Go Army, Beat Navy,’

strange cadets that loved my cadet days and

as any number of relays. With “Plebes” not

wishing us good luck. It really hit home that

loved West Point. I’ve had a ‘love relationship’

allowed to compete in varsity athletics at that

this was a big family and there were people

with West Point and knew that I wanted to go

time, Barney enjoyed a successful three-year

all over the world that knew this was the

back for a teaching assignment.”

career. A number of his highlights were

Army-Navy meet and cared about what we

Barney immediately got involved with

associated with never losing a “Star Meet”

were doing. I was blown away. We set the

the track and cross country programs,

to Navy.

relay record that day.”

serving as an officer representative and

“One of my most vivid memories of

Barney still holds the indoor 600-yard

Army-Navy competition, and I have lots of

record while also being a member of the top

them, is when I set the Academy record in

mile indoor relay team.

the 600-yard run,” says Barney. “I tied it my

Barney served with the Berlin Brigade in

year down at Navy and it was their field

Germany, gaining command of a company

house record for several decades.

very early in his career as a lieutenant

the 1980s and went to the 500 meters. I’d like

scoring official at home meets when the demands of raising a family proved to be too

After graduating from West Point,

junior year at Army and broke it my senior

“They stopped running the 600 yards in

letters and telegrams from graduates

before being promoted to captain. When given the option to command a Ranger

(PICTURED BELOW) Barney (center) participates in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Jefferson Hall in September 2008. (PICTURED OPPOSITE) Forsythe (bottom row, far left) is shown in his role as Head Officer Representative for Army’s track and field squad in 1979.

strenuous to maintain the role of an officer representative. After attending the Army War College, Barney looked at the leadership program at West Point and realized there was one facet missing from the development curriculum. “We recognized we needed to add to the leadership portfolio some research activities; to not only apply knowledge locally at West Point, but to begin to generate knowledge that would inform Army policy and practice as well. We set up the Center for Leadership and Organizations Research…and began studying leadership and leader development both in the Corps of Cadets and beyond in the Army. “The Army’s approach to leadership up to the mid-1990s was a training-dominated paradigm. We began to introduce the notion of leader development as a lifespan kind of

the rank of brigadier general in 2005. The

experience which is now fully embedded in

president at Westminster College at the time

Army doctrine.”

was Fletcher Lamkin, who served as dean at

Forsythe’s work with leadership soon started to take on a global feel. The college

as well. “Coach Crowell, my track coach, was a great mentor to me early on. His approach

West Point while Forsythe was vice dean.

to leadership has been an inspiration to me.

Forsythe was tabbed Westminster’s chief

He would do his job but be very respectful.

professor was requested by the Defense

academic officer, and when Lamkin retired

He was a gentleman. He knew how to

Attaché to develop a leadership program at

in 2007, Forsythe was named interim

motivate people in a quiet, confident and

the Military Academy in Bangladesh, while

president before taking the permanent reins

competent style.

also helping to assess the problems with the

in 2008.

Los Angeles Police Department following the

“If you look at Westminster’s mission,

“Intercollegiate athletics, when done right, can be a wonderful laboratory for

the first two verbs are educate and inspire,

developing leadership and character,”

work with the LAPD ended up translating

and also contains leadership and character.

Forsythe continues. “There is a sense of

into what is now West Point’s leadership

It looks a lot like the West Point mission and I

mission and focus. There’s a sense of

L.A. riots and Rodney King controversy. His

program for police forces. Most recently, Forsythe, who was West Point’s Vice Dean at the time, traveled to Afghanistan to develop a concept for a

felt like I could learn a lot and make a

subordinating your self-interest for the

contribution at the same time.”

common good. There’s self-discipline both

Now the head of a liberal arts college of over 1,000 students, he reflects on who and

in terms of the training required and the preparation for and competing, all of

what molded him into the leader he is today.

which are really important aspects of

Point and the Air Force Academy. The

In that list, Forsythe includes his “three-star”

being a leader.”

National Military Academy of Afghanistan

General father, who wrote to him every

opened in 2005 and graduated its first class

Sunday during his cadet years, even during

in 2009.

consecutive tours in Vietnam. “I have a

college’s president, Dr. Barney Forsythe, has

collection of letters of a father mentoring a

shown how building upon a strong

was the most satisfying of my career. In a

son who wants to grow up to be an Army

foundation can help someone reach heights

very short period of time we developed a

officer. Even long distance, he was

an “Army brat” never dreamt he could. ★

model and West Point and the Air Force

my mentor.”

With the goal of becoming a dean at a

Forsythe’s years competing for the Army track team under Army Hall of Fame

liberal arts college, Forsythe retired as vice

Coach Carleton Crowell proved to be some

dean of West Point and from the Army with

of the most influential

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Academy went ‘All-In’ and made it a reality.”

More than 67 years after Churchill made his famous speech at Westminster, the

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“In many ways, that individual project

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military academy with the support of West

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lt. Col. gaylord greene E goIng The DIsTAnCe By Pamela Flenke

he 1992 Army-Navy football game ranks among the best in series history. In front of a

crowd of over 65,000 at Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium, Army overcame a 17-point

second-half deficit to beat Navy, 25-24. The win began a streak of five straight for the Black

Knights, their longest victory string in series history. What many remember from that game was Patmon Malcolm’s 49-yard game-winning field goal with 12 seconds left. But what got Army to within two points, 24-22, with just under 7:30 remaining in the final quarter remains on the record books today. Brent Musberger was calling the game for ABC Sports: “From their own 31-yard line … Roper to throw it … over the middle … wide open was Gaylord Greene! And Greene takes it for the touchdown! 68 yards! And Gaylord Greene, from Santa Ana, California, has given West Point a fresh life.” Gaylord Greene’s 68-yard touchdown catch from Rick Roper goes down as Army’s longest pass play ever in an Army-Navy game. The long pass is practically a foreign concept to fans of the service academies, just as much now as it was back then. In 2012, the Black Knights and Midshipmen ranked last and fourth-to-last, respectively, among all 120 Football Bowl Championship Subdivision programs in passing yards per game. In 1992, it wasn’t much different. Army ranked third from the bottom. Now, 20 years later, when asking Greene about the play, he’s humbled by it. “I was a blocking receiver, that’s why I was so open!” Greene jokes. “The biggest thing I carry with me is that I had the opportunity to do something for my team, to really contribute. It was my last game and as a receiver, it was my only touchdown. I take that with me.

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“But right now, it’s for my kids. Every now and then they can see it on ESPN Classic, which is awesome for them. I just think of the kids being able to do that and how we’re blessed.” up in Santa Ana, Greene had no prior military service in his family and his only interaction with the military was with Marines stationed at nearby Camp Pendleton and Tustin Marine Base. In 1983, Army and Navy played their first and only game west of the Mississippi River, 40 miles north of Santa Ana in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl.

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It wasn’t a straight road that brought Greene to the east coast in the fall of 1988. Growing

“There were a couple key things that got me to look at the Army. When they played the (United States Military Academy) Prep School. I was also selected to go to California Boys State my junior year, where there was a West Point recruiter. That was one of my first contacts.”

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Army-Navy game at the Rose Bowl, bringing it to the west coast; and my brother attending the

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“Sometimes you’ll meet folks in eighth grade who say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know this existed and I want it,’ and you watch them matriculate. In some cases, kids who would have never had the opportunity if someone hadn’t reached out to them, and that’s what’s awesome about the [minority outreach] program.” — Lt. Col. Gaylord Greene

Despite Army football coaches visiting

come to a place you don’t know anything

Greene’s high school, Orange Lutheran, he

about but yet you keep taking it a minute, an

wasn’t recruited. Greene attended the U.S.

hour, a day, a week, a month at a time and

Military Academy Prep School like his older

next thing you know, you’ve gone through

brother, but was more interested in track, as

this awesome process. And you can’t put it

West Point’s head coach, Ron Bazil, had

all together because to you, you just went

shown him interest. But after a late growth

through it a day at a time.

spurt, Greene gave up on his track career and focused on football. “I ran at the prep school but gave it up after that. I got too big. I got to the prep

“As a ‘Plebe,’ you’re going through it and you can’t look around, you’re always ‘eyes forward.’ Then you go to practice and just making eye contact with someone can

school at about six-feet tall, 180 pounds and

make your day, in the context of West Point.

left six-foot-three and over 200.”

West Point teaches you to be communal and

Greene went on to play three seasons of football at West Point, capped by that ever-

build relationships because that’s what you have to do here.You build relationships or you

famous play. But like many cadets, his

fail. Especially as a football player. They’re

experience wasn’t without challenges and

just another family. It’s one of the largest

difficulties. He credits the relationships he

teams on campus and that’s how many

built along the way with getting him through

brothers you have. You take care of each

those rough patches.

other and assure that everyone is competing

“From Reception Day, you learn from ‘reporting to the man in the red sash.’ You

towards that ultimate goal of winning.” With the addition of his teammates, coaches and officer representatives, Greene credits Col. Fred Black as one of his main mentors while attending West Point. “He was my mentor since ‘Day One’. He monitored me, kept me on the right path and knew things I didn’t think he knew. Now that I’m back at West Point, I know how he knew!”

Hudson, Greene served as a minority admissions officer. “My view of West Point changed when I returned to work with minority admissions,” says Greene, who currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. “As a mid-grade officer I was put in the middle of the strategic part of West Point. The mission of minority admissions is to ensure our officer corps reflects our military.”

jokes Greene. Today, Greene is that all-knowing adviser to countless cadets. He returned to West Point in 2003 with a master’s degree in business administration from James Madison University after spending time at Fort Sill, Okla., Fort Lewis, Wash., Copenhagen, and Germany. Upon his return to the banks of the

(PICTURED AT LEFT) Gaylord is shown at Basic Training ceremonies at Fort Benning in March 2012. (PICTURED ABOVE) Greene earned two varsity letters in football during his career as a West Point cadet. (PICTURED OPPOSITE) Gaylord roams the playing field at Fort Benning in March 2012 prior to Army’s spring football game.

Greene has spent time with cadet candidates throughout the United States, Europe, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. “A lot of those kids go on to the prep school,

nature of his job, but remains committed to

experience, my time at West Point and in the

working with the cadets.

military has really afforded me the ability to

“On a daily basis, my challenges change; it’s whatever fire is going to come

have a battery of folks as mentors.” While Greene is no longer making

then to West Point, and now I’m at the point

up. It could be that one of our recruits got

game-changing touchdown catches, he is

where those folks are lieutenants and

injured and now isn’t qualified medically —

going the distance with West Point’s Corps of

captains and majors, which makes me feel

what do we do? It could be our cadets’ six-

Cadets, building relationships to strengthen

really old,” jokes Greene. “But you can see

week grade reports — making sure they’re

the Long Gray Line. After all, it was the

the development process and it’s rewarding

doing what they need to do. Or getting an

strength of the relationships he made

beyond measure, to really be where it starts,

athletic intern — helping them focus and

throughout his time here that got him

manage where they’re going. It changes

through and keeps him going today.

and admissions is the core of it. “Sometimes you’ll meet folks in eighth grade who say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know this existed and I want it,’ and you watch them

daily but I enjoy it. It’s fun.”

“Those relationships made me work

And while countless cadets can rely on

harder to make sure I was doing what I

Greene to be their advisor, the former Army

needed to do to be here and stay here

matriculate. In some cases, kids who would

wide receiver says he maintains the same

and perform well here. You remember

have never had the opportunity if someone

type of relationships with those who have

the games — the wins, the losses, and

hadn’t reached out to them, and that’s what’s

guided him throughout the years.

awesome about the program.” One of the products of the minority

“As you get older and your scope of

you remember the hard work. But I really go back to relationships. You remember

influence becomes more diverse, your

the friends you would do anything for.

outreach program was former football

mentorship and your sounding boards

That’s what I take most out of my time

standout Josh McNary (USMA ’11). McNary,

become just as diverse. Part of my job

at West Point.” ★

who graduated as the Black Knights’ all-time sacks leader and was recently signed to a free agent contract by the Indianapolis Colts, wasn’t a result of football recruiting, but rather got involved with West Point through attending a minority admissions event before visiting the Academy and then “walking on” to the USMAPS team. Greene playfully calls McNary his recruit. “We still have a special relationship today; we’ve maintained that mentorship despite my responsibilities now,” says Greene. “And it’s not just him or just minority players, it’s all players. Working with operations and helping the cadets navigate because I know sometimes the perception is

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that football players are getting out of stuff, but it’s quite the opposite. They’re doing a lot that. That’s what we try to do and assure that they are successful.” With his responsibilities now shifted away from minority admissions to operations

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more, and you have to help them manage

with the football team, as well as admission basketball, hockey and lacrosse programs, Greene enjoys the constantly changing

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matters with the men’s and women’s

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Dick hall E A legenD In hIs own rIghT By Mady salvani

t was 43 years ago when a 20-year-old Vietnam veteran, Dick Hall, was looking for a fresh

career start after serving his country during a time of war. A native of Highland Falls, N.Y.,

Hall found a job opportunity in the Army Athletic Association equipment room where he supplied essential gear for cadet-athletes who were preparing to become the United States Army’s future leaders at the U.S. Military Academy. Hall, who is set to retire from the Army Athletic Association this fall, loved his job from the

start and turned the opportunity into a satisfying career. He began on Nov. 30, 1970, the Monday after the Army-Navy football game. His office was in Arvin Gymnasium, where Hall’s personal touch, respect and pride in the cadets he served made it all worthwhile. It wasn’t easy. There was gear to prepare, uniforms, helmets, and other equipment to hand out on a daily basis. Doing 500 pounds of laundry was also part of a day’s work. Today, spread sheets and scanners help alleviate a percentage of the work that keeps the staff busy outfitting 25 intercollegiate athletic teams throughout the year. But the everyday process is still the same. Army athletes pick up and return athletic gear and equipment. Clothes still need to be laundered. Hall continues to greet cadets and visitors the same way he did on his first day on the job 43 years ago — with a firm handshake and a genuine smile. Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen, a former football star and now the Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, described why Hall is so exceptional. “Dick is a special person,” says Caslen. “He is a lifetime friend to all of us old Army football players. He was always cheerful and always optimistic. We knew Dick was there supporting Army Football, whether winning

lifetime friend to us old players, he epitomizes the ethic of selfless service, and duty to nation. He is a legend in his own right.” Caslen’s complimentary words along with the notes that Hall has received over the years from former athletes helped make the job special in spite of the downside. At times it was a “I missed a lot of time with my children when they were growing up,” recalls Hall. “Over the years I invited players, who I considered my sons, over to my house for dinner, and my daughter, Kelly, would call them her uncles.

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seven-day-a-week job taking away from time for his family.

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“Even after we all graduated, Dick would keep in touch. And especially when we were deployed, we knew Dick would keep us motivated and informed of all that was going on. A

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or losing, and in rain or in snow. Dick was reliable, dependable and a caring person with a huge heart!

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“He is a lifetime friend to all of us old Army football players. He was always cheerful and always optimistic. We knew Dick was there supporting Army Football, whether winning or losing, and in rain or in snow. Dick was reliable, dependable and a caring person with a huge heart! ” — Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen

“It was a great environment for my

remembers their cadet days at West Point.

military police, and his father felt he should

children. My son (Kenny) and daughter are

Dempsey starred in cross country and track;

continue his career in law enforcement.

both teachers in the Highland Falls school

Odierno played baseball and football; and

system. Being around the athletes rubbed off

Rodriguez lettered in football.

on them and had a positive influence as both also coach sports in addition to teaching.”

Hall’s easy-going manner provided a

I was not interested in becoming a state trooper,” says Hall. “A friend of mine, Annie

long-lasting friendship to those young men

Ruscelli, heard about an opening in the

and women that played a formidable role in

equipment room. I went in two days later,

flags from former players. There are 17

their maturation process as cadets, officers

applied for the job and was hired.”

General Officers in the U.S. Army numbered

and leaders of our country.

Hall’s office is adorned with letters and

among a never-ending list of Army athletes he calls his extended family. Among them

In January 2007, Odierno sent Hall a flag that had flown over the Multi-National

Hall worked for Roy Cooper for three years before taking over from him in 1973. While Hall was busy learning the everyday

are three of the highest ranking officers in

Corps Iraq Headquarters in Bagdad. His

responsibilities involved in taking care of 800

the U.S. Army, including Gen. Martin

note read, “It is one of Saddam’s old Palaces.

athletes, he developed a friendship with the

Dempsey (USMA ’74), Chairman of the Joint

It’s known as Camp Victory! Thanks for all

cadets he saw on a daily basis with his

Chiefs of Staff; Gen. Ray Odierno (USMA

your support. You are a great friend.”

closest bonds formed with the members

’76), Army Chief of Staff; and Gen. David Rodriguez (USMA ’76), Commanding General, U.S. Africa Command. Hall still

The next month, Hall received a note from Maj. Gen. Fuzzy Webster (USMA ‘74)

of the football team. “I would see the players every day

stating, “Thank you for your service to the

as they came up to the window in the

Nation these many years as you helped

equipment room,” says Hall. “I was the same

coach, teach, train, and equip our future

age as they were, so it was easy for me to

leaders. Just as you did with us — Webster,

talk to them about their classes, how practice

Hines, Portante, Odierno, Caslen, Bogosian.

went, what a great job they did in the game

On your behalf I flew this flag over our

and just things in general getting to know

headquarters in Baghdad in 2005 … it’s an

who they were.”

honor to know you, Dick. Thanks for all you do.” Caslen sent a flag to Hall in March 2011.

West Point seniors Jack Roth and John Simar, along with “Plebes” Caslen and

“We Caslens are honored to send this to you

Bobby Johnson, straight out of “Beast

in honor of your faithful service and

Barracks,” were among the first football

unwavering support of so many West Point

players with whom Hall developed a close

athletes and Lieutenants … you are the best!

friendship. That was tightened when three

Thanks for all you do, Dick. God bless.”

members of that group returned to West

The path that Hall chose might never have happened had his father, George, been

“I did not know what I wanted to do, but

Point in an administrative capacity. Simar was an assistant football coach;

able to convince his son to become a state

Caslen returned as the Commandant of

trooper when he returned home after

Cadets and Johnson as the Deputy

finishing his 14-month tour in Vietnam. The

Admissions Officer. Johnson was a non-

younger Hall served as a member of the

playing team captain his senior year (1974)

“When the Michie Stadium Annex opened, we moved several members of that staff there and kept a small group at Arvin,” explains Hall. “It made sense to have two places with football, basketball and hockey drawing equipment out of the Michie Stadium Annex and Arvin Gym taking care of the Olympic sports.” With a reclassification of positions, Hall moved back to Arvin Gymnasium in 2004. He stays in touch with the football players of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s through e-mails, phone calls and as an honorary member of the Army Football Letterman’s Club. Every year this group of former coaches, players and officer representatives get together in reporting to Arvin Gymnasium on a daily

the summer for a weekend filled with story-

diagnosed with cancer in his arm. His team-

basis for their practice clothing, Hall moved

telling, golf and friendship renewals.

mates elected him captain, but he did not

six of his staff members to work solely out of

for head coach Homer Smith after being

want to hold that position if he could not play.

the Michie Stadium facility as Arvin

“Last year was our 16th year holding this outing, and we had 270 players and

Gymnasium no longer handled all of the

former coaches and staff return,” says Hall.

think that much of your leadership that they

athletic teams’ needs. As the main contact for

“A few years ago, I was among a group of

want you to be a captain, that is what you are

football, Hall was one of those relocated.

Hall’s advice was, “If all your teammates

going to do.”

Though Hall was able to continue his

four made an honorary member of the football team. It meant a lot to me, and it is

relationship with the football team, the

a great distinction and a humbling

remembers Johnson, “and helped me do the

personal touch he established with all 25

experience.”

harder right than to pursue a lesser path.

teams was harder to maintain as fewer

“Dick’s words meant everything to me,”

Those former coaches and players are

While in Walter Reed (Army Medical

players came to the equipment room near

just as proud to be associated with Dick Hall

Center) for the entire summer, I had to first

Michie Stadium.

since this selfless Highland Falls resident is a

deal with the fact that I had cancer and could not play football again. Dick let me know that there were other ways to lead and that my responsibility was to the team and not myself. His words allowed me to be the captain of the team and show my support in everything I did. His words got me through one of the most challenging times in my life

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and I will forever be indebted to him.” Facility upgrade projects began in the

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1980s, and sometimes with progress comes small setbacks. With the changes, Hall saw a bit of the ability to lend his personal touch impacted. It started with the opening of the Michie Stadium Annex. Holleder Center brought additional changes with the hockey new facility “home.” With the football, basketball and hockey athletes no longer

Dick has been a fixture in Army’s equipment room for more than four decades. For years, he was entrusted with the honor of holding the special “I Want an Officer …” plaque that Army’s football players have traditionally touched upon entering the playing field on game days. He will retire later this fall.

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and basketball teams calling the sparkling

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Kate, John, rick and Annie houghton E The FIrsT FAMIly oF ArMy TennIs By Pamela Flenke

he 2011-12 season marked the first time in nearly a decade that the West Point tennis

courts were void of a Houghton family member. Kate, John, Rick and Annie Houghton

had ruled the Army courts the previous eight years. Together they combined for more accolades, records and accomplishments than any other family before them. And it’s hard to imagine any family lineage coming close to matching the legacy created by the Houghtons

any time soon. The Houghton family accomplishments span the tennis courts, the classroom and United States Corps of Cadets. By the numbers, the four Houghton siblings have combined for 253 team victories, 198 singles wins, 166 doubles wins, 13 marks that list in Army’s record books and three that rank at No. 1, in addition to 10 Patriot League team titles, 10 NCAA berths, seven All-Patriot League certificates, six 20-win seasons, five Player of the Month awards, four Black Knight Awards, three conference Player of the Year citations, three Academic Honor Roll certificates, three team captains, two league tournament Most Valuable Players, two Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) regional rankings, one conference Rookie of the Year citing, one Rotary Scholarship recipient, one Rhodes Scholar candidate, two U.S. Army

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captains and two first lieutenants. The children of Steve, an attorney, and Mary, an assistant U.S. Attorney, each member

played tennis in high school and encouraged the kids to play, unbeknownst to him that he and Mary were raising some of the most successful cadet-athletes West Point would ever experience. The three older Houghton children were bitten by the “tennis bug” by around the age of

introduced the idea of serving their country to a family which had no previous military ties. “Coach Perry was a terrific influence on our kids,” says Steve. “We knew about West

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eight, while Annie, the youngest, caught on to the sport by age four. They would all go on to be mentored by Quaker Valley High School coach Ed Perry, a retired colonel who first

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of the Houghton clan picked up tennis rackets in their hometown of Sewickley, Pa., a small suburb of Pittsburgh, at an early age thanks to their father’s influence. The Houghton patriarch

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— Steve Houghton

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“They say, ‘Those who can’t do, teach,’ but at West Point, ‘Those who have done, teach.’ Our children came away with such humility and understanding thanks to the continued development of character and leadership. Those intangibles somehow become tangible when you go to West Point.”

singles player in the Middle States region and 80th nationally, decided to join Kate as a member of West Point’s Class of 2009. Kate, who had played on the boys’ team at Quaker Valley at the No. 2 spot, was eager to get back to tennis as well as reunite with a family member. “We’re a really close-knit family,” explains Kate. “I considered [being delayed a year] a blessing in disguise because then John and I got to be classmates for the first time at West Point. It was so nice. We studied a lot together when we had the same core classes. It was nice going through the experience with a sibling.” (PICTURED ABOVE) (From left) John, Annie, Kate and her husband Maj. Jared Little, and Rick Houghton pose for a picture following Annie’s graduation from West Point in May 2011. (PICTURED OPPOSITE TOP) (From left) John, Annie and Rick Houghton enjoy a special moment at Annie’s bar-pinning ceremony following commencement exercises. (PICTURED OPPOSITE BOTTOM) Annie, her mother, Mary, and father, Steve, take time out for a photo during Graduation Dinner.

Both Houghtons hit the ground running

government service, so the opportunity for

in their first seasons at the Academy, with

our kids to attend West Point was welcomed.”

John ranking second on the men’s team in

But Kate’s plan to attend the U.S. Military Academy got derailed for a year after

singles wins and Kate ranking as the secondbest among “Plebes” on the women’s team

suffering a knee injury which required

behind Alie del Moral, who still holds the

surgery prior to the start of Cadet Basic

Army record for single-season victories.

Training. Kate delayed her enrollment until

The following two years (2005 and

the fall of 2003, when she would be joined

2006) saw both Army tennis teams gain

by younger brother, John. Kate attended

automatic bids to the NCAA Championships.

Point, we knew a little bit about it, but we

Western Reserve Academy outside of

While John earned a host of Patriot League

hadn’t really discussed it much before coach

Cleveland, Ohio, enhancing her already

honors, Kate’s seasons were cut short due to

Perry came on board. He encouraged Kate

impressive academic transcripts with

injury. Back home in Sewickley, Annie became

to check it out, she had been intrigued by

Advanced Placement classes in calculus

the first girl to win a Pennsylvania boys’

the school at first solely based on academics

and chemistry, while strengthening her

singles district championship (2005) and

and not for tennis. Once she visited, she just

knee in order to take the courts at Army’s

Rick was getting ready to become the third

Lichtenberg and Malek Tennis centers.

Houghton to embark on a West Point career.

loved the place. “West Point knocks anyone over, it’s just

U.S. Attorney, we have a great commitment to

Meanwhile, back in Sewickley, John

Rick, always the intellectual member of the group, established himself more in the

such an extraordinary place,” continues

and Rick were helping Quaker Valley win

Steve. “As parents, we felt great about Kate

the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic

classroom than on the tennis courts. A three-

going to West Point. We felt it was a terrific

Association state championship while Annie

time Patriot League honor roll selection,

privilege; the calling to serve our country

was about to gear up for her first year of

Rick’s tennis career was limited due to injury,

was great. With my wife being an Assistant

high school. John, who was listed as No. 4

but he performed exceptionally in the

promoted to first lieutenant. With all four of their kids now graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, Steve and Mary Houghton look at the experience they shared with their children with nothing but pride. “With tennis, all four of them had very different abilities and skills, but they all really enjoyed working and playing for teams under head coaches Paul Peck and Jim Poling,” says Steve. “They have been terrific influences on our children. The thing that impressed us as parents was they both have terrific Army service records — coach Poling in Vietnam and coach Peck in the Gulf War. They’re both decorated soldiers. To us, that meant everything. “The credibility that brings to their role as coaches at West Point just can’t be beat. classroom. A Rhodes Scholarship candidate,

Player of the Year in conference history, as

You don’t see it in every sport, but in tennis

he would go on to graduate from West Point

well as the first to be named Player and

at West Point there are coaches who have

with honors and accept a Rotary Scholarship,

Rookie of the Year in the same season. Annie

served their country and have the

which gave him the opportunity to complete

is also the only women’s tennis player in

leadership training through the military and

a master’s degree in history at the

program history to garner a regional ranking

have contributed in a big way. I can’t say

by the ITA, after being tabbed No. 20 in the

enough about that.

prestigious University of Oxford in England. With the youngest member of the Houghton family making her college decision in the spring of 2007, John and Kate

Northeast singles poll in April 2010. Six years after graduating, Capt. Kate Houghton is stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash.,

“They say, ‘Those who can’t do, teach,’ but at West Point, ‘Those who have done, teach.’ Our children came away with such

were tabbed team captains. Kate and the

after serving tours in both Iraq and Korea in

humility and understanding thanks to the

Army women won their third straight

the Medical Services branch.

continued development of character and

conference title, while John, Rick and the

John, branching Air Defense Artillery

leadership. Those intangibles somehow

Army men came up short in the title match

(ADA), left the Academy with a trio of marks

become tangible when you go to West

against arch-rival Navy.

that rank in the Army men’s tennis record

Point.” ★

Despite interest from numerous

book. He stands 12th in career singles wins,

colleges, Annie chose to extend the

16th in single-season wins, and 11th in

Houghton family’s run along the banks of the

career doubles victories. He served three years in Germany at Kaiserslautern, while

Kate and John would be around for Annie’s

also being deployed to Israel and Poland. Currently, Capt. John Houghton is stationed

athletic interns before reporting to duty.

at Fort Sill, Okla.

Annie would go on to become the most decorated tennis player in Army history,

After completing his degree at Oxford, 1st Lt. Rick Houghton also branched ADA

men’s or women’s. In 2011, she graduated

and is serving in Kaiserslautern following a

with the Army records for career singles

stint in Poland.

wins, single-season dual wins and career

After serving as the women’s tennis athletic intern for most of the 2011-12

best in single-season wins in doubles and

season, 2nd Lt. Annie Houghton, who

singles, as well as career doubles victories.

branched Adjutant General, joined her older

She is the only three-time Patriot League

sister at Fort Lewis and has since been

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wins at No. 1, while also listing among the

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freshman year at the Academy, serving as

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Hudson by choosing to attend West Point.

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5 Cw Dan and Jane Jollota E FlyIng Below The rADAr By ryan J. yanoshak

hen Chief Warrant Officer 5 Dan Jollota and his wife, Lt. Col. (ret.) Jane, decided

to make the career move to the United States Military Academy, the goal was

to help cadets. Jane was a West Point graduate, Dan a veteran Army officer and both had been deployed numerous times. Each had a unique take on life in the military and wanted to share

their experience with cadets and their families. Dan and Jane met in Korea in the late-1980s where they were both stationed. What started as a friendship led to marriage and a family that includes son, Sean, a junior member of the Army lacrosse team and daughter, Erin, a freshman at West Point who is playing women's lacrosse. Jane was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1983, joined the Aviation branch and retired from the U.S. Army reserves when the family arrived at West Point in 2006. Dan was the West Point Aviation Detachment Commander in charge of two helicopters and two airplanes, while Jane first volunteered in the community and then accepted a position as the Cadet Hostess. The family also decided to live on post for the first time in their military careers and really feel part of the West Point community. The Jollota family quickly became involved by sponsoring cadets, and they opened the doors to their home for any cadet.

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment in addition to support groups for Jane’s unit. Soon after, Dan and Jane deployed to Somalia, leaving Sean in the care of Jane’s parents. That situation, coupled with the birth of Erin in 1995, led to Jane’s resignation from active duty. The family then moved to Virginia before deciding to relocate to West Point. Point, talked to Dan to gauge Jane’s interest in the Cadet Hostess position shortly after they took their new posts. She applied for the job and was accepted during the hiring process. “The job was a lot of fun,” says Jane. “It was really neat to be a graduate and be able to

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Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen, then-Commandant of Cadets and now Superintendent at West

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was deployed and Dan was on post at Fort Campbell, Ky., where he was involved with the

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The marriage of two helicopter pilots wasn’t easy, especially with both deploying often. They were married in September 1990, shortly after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. Jane

share my experiences with the cadets. I worked in a lot of capacities, including all of the class

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“We felt through the sponsorship program that we could help make the cadet’s life a little better. And it did. The rewards our family got through building relationships and getting to know families was tremendous.” — Jane Jollota

events and summer training social etiquette classes. Having been in the Army so long, it

the past and present was really special.” Dan’s path from Detroit to West Point is

was a bit out of my comfort zone in some

before-Thanksgiving dinner expanded to a

a tale in military excellence. The son of a

ways, but it was a great way to interact with

crowd of double digits so the hockey players

police officer, Dan enrolled in college with

cadets and teach them life skills that they

would have a traditional meal before

the thoughts of becoming a certified public

could carry throughout their Army career

departing for games that weekend while

accountant. Six months in, he decided it

and their life.”

the Jollotas were at West Point.

wasn’t for him and chose the Army for a

While Jane was involved as the Cadet

“It was such a wonderful time,” says

structure and discipline change. His first

Hostess, Dan worked with the hockey team

Dan. “It was time-consuming but so worth it.

assignment was with the military police, a

as an officer representative. While it was rare

We really got close to a number of families.

stretch that lasted two years. He decided to

for a non-academic staff member to be an

It was such a valuable and beneficial

pursue Combat Engineering, Airborne and

officer representative, Dan’s love of hockey

experience dealing with the cadets.”

Special Forces and eventually started

and passion for helping people made him a

Dan’s role with the hockey team grew when

jumping out of airplanes.

perfect fit for the job.

he was elected president of the Army

“When we decided to explore moving to West Point, we did an assessment of what

“I wanted to link the past, present and future players together,” says Dan. “And we

were members of the Special Operations

wanted to provide support for old players to

community and we had never lived on a

come back and see what the team was up

military post. When I was a cadet, I saw my

to. It is such a passionate family and linking

thought it was really cool. We wanted to be on post and interact with cadets. We felt through the sponsorship program that we could help make the cadet’s life a little better. And it did. The rewards our family got through building relationships and getting to know families was tremendous. It was a very rewarding experience for our children and for us to give back, and it was absolutely the highlight of our time at West Point.” Dan sent an e-mail to head hockey coach Brian Riley to express his interest in helping hockey players and the two quickly hit it off. Josh Kassel, Army’s lone Division I hockey All-American, was the first cadet the Jollotas sponsored and the relationship continues to this day. With Josh deployed as a helicopter pilot, the Kassels visited the Jollotas’ home in Maryland.

He joined Special Forces and was

Hockey Parents Association in 2006.

we wanted to accomplish,” says Jane. “We

classmates get close to their sponsors and

The number of cadets visiting the Jollota household quickly grew and a Wednesday-

(PICTURED BELOW) Dan served as an officer representative and head of the Army Hockey Parents Association for three years. (PICTURED OPPOSITE) (From left) Dan, Sean, Erin, and Jane Jollota following a lacrosse game at Michie Stadium in 2012.

selected for the Golden Knights, spending nearly four years with the parachute squad during which he learned about Aviation. Despite being enlisted in the Army for nearly 12 years, Jollota went to Flight School, a rare move for a senior enlisted noncommissioned officer. His Aviation career has taken him all over the world and even earned him mention in “Black Hawk Down,” a film that documents the brave rescue of two soldiers opposite a large force of heavily-armed Somalis. Jollota piloted one of the helicopters during that mission. Jane is from upstate New York and while she was recruited to play softball at West Point, she chose to play lacrosse at the Academy. Coming from a family with four brothers, she enjoyed the physical challenges of West Point and embarked on a military career at a time few women were choosing that career path. “One of the reasons we wanted to sponsor cadets was to help them through the process,” says Jane. “I didn’t know much her military career and like Dan has

employee. She brought an amazing amount

and we felt like we could provide some

been deployed a number of times. Their

of information to these young female cadets.

good information about military careers. We

experiences in combat made them a

She also has a wonderful perspective on

felt it was important for us to make sure our

great resource for fellow families.

about branches and posts. It is big decision

cadets had people to talk to when they were considering branches.” Jane was debating between branching

“Since 1983, post-Vietnam, Jane and I

family life and all of the experiences involved.”

have been involved in every deployment

Currently, Jane works with an Army unit

with the exception of Grenada,” says Dan.

as a training manager while Dan is assigned

Military Intelligence or Aviation and

“It started in 1989 in Panama, then Jane was

to an Army organization as a fixed wing pilot

Transportation before pursuing a flying

deployed during Desert Shield/Desert

and serves as Operations Officer. Their

career.

Storm. I went to Iraq and we were both in

home remains open for cadets, military

Somalia. I was in Haiti and then Bosnia and

members’ families and anyone looking for

“Jane was a phenomenal officer,” Dan says. “When I walked off my first Aviation people I met. I had more than 12 years in the

Those experiences as well as a life-long service led the family to West Point. “West Point is certainly on the top of our

Jane struck me as a confident, competent

list of tours,” Jane says. “We had no idea of

officer that stemmed not only from her

the impact the cadets and their families

upbringing but also her West Point

would have on our lives. “

experience. I watched her work and her

“Jane offered so much,” Dan says. “She was in the fourth class of women at

academic and leadership environment

West Point; embarked on a military career;

she was involved in. It has made her the

became a mom; had to make some tough

person she is today.”

decisions; served as a reservist; retired and now works as a government service

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work ethic and it all stems from the

Jane led assault companies during

a great meal, just like when they were at West Point. ★

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Army and didn’t deal with too many females.

then the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns.”

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assignment in Korea, Jane was one of the first

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Capt. elizabeth lazzari E Born To serve By Tracy nelson

“l

iz Lazzari is one of the most motivated, compassionate and driven people I have ever had the pleasure of not only coaching, but knowing as a person. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does. Simply put, she is the epitome of the

type of leader West Point aims to mold.” – Army volleyball head coach Alma Kovaci Elizabeth Lazzari was raised on the sandy beaches of California and grew up playing volleyball any chance she got. Just over two decades later, Lazzari was commanding a platoon in sands of a whole different variety. One of only three players in Army volleyball history to serve as a two-time team captain, Lazzari’s list of accomplishments is equally historic and impressive. A former Junior Olympics gold medalist, she is the only volleyball player in West Point history to win the prestigious Army Athletic Association Trophy. She was also the first to represent Army at the United States Women’s National Volleyball Team open tryouts. A three-time All-Patriot League performer and 2005 Patriot League Rookie of the Year, Lazzari is one of just three players in Army’s 33year history to record 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in her career. The list goes on but the verdict remains the same. Lazzari graduated as one of the most decorated, well-rounded players to ever don a Black Knights uniform. Those who know her were certain she would go on to embody that same drive and spirit when she joined the “Big Army.” Commissioned as a second lieutenant during graduation exercises in May 2009, Lazzari remained at West Point as an athletic intern with the volleyball team. In her seven months assisting on the sidelines, the new officer helped guide Army to its first Patriot League title in

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15 years and its only trip to the NCAA Division I Tournament. The next five months were over in the blink of an eye, as Lazzari successfully completed

has now reached the rank of captain, had entered the Medical Service branch of the U.S. Army and commanded a unit of 40 soldiers consisting of both medics and providers. “I hadn’t had a lot of time with my soldiers prior to heading into deployment,” Lazzari

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stops at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La., and Fort Campbell, Ky., for Air Assault School before landing in Sharana, Afghanistan, for her first deployment. Lazzari, who

says, who was a fresh-faced 23-year-old when she arrived in Afghanistan. “It forces you to give them guidance. Deployment forced me to develop a little bit faster than I would have if I had more ‘Garrison time.’ Once you’re deployed, decisions you make could mean life or death. You’re managing these soldiers’ lives and making them into a team.”

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grow up really quickly. All 40 of my soldiers were looking to me to make hard decisions and

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“One of the main reasons I chose Medical Service was because our mission is clear and it never changes. Our mission is to provide care and save lives – no matter what the circumstances.” — Capt. Elizabeth Lazzari

Lazzari’s “team” was based out of Sharana, one of the larger Forward

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Operating Bases (FOB) in Afghanistan and the capital of Paktika province. There she

“I went out on the first mission and brought female providers and medics

took command as the post’s clinic Officer In

along,” she recalls. “I provided the security

Charge (OIC) where she oversaw a wealth

piece, which involved patting down the

of medics, along with doctors, nurses, a

females prior to their receiving treatment. As

physical therapist, dentist, behavioral health

everyone is aware, men are not allowed to

specialist and two physician’s assistants —

touch their women in that culture, so that was

all of whom out-ranked her.

the whole reason I was brought in.

In addition to her day-to-day duties as

“A lot of the women have very serious,

the clinic OIC, Lazzari spent some of her

chronic conditions and because they are

time with an attached surgical unit that

women, they don’t have much access to

completed medical procedures for anyone

care,” she adds. “It’s also a very poor region.

in the Sharana area of operations. Among the

In general, some of the conditions that our

most frequent procedures were amputations

providers were seeing, in our country, a

and intricate surgeries to repair hands and

patient would have been immediately

other limbs.

transported to a hospital and put on weeks

“One of the main reasons I chose Medical Service was because our mission is

and weeks of treatment. For us, it was difficult because we didn’t

clear and it never changes,” Lazzari says.

have that kind of authority or access.

“Our mission is to provide care and save

It was more a case of ‘If you do X, Y and Z,

lives — no matter what the circumstances.

it will help with pain.’ ”

“While nobody enjoys seeing hurt or dead people, it made me feel like I could explain our purpose to my platoon,” she adds. “I think for a lot of people, it’s difficult to define a purpose of any war and what it really is all about.” Soon after her arrival in Afghanistan, Lazzari began working with an Army ODA (Operational Detachment Alpha) team, which wanted to start doing medical missions focused on the female population in Sharana and the outlying areas. In the early stages, she provided supplies and answered questions. That was not enough — Lazzari wanted to make a difference, and it showed. When the Special Forces ODA unit began the planning process for the medical

missions, Lazzari came to mind as the ideal lieutenant to call upon for assistance.

(PICTURED BELOW) Liz distributes supplies to women and children during her deployment to Sharana, Afghanistan, in the fall of 2011. (PICTURED OPPOSITE) Lazzari celebrates a point during her playing days on the volleyball court at West Point.

women, but the children seemed to be fascinated by me because I walked right alongside with the men for work-related activity,” she remembers. “They are just like American children, playing and doing the same things. They just don’t have as many resources available to them. I think it was important for me to see that and relate to them. Seeing the little girls broke my heart because I know how undervalued women are in their country. It’s a very poor area; a lot of the little girls didn’t have shoes. They are still the most adorable, beautiful little girls.” Such missions continued throughout the majority of Lazzari’s deployment, which eventually grew to her involvement in the Female Engagement Team (FET) over her last two months in Sharana. With roots in the United States Marine Corps, the FET conducts outreach primarily through interaction with women and children to learn about and report information on the local population. That information is then used to implement community development The missions themselves typically lasted about eight hours and involved

“The missions were so helpful for the medical professionals in the region because

treating females and their children for

they could get a survey of sorts of the major

ailments ranging from ear wax build-up in

health concerns in that particular area,”

programs that will serve the needs of that specific local area. After a year-long deployment, Lazzari returned from Afghanistan in July 2011. She

babies to congestive heart failure in the

Lazzari says. “They were then able to

made a stop in Fort Campbell, Ky., and was

elderly. With each case, the medical team

provide the local doctors and female

recently stationed in Korea where she

did as much as possible to alleviate the

midwives with guidance on what medication

served as the HHD Commander for the

problem and did so using only medication

or supplies to buy more of based on the

168th Multi-Functional Medical Battalion. In

available locally.

population.”

“We never issued American

While Lazzari embraced her role in the

medication,” Lazzari explains. “We only went

medical missions themselves, it was after

out and bought medicine on their economy

her security work finished that she really had

so that it was a sustainable thing that could

the chance to make an impression. “Once I was finished with security checks and nobody else was coming

provide because we didn’t have access to all

through, a lot of the kids would be waiting

It’s ironic that when asked at the beginning of her “Firstie” year at West Point what her hopes were for the future, Lazzari said the following: “I want to accomplish a lot of different

of the medicine that we would normally. We

in the area outside for their parents to finish

things. But in the end, I hope to live each day

did as much as we possibly could.”

at the clinic,” Lazzari says. “I brought

to the fullest, capture each moment and bring more love into the world — all in an

couple in a sack, and handed them out to

effort to make it a better place. That is the

was a couple of M&Ms like one provider

the kids. The interesting thing being in

greatest accomplishment I can hope for.”

used to bring along in the rare case that

Afghanistan is they actually know how to play

absolutely nothing could be done. They

volleyball. When I threw the ball to them,

simply want hope that what’s ailing them

they instinctively passed it back to me.

Lazzari says sometimes, the patients

may subside.

“I’m sure it’s the same with all American

Liz Lazzari can consider her mission complete. ★

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volleyballs with me on my missions, just a

just want to be given something — even if it

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diminished the amount of care we could

Garrison Presidio of Monterey.

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be resupplied at a local pharmacy. That also

July 2013, Lazzari headed back to her Golden State roots at the United States Army

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elizabeth lorusso E A MoTher’s love By Tim volkmann

ending your child to attend the world’s premier military institution would give just about any parent a reason for pause. In an ever-shifting world climate where the

specter of combat is illustrated in our daily headlines, the prospect of watching your son or

daughter train at an academy dedicated solely to producing the future leaders of our nation’s Army is not always easy to accept. Meet Elizabeth LoRusso — a wife, mother and high school teacher who has spent the last 28 years raising a family on the north shore of central Long Island. All born within a fiveyear span, her four boys — Nicholas, Kevin, Brian and Larry — grew up like any other set of brothers, playing sports and getting into adventures in their small hamlet of Rocky Point, N.Y. However, the common thread that ties her boys even tighter together is that of the United States Military Academy and the exceptional experience that all four endured, not only in the classrooms of its hallowed walls, but on the lacrosse field as well. “When I first heard West Point was interested in Nicholas, it was very exciting but very scary,” reminisces Elizabeth. “I was always apprehensive about the boys going into the military because there are obvious dangers in doing that. If it was up to me, they would all be living at home and I’d be tucking them in every night. But kids grow up and I was really honored that the toughest school in the country wanted my sons. There aren’t a lot of people who can make it into West Point. It’s amazing that I have four.” The LoRusso brothers grew up at the epicenter of a neighborhood full of kids their age on a street that was transformed daily into a hockey rink, a football field or some other type of arena for the myriad of games conceived by their young minds. No matter the contest,

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competition was always the name of the game. “All of these games usually started a lot of fights,” smiles Brian. “Being as competitive as with bloody lips or noses, it was always a lot of fun. We always competed in everything we did, whether it was between us brothers, or against the other kids.” Internal competition in the LoRusso house was a way of life. If one brother could do 10 pull-ups, the other needed to do 11. Spontaneous push-up competitions during television

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we all were, you never wanted to be the one that was sitting out. While a lot of games ended

commercials were a common occurrence. It was Mom, however, that stressed the value in “My rules were you just weren’t allowed to fight with each other. We used to sing a little song that went, ‘We’re the LoRusso brothers, you don’t mess with us, because we’re rough

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sticking together as brothers early on.

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“When I first heard West Point was interested in Nicholas, it was very exciting but very scary. I was always apprehensive about the boys going into the military because there are obvious dangers in doing that. If it was up to me, they would all be living at home and I’d be tucking them in every night.” — Elizabeth LoRusso

and we’re tough and we always stick

come home and then go work out again.

Larry as well. Several other schools showed

together.’ I wanted them to learn to watch out

He was in great shape and was pretty

interest in Larry’s lacrosse talents, but there

for each other, and they did. You knew you

intimidating. You definitely didn’t want to get

was no way he could be the only brother that

were going to be messing with all of them if

into any trouble with him at that point.”

didn’t go to West Point. For each brother,

you tried to mess with one. I remember one time when Larry got in trouble at school for pushing another boy down that had shoved

lacrosse. While the brothers grew up playing

one of his older brothers. He was only in first

organized football, wrestling and soccer, it

grade.” Adds Brian, “Mom was the enforcer, the

their college search ended up not going much past the shores of the Hudson River. “During high school, the boys played a lot of games in a lot of different places so we

was lacrosse that ran in their family’s blood.

would always go check other schools out,”

The boys’ first idol was their mother’s cousin,

says Elizabeth. “Being the oldest, Nick

peacemaker and everything in between.

Greg Kulesa, who was an All-America goalie

probably did the most looking around, but it

She definitely kept everything together. She

in high school as well as at nearby Adelphi

always ended up being West Point. They all

was the strongest lady I know in terms of

University, where they watched him win a

said the idea of going into the military was

being able to deal with us. I’m not sure how

pair of national championships. Greg’s

appealing because of the ‘fun’ things you got

she was able to do that since we were such

mother, Marj, also bought each of her

to do like blow things up, shoot guns and

little ‘terrorizers’ growing up.

grandnephews their first lacrosse stick when

jump out of helicopters.”

“Along with our father, she encouraged us to do a lot of different things and really

they made their First Holy Communion.

Before any of her sons made their final

These special occasions were always

decisions, Elizabeth always made sure all

focused on making sure we built a good

celebrated in many ways, but none were

four knew that they had several options

relationship as brothers growing up. She

bigger than unwrapping their very own

when it came to choosing a school to attend.

really stressed how important it was that we

stick.

always rely on, and look out for one another and be best friends. We still are to this day. A lot of that has to do with her.“ The boys were encouraged to play a wide variety of sports by both of their

It was Mom, however, that offered the boys their first bit of coaching. “I told them that they had a very big advantage. ‘You know each other very well and know what the other guy is going to do.

Even with the growing prospect that a free education was a possibility for them at West Point, she assured them she would work another job to help pay for them to go to another school if that is what they wanted. “Like any mother, she was nervous,”

parents. Elizabeth grew up competing in

So you should all play different positions so

explains Kevin. “She didn’t necessarily want

gymnastics, while their father, Larry Sr.,

you can move the ball up the field well when

her boys going in the Army after school was

competed in a broad range of sports,

you are all able to play together when you

over. She was very protective of us and said

including competitive body building. The

get older.’ So, we wound up with a goalie

we didn’t have to do anything we didn’t want

boys learned at a young age valuable

(Nick), a defenseman (Larry) and two

to. Now, I think she is pretty happy we all

lessons in what it took to be successful

midfielders (Kevin, Brian).”

went to West Point and in the end, sees how

by listening to their parents’ stories and following their example. Says Larry Jr. about his elder namesake, “I remember when he would get

Family also played a large role when it came to choosing their favorite sport —

West Point started recruiting Nick

much of a good thing it has been.”

during his junior year of high school. When

“Bringing Nick up on ‘R-Day’ was

he came back from his first visit, he knew it

exciting but also scary and overwhelming at

was exactly where he wanted to go. Over the

the same time,” recalls Elizabeth. “Here we

up at 4 o’clock in the morning to go work out

next four years, Kevin was also recruited by

were, dropping him off at a prestigious

and then he would go to work. He would

the Black Knights, followed by Brian and

school, but it definitely wasn’t what I would

imagine the typical first day of college is normally like. Hearing the, ‘You have one minute to say your goodbyes’ announcement before he left us was like having my heart ripped out. You hear rumors about what is going to happen to your son and how they might not make it through, but then you learn that the Army really is being careful with the cadets and see the support they have, and it makes you rest a bit easier.” Over the course of a nine-year span since Nick first started at West Point, there have only been a handful of Army lacrosse games that have not been attended by at least one of the LoRusso parents. From Colorado and Minnesota, to Texas, Florida and everywhere in between, the boys have always appreciated how amazing it has been to look up and see a familiar face in the stands every single time they set foot on the field. “I realize how fortunate we have been to have one or both of them at every one of

(PICTURED ABOVE) The LoRusso Family gathers at their Long Island home during the holidays in 2008. Elizabeth and her husband, Larry Sr., are surrounded by sons (clockwise from left) Brian, Kevin, Larry and Nick.

our games,” says Larry. “There are some wants to further herself and be the best there

enough to West Point that many of them have

at all during the season because they don’t

is. I’ve met her students before and they all

been at my house through the years. It is so

have the time to travel. My brothers and I all

talk about how awesome she is and how

nice to know that it is another type of

guys who don’t even get to see their parents

know how lucky we really have been that

much they love her. I guess we were her

motherhood for all the mothers of the team

they are able to do that.”

practice growing up, trying to teach us

because I know our boys would be

everything. I think she did a great job.”

welcome at any of their houses as well.”

Adds Kevin, “Even after a tough loss, my mom was always the first one there to

An era came to an end in the spring of

No other mother in the history of West

give me a hug and tell me how great I did,

2012 as Larry and Brian not only played their

Point has ever sent more of her sons to train

even when I didn’t have my best game. Both

final games in an Army uniform, but followed

at this great American institution. And no

my parents were always very supportive.” When she was not traipsing around the

in the footsteps of Nick (USMA ’07) and

other mother could feel the same about

Kevin (USMA ’09) and received their

the person all of her sons have become.

country watching her sons play, Elizabeth

diplomas. All four LoRusso brothers are now

teaches Family and Consumer Science

currently serving our U.S. Army.

courses at Longwood High School.

“It’s emotional because I can’t believe

“I’m just really proud of my kids. I always just wanted to raise good people and that’s what they are. The fact they wanted to

Parenting and Child Development classes

was bittersweet because it was such a

commitments they were making, especially

to her high school students.

wonderful experience for us for so many

the younger two who had two older brothers

“She is one of the most driven people I know,” explains Brian. “I remember when

years. We’ve met a lot of great people and

that could come home and tell them the truth

became friends with the other boys on the

behind closed doors when Mommy wasn’t

she was working on her master’s degree

team and their parents from year to year. I

listening, means the world. It helped that

while we were all little kids running around.

still communicate with the mothers of former

they really wanted to do it, even though there

players and we keep a running list of who is

was a time I might have tried to talk them out

hasn’t stopped taking classes even after all

deployed and where everyone is going. It is

of it. Now I see the men they have become.

this time. Between online and night classes,

a constant reminder that, even if your kid isn’t

And I’m very proud.” ★

I can’t remember a year when she has

at war right now, other boys that have

decided not to take something else. She

become part of our family are. We live close

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She was able to follow her dream and still

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serve their country and understood the

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we don’t have games to go to any more. It

Appropriately enough, she also teaches

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lt. Col. Jennifer (Johnston)

McAfee E when TrAgeDy sTrIKes By Mady salvani

n April 1994, Jen (Johnston) McAfee and her best friend, Darlene Dondero, were juniors at the United States Military Academy and members of the Army softball team. Both

were looking forward to home-cooked meals Easter weekend with a few of their teammates at Dondero’s home in Ringwood, N.J. The two were upperclassmen at West Point, enjoying some of the privileges that come with the added responsibilities and leadership roles they held within the United States Corps of Cadets and as members of the Army softball team. Unfortunately life has a way of throwing a curve ball at times. Easter weekend started off on a joyous note for McAfee and Dondero, but ended tragically. On Good Friday, Dondero’s mother, Marilyn, and father, Bob, drove to West Point’s Central Area to pick up the entire softball team for a brief respite from the barracks with dinner at their home and an overnight stay. Saturday morning, after a hearty breakfast, they made the 45-minute return trek to West Point for a doubleheader at Buffalo Soldier Field against Lehigh. McAfee was the starting shortstop and Dondero was a member of the pitching staff. That doubleheader would be the last time Dondero would step onto Army’s softball field. It would Seven players made the return trip to the Dondero’s home Saturday to join Darlene’s Sunrise Service at the Wanaque Reservoir followed by an Easter egg hunt and a full course dinner augmented by members of the Dondero family, to include Darlene’s grandmother, aunt, and cousins. Just a few hours later on Route 293, a major passageway between West Point and the NewYork State Thruway, Darlene was fatally injured when the car in which she was riding “Darlene’s dad had three to four players in his car in front of us, and I was with Darlene and her mother,” reflects McAfee, who originally was in the front seat, but ultimately deferred the spot to her friend.

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struck a tree.

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family for Easter dinner on Sunday. The Donderos got the crew up early the next morning for

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be several months before McAfee ever returned to the diamond.

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“What Jen had to overcome and what she did to lead by example was inspirational. What everyone took away from that accident because of what we experienced was that softball was just a game and that life was so much more important.” — Jim Flowers

“I don’t remember anything other than

The doctors at Keller Army Community

they had to use the Jaws of Life to get

Hospital refused her request, but orthopedic

said I could be a December graduate. Again

Darlene out of the car.”

surgeon Dr. John Uhorchak sided with

I said, ‘No,’ and asked, ‘What about Plan C?’

McAfee was asleep in the back seat and suffered extensive injures after going

McAfee, knowing how important it was for her to be there. Despite her limited mobility,

“That option had my professors coming to the hospital where I did my studies and

through the rear window on the passenger

McAfee attended the funeral and gravesite

took my WPRs (written partial reviews).

side. Those injuries required a plate to be

service of her best friend at the West Point

About a month later, Dr. Uhorchak allowed

inserted into her left arm, screws in her right

Cemetery on a hospital bed.

hand and a rod in her leg. She also sustained a head injury. “I went halfway out of the window and

It was a long road back to recovery, aggravated further when McAfee was told shortly after the accident she would just have

did all the damage to myself when I raised

to sign some paperwork to get out of the

my arms,” explains McAfee. “That is how I

Army and West Point. That was not an option

broke my left arm and right hand, and my

that she had any desire to consider. Instead

right leg was pinned under Darlene’s feet

it just made her more resolute about

with my left leg hanging out.

remaining a member of the Corps.

“I was first taken to West Point’s Keller

“I told them, ‘I don’t plan on quitting,’ ”

Army Community Hospital, and then

remembers McAfee. “I came to West Point to

transferred to the Westchester Trauma

become an officer and I planned to finish and

Center where my parents met me that night after flying in from Arizona. I didn’t know about Darlene until I woke up in the ICU at Keller.” The first decision that McAfee made

(PICTURED BELOW) Jen (standing, fifth from left) poses with her teammates and members of the 1994 Army softball team. (PICTURED RIGHT) McAfee (right) and Darlene Dondero were close friends prior to Dondero’s tragic death in 1994.

after being told that Darlene did not survive the crash was to announce she planned to go to her funeral at the Cadet Chapel.

serve. I asked them, ‘What is Option B?’ They

(PICTURED OPPOSITE) Jen (standing) adorned the cover of the 1995 Army’s women’s softball media guide along with Brigitte Yuskis.

me to go to classes, but I lived in the hospital until the end of the school year.”

While McAfee was recuperating in the hospital, her teammates wore a patch with

together on softball road trips. “It is hard to stay close to your friends

assignments that included a tour in Hawai’i and another in the war zone of Iraq, McAfee

the No. 17 on their uniforms to honor

across the years,” notes McAfee. “If the

was able to take a few more swings with the

Dondero the next two seasons.

circumstances were different, I know that I

bat. She was a member of the All-Army

would still be close with ‘Dar’ today. We used

women’s softball team that won the gold

to talk all the time. When I would be home

medal in 2004 after defeating Air Force, Navy

“The 1994 season started off with high hopes and great expectations,” recalls Jim Flowers, who coached Army from 1991 to

on leave in Arizona and she was at home in

and the Marines. That led to an invite to the

2009. “We took the week off after the accident

New Jersey, we called each other up. One

All-Armed Forces Team and the opportunity

and used it for team bonding and taking care

time I forgot about the time difference and

to play in the National Tournament in

of all those things when you have a crisis.”

called her in the middle of the night.”

Oklahoma City where she posted the team’s

While McAfee’s teammates returned to Buffalo Soldier Field after the accident, she

A few months after picking up her bachelor of science degree in Spanish

highest batting average (.412). “I love being in the Army and I love being

did not step onto the playing field until the

and Portuguese, the newly commissioned

with the soldiers. I will stay as long I can make a

fall of her senior year after spending the

Military Intelligence Officer at Ft. Huachuca,

difference and help soldiers be successful.”

summer at Fort Bragg, N.C., participating in

Ariz., returned to the Northeast for a special

Cadet Troop Leadership Training. She took

appearance in Cape Cod, Mass. McAfee

McAfee, who was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2011, took command of

that first step with her teammates, but still

was presented with the Eastern College

the Phoenix Recruiting Battalion in July 2012,

missed having her best friend by her side.

Athletic Conference Award of Valor, which

consisting of six companies, 30 recruiting

“It was sad,” says McAfee with a lump in

is presented to an athlete “whose courage,

stations, 29 Department of the Army civilian

her throat. “We all missed her, and I felt like I

motivation and relentless determination

workers and 330 soldiers throughout

had a hole in my heart. Coach Flowers was

serves as an inspiration to all.”

solemn, but he handled it well. We all played for Darlene and everyone picked each other up.” It was a frustrating time for McAfee, who

“I felt several others could have received that award,” recalls McAfee. “I was able to keep driving on with the

Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas and Nevada covering 250,000 square miles. Tragedy affects people in various ways. The loss of Jen McAfee’s best friend helped

still was not 100 percent due to the steel rod

support of my family and friends, my

make her a strong and compassionate officer

that had been placed in her leg and limited

teammates and Darlene’s parents. It was

who leads by example. That is just what she

her lateral motion and ability to run. Flowers

sad, though, because it brought back

has done every day since that horrible

knew how important it was to keep his

memories. I know Darlene would have

Easter weekend two decades ago. ★

senior co-captain in the lineup, and she split

been a wonderful leader because she

time at second base and at designated

cared a lot about people.

player. She batted .500 at the Patriot League

“I think things happen for a reason. It

Tournament that season and closed out the

helped make me a strong and compassionate

year as Army’s runs batted in leader with 14. “What Jen had to overcome and what she

leader. I feel you have to understand what your troops are going through and know their situations. That came to my own

explains Flowers. “What everyone took away

attention during my first assignment when

from that accident because of what we

my company commander could not

experienced was that softball was just a

understand why I was barely passing the Physical Training run. I didn’t tell him about

important … being together, doing things

the rod in my leg because I didn’t want to

together and enjoying things together.” Next stop for McAfee was graduation

make excuses. When he found out, he was apologetic, but you can’t make an opinion

and those four years came rushing back

of people until you realize the ‘whole

with memories of her “Plebe” summer in

person’ concept. “

1991 when she became instant friends with

Leadership was in McAfee’s blood and her military career took off. It has been an

challenging “Plebe” year; spent their first

exciting and enjoyable journey as she heads

two years in the same regiment; and roomed

into her 19th year in the Army. In between

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Darlene. They helped each other through a

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game and that life was so much more

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did to lead by example was inspirational,”

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Jack, rob and Brian riley E The hoCKey lIFe oF rIley By ryan J. yanoshak

ow, 93 years young and living on Cape Cod in his native Massachusetts, Jack Riley still

lights up when he talks about the United States Military Academy.

An Olympic gold medal-winning coach, an Olympic player and a member of numerous

halls of fame, Riley is quick to point out how special a place West Point is, saying, “I loved every minute of it.” Jack Riley’s resume is well known. Coached at Army for 36 years, winning 542 games. Led the United States Olympic team to a gold medal in 1960, beating Czechoslovakia, Sweden, Germany, Russia and Canada. Inducted in the inaugural class of the Army Sports Hall of Fame and chosen for a bevy of other national honors. When Jack Riley announced his retirement in 1986, the head coaching job at Army stayed in the Riley family where it has remained for the past 62 years. His sons, Rob and then Brian, took responsibility heading a program that dates back to 1904. Jack Riley’s tenure as head coach was the start of an amazing legacy at West Point, first at Smith Rink and now at Tate Rink. Jack posted 542 wins, Rob won 257 games during his 18 years behind the bench and Brian won his 100th game early in the 2012-13 season. “I’m not surprised they got into coaching but I never pushed it,” says Jack. “We talk all the time, especially after games. They know more about the game than I do but I still want to hear all about it.” The Riley legacy got its start at West Point, but it wasn’t easy for the decorated Navy

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pilot. Jack was approached by then-Athletic Director Col. Earl Blaik about a position in Army’s athletic department. Blaik wanted Jack to coach the hockey team and spend time “I didn’t really want to be a hockey coach,” explains Riley, a member of the 1948 Olympic squad that finished fourth despite leading the St. Moritz, Switzerland, Olympic Games in goals. “I was still pursuing the Olympics, but I took the job. I remember playing against the cadets (Jack is a Dartmouth graduate) and how hard they worked, so I took it.” necessary letters of recommendations for consideration for cadets’ acceptance at West Point. The start of his coaching career wasn’t Hall of Fame worthy with five wins in his first two seasons, but six straight winning years followed and made people take notice of his prowess

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Jack’s job was split between coaching the ice hockey team and helping gain the

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in Washington, D.C., helping cadet-athletes gain admittance to West Point.

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“Certainly here at West Point, being a coach is both very rewarding and humbling. As you know, in some small way you are helping to prepare your players for when they graduate to be the leaders of our nation’s sons and daughters.” — Brian Riley

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behind the bench. Jack Riley had season tickets to Boston Bruins games as a youngster and spent all of his time trying to talk to management and coaches about breakout plays and coaching philosophies, instead of chasing autographs. Walter Brown was the owner of the Bruins and got to know Riley, an eager hockey student. As the head of the Amateur Hockey Association, it was Brown who chose Riley to coach the 1960 United States Olympic team. Riley readily accepted the job and knew it would be a tremendous challenge, bringing players together from across the country to form a single unit against international competition. The majority of the training took place at the large sheet of ice at West Point’s Smith Rink. Riley molded the players into a cohesive unit, utilizing Red, White and Blue lines instead of the usual first,

film about the Brooks-coached 1980 gold

second and third lines and enforced a no-

medal-winning squad. The Clearys

smoking or drinking policy, something not

combined for 12 goals during the Olympics

unexpected from a man who has never

and Brooks used the experience to win his

taken a drink or smoked a cigarette.

own gold medal.

Riley chose to add the Cleary brothers, Bill and Bob, and cut Herb Brooks, in a move made famous in Disney’s “Miracle on Ice”

While the 1980 team has gained notoriety as the “Miracle On Ice,” it was the 1960 team that beat Russia, Canada and the Czechs and secured the country’s first Olympic gold medal. The 1980 team had a

(PICTURED AT LEFT) Jack Riley is shown during his 36-year tenure as head coach at Army.

Disney movie and TBS special; the 1960 squad was featured in a book published by

(PICTURED ABOVE) Jack (third from left) dropped the ceremonial first puck as Army and Royal Military College renewed their hockey rivalry in February 2012. Brian (second from right) participated in the ceremony as well. (PICTURED OPPOSITE) The Riley family celebrates Jack’s 90th birthday during August 2010.

Harvey Shapiro three years ago, “1960: Miracle at Squaw Valley,” a project that began when Shapiro was behind Riley in line at a Massachusetts grocery store. Riley’s Red, White and Blue squad claimed the gold medal with a come-from-

behind 9-4 victory over the Czechs, the gold-medal favorite. Riley stored his gold medal in his dresser, an easy find for his sons who brought it out to show neighbors and friends. While it now resides in a safety deposit box, the gold medal was the talk of the neighborhood. Riley’s neighbors at West Point included some of the most well-known names in coaching: Vince Lombardi, Bob Knight, Mike Krzyzewski, Bill Parcels, Joe Palone and Eric Tipton to name a few. “I never thought I would last as long as I did at West Point,” admits Jack. “But I fell in love with the place and the cadets. The way they played and gave all they had was amazing. I had a fantastic time at West Point and enjoyed every minute of it. I think my family did too.” Riley’s children were surrounded by some of the top minds in coaching so it’s not a surprise that two of his children followed his footsteps. While Rob and Brian continued to serve

“One of the great things for me was

Association title. He is a three-time selection

working with my dad and the transition from

as Atlantic Hockey Association Coach of the

Smith Rink to Tate Rink,” says Rob. “I was

Year.

at West Point, all five siblings were Division I

able to spend so many years coaching with

hockey players and captains of their

Brian, too, and the family aspect has always

Rob, meanwhile, returned to athletics. He spent two years as the head coach of the

respective teams. Jay (Harvard), Rob and

been a very important piece. Most

NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets top minor

Mark (Boston College), Brian (Brown) and

important was the daily interaction with the

league affiliate in Springfield, Mass., before

Mary Beth (St. Lawrence) were all

cadets that we got to know and watch grow

accepting the Athletic Director’s position at

tremendous players and students.

up. To watch these young men come in and

Regis College.

“What I remember most about growing up at West Point was the opportunities to be around cadets,” says Brian. “We were able to come up to the rink and basically had what

four years later see the finished product was really exciting.” The entire family and the bulk of the hockey community gathered in 2010 to

“I knew I wanted to be around sports but never grew up thinking I wanted to be a coach,” says Brian. “It was during college that I realized that the coaching direction was

celebrate Jack’s 90th birthday and his

a path I wanted to take. I felt that it would

older brothers, 25 older brothers. Army

contributions to hockey. In addition to special

allow me to still be around the game and

Hockey was what we lived for and it was a

pucks, RILEY #90 jerseys were provided for

experience everything that comes with

great experience. Growing up on Bartlett

an alumni game, and a host of familiar faces

being involved with a game that has meant

were on hand for a dinner, all of whom

so much to me and my family. Certainly here

great too. I was on the sidelines for Army

signed a giant birthday card. Former Army

at West Point, being a coach is both very

football games filling water coolers. You were

Director of Athletics Carl Ullrich and fellow

rewarding and humbling. As you know, in

able to be a part of so many neat things.”

Olympic coaches Murray Williamson, Tim

some small way you are helping to prepare

Rob took over when Jack retired and won at least eight games in all 18 of his coaching game as his brother’s assistant and

your players for when they graduate to be

attendance.

the leaders of our nation’s sons and

Brian recently completed his ninth season as Army head coach and led the

then stepped in when Rob retired to pursue

Black Knights to their first championship, the

interests outside of hockey.

2007-08 regular season Atlantic Hockey

daughters.” ★

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seasons. Brian learned the collegiate

Taylor and Lou Vairo were also in

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Loop, with all of the other coaches’ kids was

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gen. David rodriguez E sense oF DuTy By Brian gunning

s the 19th commander of the United States Forces Command, the Army’s largest organization, Gen. David Rodriguez was responsible for training, readying and

equipping 265,000 active component soldiers and 560,000 soldiers in the Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve. The 1976 West Point graduate and football

letterwinner worked every day to instill the values of, “resolute strength and unyielding determination,” that bond the 820,000 people under his command. However, his greatest success during his 36-year military career may be passing along those same values to one soldier — his son, Andrew Rodriguez. A member of the West Point Class of 2012, Andrew distinguished himself as one of the most decorated football players in Army history. In December 2011, the academic AllAmerican, who boasted a better than 4.0 grade point average, became the first West Point player to take home the National Football Foundation’s William V. Campbell Trophy, presented annually to the nation’s top football playing scholar-athlete. Just three months later, Andrew put his name among the nation’s all-time great athletes, a list that includes former Army stars Felix “Doc” Blanchard and Y. Arnold Tucker, by claiming the Amateur Athletic Union’s James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States. Army’s leading tackler as a sophomore in 2009, Andrew missed the entire 2010 season with a career-threatening back injury. He returned in 2011 to start 11 games. “I think his personal comeback from injury reflects his personal philosophy,” Gen. Rodriguez, now serving as the Commander of Unites States Africa Command, explains. “He is tough and perseveres. He strives to be the best and to work very hard. His final year at

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West Point certainly reflects that work ethic and dedication.” That work ethic and dedication can be traced back to the guidance and instruction military family, including one older sister who graduated from West Point in 2006. Living on Army posts for his entire childhood, a young Andrew was able to witness the values necessary in order to serve in the armed forces. “He has grown up around the Army with assignments at Fort Bragg, the Pentagon and

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Andrew received during his time traveling the world as the youngest of four siblings in a

military bases around the world,” Rodriguez says of his son. “He also knew about family

sometimes as well as visiting injured soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the

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separations. He was only three months old when I was deployed to Operation Desert Storm in 1990, and was 13 when I went back there in 2003. Growing up, he’d go to work with me

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“I was proud and honored that my children all made great career choices, both military and civilian. All four are terrific citizens, and Ginny and I couldn’t be prouder of them, including two choosing to go to West Point.” — Gen. David Rodriguez

Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He

“Schools like nearby West Chester

Meritorious Service Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf

knew about the values, the personal

University offer Army ROTC. The Veterans

Clusters), Joint Service Commendation

dedication and sacrifice it takes to pursue a

of Foreign Wars Post 106 has been operating

Medal, Army Commendation Medal

career in our armed forces.”

there since 1899 and hosts a picnic on

(with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service

The elder Rodriguez was also raised

Memorial Day to honor the fallen. My father

Achievement Medal, numerous foreign

with an appreciation for the military lifestyle.

was in the Army and part of the occupation

awards, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert

A native of West Chester, Penn., he, like most

army of Japan.”

other families in the tight-knit, working-class

After earning two varsity letters in

community, had relatives who served during

football and receiving all-conference honors

World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

in baseball at Henderson High School,

service, Rodriguez has experienced nearly

“We all knew someone who served

In his more than 35 years of military

Rodriguez was recruited to play football for

every aspect of being an Infantry leader and

in the armed forces,” Rodriguez recalls.

head coach Tom Cahill at West Point. Along

commander. His combat experience began

with his exposure to military life, students at

during the Gulf War as a G-3 Planner for the

(PICTURED BELOW) Rodriguez exchanges a handshake with former Private 1st Class “Babe” Heffron of E Co., 506th Parachute Infantry (The “Band of Brothers”) during a reception at the Union League of Philadelphia on Veterans Day in November 2011.

Henderson were instilled with similar values

XVIII Airborne Corps during Operation Just

(PICTURED OPPOSITE TOP) Rodriguez with his son, Andrew, and wife, Ginny, at the WaldorfAstoria in New York City for the 2011 National Football Foundation Awards Dinner. (PICTURED OPPOSITE BOTTOM) (From left) Rodriguez and Gen. Robert Cone, Commanding General, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command.

as cadets at West Point. Henderson’s ideals

Cause (1989-90). He also served as an

of “lessons of life and truth” and “knowledge

Operations Officer for the 1st Battalion, 505th

to serve, to each a loyal heart,” which are

Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd

included in the school’s alma mater, were

Airborne during operations Desert Shield

great introductions for the Academy’s ideals

and Desert Storm (1990-91). Rodriguez

of, “Duty, Honor, Country.” Rodriguez was a

returned to the Middle East as an Assistant

four-year member of the Army football team,

Division Commander of the 4th Infantry

earning his first varsity letter as a senior in

Division (Mechanized) in 2002.

1975. He embarked on his military career after graduating in the spring of 1976 and

After several other high-ranking leadership details, Gen. David Petraeus

was commissioned in the Infantry branch of

tabbed Rodriguez as Deputy Commander,

the U.S. Army.

United States Forces Afghanistan. In that role,

Rodriguez continued his education, earning a Master of Arts in National Security

the then-“three-star” general was responsible for developing the operational

and Strategic Studies from the United States

plan for what has become known as the

Naval War College and a Master of Military

“Afghan Surge,” the deployment of 30,000

Art and Science from the United States Army

additional troops in 2009.

Command and General Staff College. During his highly-decorated career,

“He’ll never tell you that this whole thing was his baby,” his top aide at the time, Col.

Rodriguez has earned the Defense

Kimberly Field, told Newsweek magazine.

Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished

“But it was.”

Service Medal, Defense Superior Service

Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Ranger Tab.

Described as “low-key” and “humble”

Medal, Legion of Merit (with 4 Oak Leaf

by some of his subordinates, Rodriguez took

Clusters), Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf

a philosophical and inclusive approach to

Cluster), Defense Meritorious Medal,

one of the most important plans in recent

uncertain playing status entering the 2011

military career. “I’m sure there are some

season. A quiet leader, Rodriguez has

people who know who he is and know who

modeled his leadership style from

I am and the relationship that will have their

everything he was able to observe as a

expectations change, but I can’t control that.

youngster. “Andrew is a fantastic son!” the proud father says. “He told a sports reporter back in 2007 that many of the lessons he learned growing up around the Army he tries to

prowess, the family patriarch can point to all four of his children and their ability to

really based on leadership. He said in that

overcome obstacles as a sense of pride. “I was proud and honored that my

hand the type of leadership it takes to be

children all made great career choices, both

successful. Lead by example, be the best,

military and civilian,” Rodriguez says. “All

work the hardest, do everything and inspire

four are terrific citizens, and Ginny and I

others to follow you.”

couldn’t be prouder of them, including two

For an officer with such a decorated and well-known, father, the expectations

“I tell everybody, ‘If we used our two

While Andrew garnered most of the headlines for his athletic and academic

carry over into his athletics. The Army is interview, as I recall, that he got to see first-

military history.

I really don’t feel any pressure. I just try to go out and do my best.”

choosing to go to West Point. As one can imagine, it’s always a personal challenge to

would seem daunting at times, but the

move and change school systems and

younger Rodriguez has been able to put that

athletic teams as a military family and all our

ears and one mouth in the same ratio we had

potentially heavy burden aside and build

children proved adaptable and overcame

them, we would be better off,’ ” he told

his own list of credentials.

the challenges very well.” ★

Newsweek in that same June 26, 2011 article. It is that sense of selfless duty that

“I really don’t feel any pressure,” Andrew says of his father’s high-profile

Rodriguez and his wife, Ginny, have passed down to their son. While standing in front of an audience that included a “Who’s Who” of amateur athletics after accepting the Sullivan Award, the younger Rodriguez chose not to tout his own accomplishments, but instead honored those who helped shape his life and the men and women he will soon be leading. "This award is a tribute to all the people who have helped me throughout my life," Rodriguez told the audience at the New York Athletic Club. "I had the opportunity to play

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for all the servicemen and servicewomen who watched us every week. That's who my goes out to them." Humility is not the only trait that Andrew, who graduated ranked third in West Point’s Class of 2012, has inherited from his family. A States Corps of Cadets and the football team, Rodriguez was chosen as a team captain by his teammates despite his

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recognized leader both within the United

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teammates and I played for, and this award

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larraine saavedra E servIng uP sTrengTh By Pamela Flenke

ennis matches are full of volleys. The goal of the volley is to put the opposing player

back on their heels, to become the aggressor and control the match. Sometimes the

opposition serves up a lob for you to smash, and sometimes the ball takes an unexpected bounce. How you react to the unexpected bounce can define the match. It can also define

you as a person. In October 1996, one of those unexpected bounces struck former Army women’s tennis team co-captain Larraine Saavedra and her family. Larraine is the middle child of Carlos, a former collegiate tennis player at Kean University, and Linda Saavedra, then an executive at telecommunications giant MCI Worldcom. Along with her older brother, also named Carlos, and younger sister, Natalia, the family was living happily in Elizabeth, N.J. The two older Saavedra children took up tennis at a young age, thanks to the influence of their father and grandfather. “My brother was so athletic when we were little,” says Larraine. “Whether it was learning how to ride a bike without training wheels or always beating me on the tennis court; he just did it so easily.” Then life served one of those bad bounces. Little Carlos was constantly nauseous and wouldn’t stop vomiting. The doctors initially thought he had some sort of virus that would eventually clear up. It didn’t. In addition to the vomiting, one of his eyes started to close. After a series of CAT scans and MRIs, specialists in New Jersey discovered a tumor. Six-year-old Carlos was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma tumor in the stem of his

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brain, the most common type of malignant brain tumor in children and, depending on at what stage the tumor is detected, could have a mortality rate as high as 70 percent. doctors couldn’t stop his brain from bleeding, halting the progress of the operation. At that point, the doctors came out and told the Saavedra parents they were going to lose their only son. Overwhelmed with the thought, they both fainted. Miraculously when they awoke, the doctors told them the bleeding inexplicably stopped

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Carlos underwent emergency surgery that lasted over 15 hours, during which the

and they could finish the surgery. This would be the first of four operations Carlos would In an effort to obtain the best possible care, Carlos and his mother moved to Memphis, Tenn. They lived at the Ronald McDonald House while Carlos received treatment at St. Jude’s

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endure over the coming years.

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“I welcomed the idea of being the ‘older sister’ because we were all just so grateful to have him home, so nothing else mattered. He’s a miracle so we look up to him anyway. He’s the strength of our family.” — Larraine Saavedra

Children’s Hospital. Linda and Carlos lived in

pocketbook,’ trying to get him to speak.

mattered. He’s a miracle so we look up to

Memphis for over a year and a half as he

A while later out of the blue he just said,

him anyway. He’s the strength of our family.

★

underwent three additional surgeries. Why her active, older brother and

“The situation caused me to grow up a little faster, not necessarily faster than I

mother weren’t home confused and angered

be okay. And he was, and he’s a miracle

wanted to, but just faster. I took on a lot

young Larraine. “They came home for

to everyone.”

responsibility, and I enjoyed it and that’s

Christmas and I remember asking my mom why they weren’t home, why they couldn’t go

Eventually, cleared from the tumor, eight-year-old Carlos and his mother were

to a hospital closer to home, why they left,

able to move back home. But life wasn’t quite

and so on. My mom said to me, ‘Larraine, if

back to the pace of a casual volley. The once

probably what has gotten me into the leadership position I’m in now.” The family relocated to Boca Raton, Fla., after Larraine and Carlos finished sixth

you had to shave all of your hair off, if you

super-active little boy was physically

grade, and stayed there for over six years.

had no eyebrows, no eyelashes and were

weakened and now dealing with a learning

Carlos experienced a couple complications

very sick, would you want Mommy to be

disability, causing Carlos to drop down to

over that time, blood clots in his brain

with you or would you want Mommy to be at

Larraine’s class in school.

resulting in slurred speech, and losing the

home with your brother and sister?’ I think that’s when I realized what was going on. She put it in perspective for me.” Larraine and the family that remained in New Jersey spent a lot of time over the following months going back and forth to

Despite being younger, Larraine quickly found herself in a big sister’s role, a role she embraced, a role that would also as a leader. “I welcomed the idea of being the ‘older sister’ because we were all just so

especially after his surgeries.

grateful to have him home, so nothing else

“I remember after he came out of one He couldn’t hold his head up, he couldn’t walk. It was like he wasn’t there and I was devastated. I looked at my older brother who had always been so active and I just thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this is really serious.’ I think that’s when I really understood his illness.” But from devastation to hope is a shorter distance than some might realize and for Larraine and her older brother Carlos, it was realized through a simple children’s toy. “Someone had bought him a Mr. and Mrs. Potatohead set and I was playing around with it while he laid in bed, not being able to speak. I held up Mrs. Potatohead’s pocketbook and showed it to Carlos and kept saying, ‘Pocketbook, pocketbook,

ability to hear in his left ear, both effects of the aggressive radiation chemotherapy

lay the groundwork for her future career

Tennessee to visit Carlos and Linda,

of his surgeries and he couldn’t speak at all.

‘Pocketbook!’ and I yelled, ‘Oh my gosh!’ At that moment I thought he was going to

(PICTURED BELOW) The Saavedra family at West Point’s Malek Tennis Center. (PICTURED OPPOSITE) Larraine served as co-captain of Army’s women’s tennis team this season.

treatments he suffered through. Despite the setbacks, he was able to graduate from West Boca Raton High School alongside Larraine in the spring of 2009. That summer, Larraine headed north to West Point, spurring a recruiting attempt by the U.S. Naval Academy and its women’s tennis program about to begin its inaugural season of intercollegiate competition. “I was originally recruited by the head coach at the University of MarylandBaltimore County, who then took the head coaching position at Navy. I went on a visit and didn’t really like it that much. I didn’t want to walk into a new program. A little while later I was playing a tournament in Florida that (former Army teammate) Erin Colton was also playing at and Army coach Paul Peck was there to give Erin her acceptance letter to West Point. My mom started talking to him, saying I was getting recruited by Navy but our family didn’t have many military ties with the exception of her cousin.” In a small twist of a fate, Col. Jeff Lieb, Linda Saavedra’s cousin and Larraine’s closest military tie, was an Army buddy of Peck’s as the pair had served together in the First Gulf War. Larraine spoke with Lieb about the Army and Peck, and was intrigued. After visiting the Academy, she was sold on West Point. “I loved it. I loved the tradition. I loved that I would get to serve my country. I loved that I would get to lead.” Three years later, Larraine was in a prime leadership position as a senior co-

them. We also know that some people can’t get to St. Jude’s so that’s why we wanted to

drive and appreciation and I think my

be able to give to them as well.”

teammates see that.” Larraine and her family have channeled that commitment to life elsewhere as well,

Beginning with Carlos’ 21st birthday celebration last year, then adding a golf tournament last fall and most recently his

establishing the Carlos Raymond Saavedra

22nd birthday formal dinner, the three events

captains prior to their junior seasons,

(CRS) Foundation, which raises money for

have grossed over $30,000 for charity.

marking the first time in 15 years the Black

the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

Knights were captained by juniors, a role for

and families going through similar struggles

With Carlos’ health stabilized, the CRS Foundation flourishing, and the Army

which Larraine has spent nearly a lifetime

the Saavedras went through when Carlos

women’s tennis team recently winning an

preparing.

was sick.

ninth straight Patriot League title, it’s fair to

“I like to lead by example. I look back

say Larraine and the Saavedra family have recovered from the bad bounce they were

saw all the kids around us that didn’t survive,

to treatment to medicine. Everything. And

served and they are firmly in control of this

or that were paralyzed. My brother could

everything they pay for is through donations,

match. ★

have easily been paralyzed. I’m so grateful

so it’s really important for us to give back to

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“The great thing about St. Jude’s is everything is paid for, from food to housing

at times in the hospital with my brother and

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alongside Colton. The pair was appointed

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captain of the Army women’s tennis team,

for everything I have, for my athleticism, the ability to run and compete. It gives me such

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gary steele E leADIng FroM The FronT By ryan J. yanoshak

ary Steele is still using the skills he learned during his time at West Point and as an officer in the United States Army. Now retired after a military and business career,

Steele serves as a consultant and still falls back on the foundation set while at the U.S. Military Academy. A three-year letterwinner as a tight end on the Army football team, Steele is a member of West Point’s Class of 1970. He retired as a colonel after a military career that spanned 23 years. He utilized his military training in the business world before his civilian retirement and was elected to the Army Sports Hall of Fame in May 2013. While he still consults on a few projects, Steele is enjoying his retirement. It allows him a

chance to watch his daughter, Sage, an ESPN SportsCenter anchor, follow the Baltimore Ravens where his son, Chad, works in the Media Relations Department, track his son, Courtney, a fashion model or spend time with his four grandchildren. The son of an Army veteran, Steele entered West Point following a year at a preparatory school in New York. He faced the usual struggles that most “Plebes” have to overcome and then starred on the football field where he was West Point’s first African-American letterwinner in the sport of football. “I was aware of being the first, but it didn’t have a major impact on me,” says Steele. “And it was because of the way I was raised. I was born in New York City, went to Germany where the services were integrated, spent time in Japan and then went to Fort Dix, N.J., in a military environment. It was a very multi-cultural experience. At West Point, we were all out there having fun. For me, I didn’t really give it that much thought; I was trying to beat out one of my football teammates. I happened to be the one in the queue when the military and West Steele was all set to accept a scholarship to Penn State University after a standout career talked about West Point. Steele had seen the show “Men of West Point,” and was intrigued enough to explore. His father, Maj. Frank Steele, was a Buffalo Soldier who served his first duty station at West Point. Steele decided to spend a prep year at Manlius and complete the application process to West Point. “What I remember most about my Academy experience was the camaraderie,” says team. It wasn’t about you, it was about teamwork. “ Steele, who still remains close friends with former teammates and classmates, caught 25

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Steele. “We are all in the same pot together. We learned rather quickly it was all about the

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at Woodrow Wilson High School in Levittown, Pa., before a coach showed up at his school and

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Point made its decision. If it hadn’t been me, it would have been someone else.”

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“I can’t tell you how many times in my military and civilian careers when I have faced challenges that I think back to the experiences I had as a cadet and as an Army officer and realize how West Point has prepared me for those challenges.” — Gary Steele

passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns in

“What I learned then is certainly

his first season in 1966, posted 14 receptions

applicable today,” continues Steele. “Basic

Steele decided to branch transfer to Adjutant General Corps to prepare for life

for 269 yards and a pair of scores as a junior

leadership fundamentals are needed in

after the military, the same branch in which

and capped his career with a team-high 27

organizations across our country today. They

his father served.

catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns

still need the basic leadership principles I

during his “Firstie” season. Playing during a

learned 40 years ago.”

time when freshmen were not eligible to

With the support and assistance of his

Gary then spent 18 years in the Adjutant General branch, first in Greece after graduating with honors from the Greek

compete, he was the only player on his team

brother, Michael, a 1969 West Point

to start all 30 games and concluded his

graduate, Steele was commissioned as a

working with NATO. He spent five years in

career with 66 catches for 1,111 yards and

second lieutenant in 1970 and began his

Fort Carson, Colo., and then was selected

seven touchdowns. “I struggled academically,” says Steele.

language course and then in Belgium

military career as an Infantry officer. His first

to battalion command at Fort Benjamin

assignment was in the Canal Zone in

Harrison, Ind. He retired as a “full-bird”

“The effort to try and balance the three

Panama as a platoon leader before being

colonel after being selected as a member

rigors of cadetship, academic focus and the

asked to return to West Point and serve on

of the doctrine writing team that provided

athletic piece was a real challenge. My

the football coaching staff. With an inkling

revisions of Army FM-100-5 FM Operations,

strongest memories are the friendships

that a civilian career as a coach was

a manual that describes how the Army thinks

formed because of the challenge presented

possible, Steele accepted the assignment but

about the conduct of operations.

to each cadet.

ultimately chose another path for his career.

With a sparkling background from West Point and the military, Steele went to work for the Kansas City, Mo., School District, after an Army officer reached out seeking an Associate Superintendent for Human Resources. After overseeing Human Resources in the district for more than 22 years, Steele was offered a position in Connecticut before moving to Pfizer in New York City. At Pfizer, Steele was Director of Human Resources for the European Region Animal Health Business Unit before retiring in 2008 as a Director of Organizational Effectiveness at the corporate headquarters. (PICTURED AT LEFT) Gary hauled in seven touchdown passes and started every game during the final three years of his West Point career. (PICTURED OPPOSITE) Steele became the first African-American to earn a varsity letter in football at West Point, accomplishing the feat in 1966.

“Pfizer really gave me the opportunity to use all of the skills, leadership,

Despite a busy schedule heavy with travel and caring for the needs of his family,

organizational training, language skills and

Steele still makes time to give back. Steele’s

knowledge and ability that I learned in the

class helps sponsor the National Conference

Army and at West Point,” says Steele. “My

on Ethics in America, an annual gathering at

areas were focused on organizational

West Point to promote awareness among

effectiveness, looking at systems processes,

undergraduate students of ethical issues in

coaching, leadership, performance and

collegiate communities and professional

management. Certainly in a 23-year military

career fields. More than 180 students from

career that is kind of what you live and

60 academic institutions participate annually

breathe. My father was right; the majority of

with mentors from a variety of backgrounds

my skills were very transferable from the

to discuss moral and ethical challenges.

military to civilian sector.”

According to the conference website, the

goal is to challenge the delegates to think critically about relevant topics and to facilitate dialogue that lays the groundwork to build upon.” Not only does Steele’s class sponsor the event, he has also served as a facilitator on numerous occasions. “West Point has given me so much,” says Steele. “I don’t know where I would be without it. The conference is a very powerful thing. Upon arrival, most of the attendees don’t have a clue about West Point but they are immersed in the cadet experience. These young men and women leave the conference and go back to their schools and homes to think and discuss honor, integrity, leadership and how to use critical thinking. It’s interesting to think of the impact we have Steele continues to follow Army athletics

National Conference on Ethics in America while enjoying retirement. “I can’t tell you how many times in my military and civilian careers when I have

Army officer, and realize how West Point prepared me for those challenges.” ★

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faced challenges that I think back to the experiences I had as a cadet and as an

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and the football team, visits West Point as often as he can and stays active with the

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on so many folks each year. “

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Carl ullrich E BlAzIng A TrAIl By Brian gunning

hether it was serving his country in both the United States Navy and the U.S.

Marine Corps, helping his devoted wife of more than 60 years raise five children,

guiding collegiate crew teams, or directing Army Athletics as the first civilian athletic director,

Carl Ullrich has led a life of service. Born in Ridgewood, N.J., Ullrich played football and lacrosse as a high school athlete before enlisting in the Navy during the latter stages of World War II. After his service, he enrolled at Cornell University and joined the Marine Corps Reserves. He continued his athletic participation as a member of the Big Red’s crew team and helped the team win the 1949 national championship. With the outbreak of the Korean War, Ullrich was called into active duty by the Marines in 1950. He served in the conflict as both a platoon leader and company commander, experiences that shaped his future leadership style. “The Marine Corps was a great part of my life,” Ullrich recalls. “I wouldn’t trade that for anything. It was very much the same as coaching and the same as trying to be an administrator. You try to build a family atmosphere and build a situation where we are all working together. If an organization is going to be successful, there has to be a discipline there that everybody feels — that there is a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things. Even under the worst conditions, that discipline has to come out and you have to behave and do the right thing no matter what.” While Ullrich’s service in Korea laid the foundation for his professional development, the defining moment of his personal life occurred after he left the military. Upon his return to the United States, he began a teaching career at a private high school on Long Island. It was there that Ullrich met his wife, Becky, who was also a teacher at the school. The two have been inseparable ever since, raising three sons and two daughters. real hesitations about leaving the Marine Corps because I loved it. It’s a good thing I did get happened to me. She was an ideal coach’s wife without any hesitation. I lucked out. I probably didn’t deserve her. She was a great part of the experience every place I worked.” Those places included coaching stints at Cornell, Columbia University and Boston University, but it was his decision to take the varsity crew head coaching job at the U.S. Naval Academy that would begin the transition from coach to administrator. Working with new recruiting office. He wore both hats for several years, but finally chose the administrative path. After a total of 11 years in Annapolis, the Ullrichs packed their bags and headed for Kalamazoo, Mich., where Carl was hired as athletic director at Western Michigan University.

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Navy Athletic Director Bo Coppedge, Ullrich was almost immediately put in charge of the

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out because I probably wouldn’t have met her. She was certainly the best thing that ever

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“Becky is the best thing that ever happened to me,” Ullrich says lovingly. “I had some

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“He was everywhere. He knew every athlete by name. He knew every former athlete that he met by name. He attended so many sporting events that the rumor was he was cloned because he couldn’t possibly be everywhere he was.” — Carol Bush

Their time with the Broncos, while enjoyable,

be the Army athletic director?’ Of course,

proved short. After just one year at WMU,

I said, ‘Yes.’ ”

Ullrich received word that there might be an

Despite what would ultimately be a 10-

opportunity at West Point. Up until that time,

year, hall of fame career at Army, the first few

however, the athletic department was run by

seasons at West Point were challenging for

officers who would rotate every two to three

the Ullrich family. While Carl made difficult

years. Despite some initial resistance, an old

decisions in order to transform the athletic

friend advised Ullrich to pursue the job.

department into a modern organization,

“I heard that Army was going to make a change, but I was told that there was no sense in expressing any interest because they weren’t going to hire a civilian,” Ullrich

Becky served as a sympathetic ear when he returned home from the office. “I had to make a lot of changes that fall,” Ullrich recalls. “I asked a lot of colonels to

recalls. “Bo Coppedge called me after that

move on who had been in charge of various

and told me he wanted me to apply. I didn’t

aspects of the program. I did have to make

have a resume. I was very happy where I was,

those changes because the athletic depart-

but I did write a letter to the superintendent

ment was not as I visualized an athletic

and said I would be interested. I interviewed

department had to be. The first couple or

with General (Andrew) Goodpaster, who

three years at West Point were the unhappiest

was just a wonderful man. He called me at

years of my career. I was fortunate to be able

the office and said, ‘Carl, I want you to give

to go home at night to a wonderful wife who

me an answer right away, do you want to

would listen to all my troubles.”

Part of Ullrich’s vision for the athletic department revolved around generating a family atmosphere among the staff. Having been a student-athlete, coach and administrator, he brought a unique perspective on how to treat his staff members. “I loved them just like my family, some of them like my kids,” Ullrich says. “They were all great people. They were working so hard to get the job done. Having been a coach, I knew it wasn’t easy so I tried to give them the best support I could. I wanted to let them know that I was there for them, and I was ready to do whatever I could to make their job easier. Sometimes you couldn’t do what they asked you to do, but at least the effort was there. I hoped they felt that.” Judging from the recollections of former employees that served under his leadership, Ullrich’s philosophy certainly did make the impact he was striving for.

“I think he led by example,” Carol Bush, Army’s current assistant athletic director for

was 2-9, and there were a lot of folks who

In 2007, Ullrich took his rightful place

wanted to fire both of us,” Ullrich remembers.

among the greats of Army Athletics with his

game operations who began her career in

“He had been out of coaching for a year, and

induction into the Army Sports Hall of Fame.

the athletic department’s ticket office, says.

a lot of folks wondered why we would want

In yet another sign of respect, Ullrich, the first

“He treated everybody equally. He

to hire a guy like that. To me, that was one of

administrator to be included in the hall of

recognized us as professionals within our

his greatest strengths. Having gone through

fame, was chosen to speak on behalf of the

field. If anything came up, he came to you for

it myself, I know how much I missed it. Here

induction class at the annual dinner.

advice. He always made sure you were

was a guy who dropped out of coaching,

“I knew there were still some graduates

included in whatever decision needed to be

realized he made a mistake and really

who were not necessarily supportive of me

made. There was great communication

missed it. How could you find a better guy

and of the time I spent there even though we

among all the departments. You felt

than that? Of course, he came in and just

did some good things,” Ullrich says. “I

comfortable talking to him. Even if there was

worked so hard. I’ll never forget the work

remember e-mailing (former Army Athletic

a problem, you felt comfortable telling him

ethic. I just knew that we were going to turn it

Director) Kevin Anderson and telling him that

and you knew everything would be handled

around. Of course, the second year was a

if there were any graduates who were on

in the most professional way.

great year, and Jim was just the finest coach

him about me going into the hall of fame, that

you could have there.”

he should change his mind. I had no idea

“He was everywhere. He knew every athlete by name. He knew every former athlete that he met by name. He attended so

Ullrich decided to retire from West Point

about the committee selection or anything

in 1990, but his career as an athletic

like that. I really was flabbergasted. I felt so

many sporting events that the rumor was he

administrator was far from over. He took over

honored. It’s brought tears to my eyes on

was cloned because he couldn’t possibly be

as the first full-time executive director of the

more than one occasion.”

everywhere he was.” While there were several changes and

newly formed Patriot League, a position he

With more than 20 years worth of

held until 1993. After deciding to give up the

perspective, Ullrich still believes his legacy

improvements made during his 10 years at

conference job, he and his wife retired to

at West Point comes down to one decision.

West Point, Ullrich may be most well known

North Carolina. While helping run the

“Without any question, hiring Jim Young,”

for one personnel decision that altered the

swimming pool at nearby St. Andrew’s

Ullrich says of his top accomplishment at

course of Army Football. On the heels of five

College, Ullrich was asked to fill in as the

West Point. “There were a lot of things that

straight losing seasons, Ullrich determined

school’s athletic director. He held the

were good, and I’ll remember those folks

he needed to make a coaching change after

position twice, serving from 1995 to 1997

forever as being a second family. The chance

his third year on campus. His decision to hire

and 2002 to 2004. He finally decided to retire

to turn the Army athletic program into a real

Jim Young propelled the Black Knights to

for good and moved to his current home in

athletic organization is what I remember

three bowl games and three Commander In

Virginia Beach, Va., to be closer to family.

the best.” ★

Chief’s Trophy titles in Young’s eight seasons. The Army field boss was inducted into the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. Despite the eventual success, the first season did not result in the turnaround

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Ullrich and Young were hoping for. “I’ll never forget that first year because

(PICTURED OPPOSITE) Carl became the first administrator to be inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame when he was so honored in 2007.

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(PICTURED AT RIGHT) West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Willard W. Scott Jr. (seated, far right) officially accepts Army’s invitation to the 1985 Peach Bowl with Ullrich (standing on right) and Jim Young (standing on left) looking on.

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if you look back you’ll see that Jim (Young)

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haley (edwards) uthlaut E Down BuT noT ouT By Tracy nelson

hen tragedy strikes, it’s human nature to respond in one of two ways: one can let

a great misfortune get the best of them, or they rise above. In many ways, that

reaction can define a person’s character. For Haley Uthlaut, heartbreak came at a young age and a high price. She grew up Haley Ann Edwards in Oklahoma City, Okla., the granddaughter of a major

general and 1954 West Point graduate with few aspirations to follow suit. A standout guard on the basketball court, she was an academic all-state honoree and helped Putnam City North High School author an impressive 80-6 record during her four-year career. Although recruited to play at several other schools, Uthlaut decided on West Point after making an official visit and instantly falling in love with the historic military academy. Uthlaut lettered four years on the basketball court for the Black Knights, contributing as a role player for three seasons before earning the starting point guard job in all 28 games as a senior team captain. Two months after being commissioned into the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Uthlaut married her longtime boyfriend and classmate, Ryan Dennison, in his hometown of Ijamsville, Md. The newlyweds settled down and began their life together in Fort Bragg, N.C. The Dennisons deployed not long after — Haley to Afghanistan and Ryan to Iraq. On Nov. 15, 2006, just four months after the couple’s second wedding anniversary, John Ryan Dennison lost his life in a small arms fire while on patrol near Balad Ruz. He was 24 years old. Uthlaut returned home to plan her young husband’s funeral, but longed for purpose and a sense of community following his death. She decided to return to her platoon in Afghanistan

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and finish the first of two deployments. “I felt like I had been knocked down in life to say the least,” Uthlaut remembers. “I had in my personal journey of grief. Another important healing mechanism was my decision to go back to work, a choice that helped me define how I would respond in the face of tragedy.” Before her five-year commitment expired, Uthlaut spent most of 2007 and 2008 on a second deployment in Iraq where her life took an unexpected, yet life-changing turn. Uthlaut

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and still have a strong support network through my faith, family, and friends. They all helped me

met and fell in love with Maj. Dave Uthlaut, a 2001 West Point graduate whom she would The young couple returned stateside where they both completed graduate studies at the University of North Carolina and Haley’s active duty commitment came to an end. The

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eventually marry in May 2009.

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“I felt like I had been knocked down in life to say the least. I had and still have a strong support network through my faith, family, and friends. They all helped me in my personal journey of grief. Another important healing mechanism was my decision to go back to work, a choice that helped me define how I would respond in the face of tragedy.” — Haley Uthlaut

Uthlauts welcomed their first son, Jackson, in 2011 and a second son, Caleb, two years later. Life for Uthlaut was perfect. She found love again, returned to a familiar background on the banks of the Hudson when Dave got a teaching assignment at West Point and motherhood had followed not long after. However, the fact that Uthlaut held an undergraduate degree from one of the finest educational institutions in the country in addition to a Master of Business Administration was not lost on her. Unfortunately, with the nation’s unemployment rate climbing at a rapid pace, she ran into obstacle after obstacle in trying to find meaningful work commensurate with her education. “In the context of my life, dealing with being a ‘Gold Star’ wife (widowed while the spouse is on active duty in military service) and meeting other spouses in a similar situation, I began questioning what my career options were as a military spouse with an MBA,” Uthlaut recalls. As Dave dove into his coursework with West Point’s Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, Haley began to put her well-earned education to work at home. Uthlaut had the idea to establish a nonprofit organization with the intent of helping

(PICTURED RIGHT) Haley served as team captain for Army’s women’s basketball squad during the 2003-04 season. (OPPOSITE) Haley and her husband, David and sons, Jackson and Caleb, outside their West Point home

military spouses much like herself gain

“In less than two years, we helped 22

meaningful employment through advocacy.

spouses in the West Point area obtain

In Gear Career saw its infancy phases

professional employment through ‘one-off’

come to fruition in early 2011 with Uthlaut as

opportunities and networking that they

its founder and executive director. Together

otherwise wouldn’t have known about,”

with a strong board of directors, In Gear

Uthlaut says. “It’s amazing how valuable

Career began its mission to “enable military

word of mouth can be, especially when

spouses to seek and obtain professional

you’re a new spouse in the area. That’s when

employment alongside their service

In Gear steps in and dramatically narrows

member and improve the quality of life for

that gap. At the end of the day, the goal is to

the family.”

unify the voice of the professional spouse

“When I got back to West Point, I

through advocacy.”

considered the opportunities and resources

Of those 22 placements, Uthlaut

available and identified a gap in services

estimates the average salary being $87,000

and opportunities available for spouses,” she

with a couple of the spouses securing a six-

explains. “When looking at everything that

figure income.

the government provides and other

In addition to the West Point pilot

non-profit social organizations available,

program, In Gear Career has spawned 14

there wasn’t anything geared towards

other chapters to include Naples, Italy, San

professional military spouses and providing

Diego, Colorado Springs and Tampa among

career resources and networking for that

others. Uthlaut’s dream is to expand In Gear

specific group.”

Career onto every military installation in the

Uthlaut reached out to Wittenberg Weiner Consulting, LLC, a small consulting firm founded by military spouses with the goal of helping federal agencies put government principles into practice. “I wanted to know how to create systematic change and opportunities for spouses at the professional level,” Uthlaut

relevant questions to which In Gear Career

country because the need for such an

helps provide the answers.

organization is evident everywhere.

As Uthlaut knows from personal experience, when moving to a new

Uthlaut is bound to add another chapter shortly, as she and her family recently

installation, some spouses may feel isolated

departed West Point for a new home at Fort

when beginning a job search under non-

Benning, Ga.

traditional circumstances. In Gear Career aims to eliminate that

Uthlaut’s young life has certainly taken some unexpected turns and morphed at

says. “Throughout my time in the military

hurdle in two ways. The first is through a local

each stop. In her short 30 years, she has

and as a military spouse, I’ve come across

chapter from which military spouses may

filled the role of military spouse, veteran,

many talented spouses who have been

obtain materials, advice and face-to-face

‘Gold Star’ wife, mother and now the founder

unable to find work appropriate to their level

information regarding work in the local area.

of an ambitious non-profit organization

of education, experience, and aptitude.”

The second, and most important in Uthlaut’s

geared towards improving the lives of others

Uthlaut, who currently runs the

opinion, is creating a community of practice

facing similar challenges.

organization from her home, says research

specific to a spouse’s career field. In Gear Career’s local West Point

“I made a commitment to a lifetime of selfless service, so I feel called to continue

chapter currently has 80 members and is

that in my role as a spouse,” Uthlaut says.

42 percent wage disparity and will look for

continuing to grow. The group gathers

“This is a way I can use my skill set and

work three times longer than a civilian

periodically and in doing so expands the

continue my promise.”★

counterpart.

professional network, which, in turn, leads to

How do you handle holes in your resume? How do you explain how many

increased job opportunities. There is also a mentorship program in place as a part of the community of practice, which brings lawyers

happen again? Do you say you’re a military

together with local lawyers, accountants with

spouse on an interview? These are all very

accountants and so on.

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times you have moved and when it will

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more likely to be unemployed, will face a

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indicates military spouses are three times

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lt. Col. Myreonwilliams E leAn on hIM By Brian gunning

he nickname “Mama’s Boy” might not be a typical description for an Army football

player, but for Lt. Col. Myreon Williams, the moniker is both a sense of pride and a

reason for his success. The discipline and motivation instilled during his childhood are the driving forces behind the Patterson, N.J., native’s achievements both on and off the athletic field. A 1992 West Point graduate and two-time football letterwinner, Williams has built an

impressive resume as a physician. Since July 2001, he has held the title of Chief of Nephrology, first at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Georgia and currently at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. His duties include outpatient and inpatient care of individuals with all forms of acute and chronic kidney disease, including dialysis and posttransplant care. “I grew up in a household with a lot of discipline,” Williams says. “The rules were initially stated, but became understood. Mom usually talked a lot more, but both her and Dad were enforcers. I knew where I stood throughout my childhood. I still reflect on that, and I think I got exactly what any teenager needs — a lot of love and a lot of discipline.” Williams’ home environment was reinforced during his academic career. During his elementary school days, he attended St. Joseph’s Elementary, a private school right across the parking lot from Eastside High School, made famous by the movie “Lean on Me.” The film depicted then-principal Joe Clark’s efforts to instill pride and discipline in order to save the failing school. Clark’s success in changing the culture allowed Williams to attend the school and excel both academically and athletically. “Up until the sixth grade, my mother’s intent was to send me to a private, boys’ high

★

school,” Williams says. “Everyone in town knew what the reputation of the high school was. It was a very violent place with drugs and a lot of unruly behavior. He (Joe Clark) cleaned it up parents to go to Eastside. I wanted to go there because it had a comprehensive athletic program with track and football, which is something I probably wouldn’t have been able to do elsewhere.” Williams lettered twice as a quarterback at Eastside and earned three varsity letters for the track and field team. He captained both squads during his scholastic career. While being University of Minnesota, Williams again relied on the discipline and values instilled by his family to make his college decision and accept an appointment to West Point. “The defining moment in choosing West Point came when I considered the structure of

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recruited to play football at schools such as the University of New Hampshire and the

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pretty fast, and by the time I reached the end of seventh grade, I got the ‘All-Clear!’ from my

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— Lt. Col. Myreon Williams

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“The defining moment in choosing West Point came when I considered the structure of the Academy after visiting there. I could foresee a great structure for an 18-year-old who was trying to figure out what to do in life … West Point just seemed like a perfect fit.”

the football program in an effort to improve

passes. His 33.4 yards per catch still stands

his academic standing and become better

as an Army single-season record for

ingrained in West Point life. Luckily for both

receivers with at least 10 receptions.

Williams and the Black Knights, he reconsidered his decision and rejoined the

a “Firstie,” the quarterback depth chart

team for preseason practice as a “Yearling.”

began to thin out and it became apparent

“I actually quit after spring football my

the Academy after visiting there,” Williams

center. It wasn’t long before Williams was

Camp Buckner as a non-corps squad

leading the huddle. “Going into my senior year, the depth

were sub-standard, and I thought I needed

chart at quarterback almost instantaneously

some more room to adjust to Academy life

vanished,” Williams says. “It was just Willie

and think more clearly about what I wanted

McMillan and two ‘Plebes.’ Both the freshmen

to do. I felt like football didn’t quite fit into my

blew out their knees before the season

mindset. I was reassured by the football

started so I was the starting receiver and

coaches and upperclassmen, and I decided

backup quarterback at the same time. Willie

to give it another try. I was able to incorporate

blew his knee out in the third game against

football and academics. I got off the ground

Harvard, and after that I finished out the

and never looked back in terms of playing

season at quarterback.”

sports and participating in Academy life.”

Not only did Williams have to take over

Williams spent the 1989 campaign

the offense against the Crimson, but he

quarterbacking the junior varsity team, and

entered the game with the Black Knights

recalls. “I could foresee a great structure for

heading into his “Cow” season the chances

trailing 20-7. Not missing a beat, he guided

an 18-year-old who was trying to figure out

for playing time didn’t look promising. The

Army to a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns,

what to do in life. I knew I wanted to do

depth chart included senior Bryan

scoring the game-winner himself on a three-

something positive, but was not exactly sure

McWilliams, who had started 18 games,

yard run with just 1:03 left. He finished the

what that was. I visited several other schools

including Army’s showing in the 1988 John

season as the squad’s leading rusher with

that were very good schools, but it didn’t

Hancock Sun Bowl, junior Willie McMillian,

924 yards.

seem like they were environments that were

who ran for 433 yards and four touchdowns

conducive to my growth. West Point just

in 1989, and senior Otto Leone, who started

Harvard game that I didn’t get a chance to

twice during the 1988 season. It was during

think about it,” Williams remembers with a

spring practice in 1990 that head coach Jim

laugh. “After that, when the smoke cleared

seemed like a perfect fit.” While the Academy’s structure would

“It all happened so fast during the

eventually allow Williams that growth he

Young approached Williams about a switch

and I had time to think about it, it was a bit

was searching for, it took a year for him to

to wide receiver.

tougher to adjust to the weekly planning and

become completely comfortable in the West Point environment. After playing

that Williams might be needed back under

‘Plebe’ year,” Williams says. “I spent all of athlete. I did that because I felt my grades

(PICTURED ABOVE AND OPPOSITE) Myreon Williams began his West Point football career at quarterback, became an All-East split end, then returned to the quarterback position during his senior year.

While preparing to play a similar role as

In an offense that averaged less than six pass attempts per game, Williams received

all of formations and reads. It was a lot different than being a receiver. It was tough

quarterback with the junior varsity squad

honorable mention All-East honors. He

trying to re-adjust to that level of

during his “Plebe” season and through

caught 13 passes for 434 yards and hauled

quarterbacking. With the junior varsity, you

spring practice, Williams decided to leave

in five of the Black Knights’ six touchdown

put a couple of plays together and ran on

instinct. At the varsity level, it is a different game. By the middle of the season, I got a bit more comfortable and started playing a lot better.” Williams’ success through adversity was no surprise to his teammates. Known as a quiet, but respected presence in the locker room, the versatile Williams solidified his position as a team captain. “He was selfless, a true absolute teammate,” said Lt. Col. (ret.) Mike McElrath, the Black Knights’ all-time leading tackler, says. “A perfect example was him switching positions. He was going to do whatever he had to in order to help the team so he transitioned to receiver, and then three games into his senior year Willie McMillian goes down. We were scrambling for a quarterback and Myreon stepped up. That’s who he was. He was definitely a quiet leader, but he had everyone’s respect. When he

Howard University College of Medicine.

talked, you listened.”

After two years in Washington, personal

aren’t functional labs or radiographs, just a

circumstances caused him to transfer to the

lot of IV fluids, antibiotics, tourniquets,

Williams’ athletic success was only part

and it’s a very austere environment. There

of his West Point experience. While returning

University of South Carolina, where he

bandages and keeping your head down. I

from spring break as a “Yearling,” he began

completed his education in 1996. Williams

gained a lot of insight about that level of

to contemplate his choice of major. He had

moved to Georgia to begin an internship in

combat medicine. I had to put in practice

not given it much thought before, but it did

internal medicine at Eisenhower Medical

things that I really didn’t expect that I would

not take very long to come to the conclusion

Center. He also completed a two-year

have to at that stage of my career. It allowed

that would shape the rest of his life. Once

internal medicine residency at the facility.

me to get a perspective about pretty austere

decided, Williams became locked in on

Following a two-year nephrology fellowship

combat medicine. That is something you just

achieving his goal.

at Walter Reed Army Medical Center,

can’t get anywhere else. It’s real-time, attacks

Williams returned to Eisenhower as the

and fresh injuries. You really have to deal

bit of an epiphany,” Williams says. “We had to

Chief of Nephrology in July 2001. He would

with having a lower level of capabilities and

choose our majors coming back from spring

hold that position for 10 years before moving

work with what you have.”

break our ‘Yearling’ year, and I hadn’t given

to Landstuhl in July 2011.

“My decision to go into medicine was a

it a whole lot of thought. My strengths were

Included in those 11 years were two

Through all of his experiences on the football field, serving on the front line in

helping people. The instant conclusion was

month stay from January to July 2006 as an

from their health issues, Williams still goes

that I wanted to be a physician. It happened

internist at the 14th Combat Support

back to where it all started for perspective.

in a matter of 10 or 15 minutes of the 45-

Hospital at Bagram Airbase and a nine-

minute drive back to West Point. Thereafter,

month stint from May 2009 to January 2010 as

that is all I was focused on. I immediately

a squadron surgeon for the 3-71st Cavalry.

went to the medical school counselor and

“To put it in perspective, the combat

“I consider myself a ‘Mama’s Boy,’ ” Williams says. “I maintain a very close relationship with Mom, and I try to visit as much as possible. It gives me a warm and

tried to find out what the field of study was to

support hospital is considered Echelon 3

very comfortable feeling just being able to

prepare for medical school. To this day, I

and Landstuhl is considered Echelon 4.”

be Myreon again, not lieutenant colonel, not

After Williams graduated with his

Williams explains. “Echelon 3 means it’s kind

doctor, just her son. That’s nice. I need that

of like a functional hospital but on a smaller

from time to time.”★

bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, the

scale. As a squadron surgeon, that’s a field

newly commissioned officer headed to

surgeon at Echelon 1. You’re on the front line,

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don’t regret that decision. I love what I do.”

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Afghanistan, and helping patients recover

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math and science, and I am really into

deployments to Afghanistan — a seven-

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Acknowledgements Editorial Contributors Christian Anderson served two stints as a member of Army’s

Tracy Nelson is in her seventh year as a member of the Army

Athletic Communications staff. He served as the primary contact

Athletic Communications staff. Nelson serves as the primary

for the Black Knights’ baseball, wrestling, men’s soccer and

contact for Army’s lacrosse and hockey programs. A graduate of

swimming and diving programs and was the secondary football

St. Bonaventure University, Nelson worked at Lafayette College

contact. A graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School

before arriving at West Point. A College Sports Information

of Public Communications. Anderson started his career as an

Director of America award winner, Nelson is also responsible for

assistant at Army and returned in 2010 before leaving the field.

oversight of the Army Athletic Association’s official website.

Bob Beretta is Executive Athletic Director at the United States

Mady Salvani is in her 45th year with the Army Athletic

Military Academy. A local product with deep-rooted ties to the

Association and is a member of the Black Knights’ Athletic

Hudson Valley, Beretta is in 13th year on the senior leadership

Communications staff. Salvani serves as the primary contact for

team and 27th overall in West Point’s athletic department.

Army’s women’s soccer, gymnastics, rifle and softball programs

Formerly an award-winning sports information director, Beretta

and is also the Director of Research and Special Projects. A

now oversees Army’s football schedule and special events and

talented photographer, Salvani started her career with West

oversees the Black Knights’ football, hockey, baseball and

Point’s Public Affairs Office and recently completed her 50th year

women’s basketball programs, among other duties. A graduate

working at the Academy

of St. Bonaventure University, Beretta is a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

Tim Volkmann recently transitioned to another university following a seven-year stint with the Army Athletic Association. He served as Director of the Army A Club prior to spending six

Pamela Flenke is in her fourth year as a member of the Army

years in the Athletic Communications office where he worked

Athletic Communications staff. The primary media contact for

with the men’s soccer, wrestling, swimming and diving and

Army’s women’s basketball and cross country and track and field

lacrosse programs.

programs, Flenke holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Providence College.

Ryan Yanoshak is in his seventh year as a member of the Army Athletic Communications staff. He serves as the primary contact

Brian Gunning recently completed his seventh year as a

for Army’s football and baseball programs. A graduate of

member of the Army Athletic Communications staff. Gunning

Bloomsburg University with a master’s degree from East

serves as the primary media contact for Army’s men’s basketball

Stroudsburg University, Yanoshak also serves as Deputy Licensing

and golf programs and also has a bevy of football duties. A

Director, and as the Special Assistant to the Executive Athletic

graduate of Ithaca College, Gunning worked at Ithaca, Syracuse

Director.

University, Marshall University and Ohio University before arriving at West Point. A College Sports Information Director of America award winner. Gunning is also responsible for layout and design for many of the Army Athletic Association’s collateral materials.

Image Contributors James Arrowood has been a photographer serving our armed

John Pellino is in his 13th year as a photographer and graphic

forces for over 20 years. For the past three years, Arrowood has

designer at West Point. A graduate of the University of Central

worked as the command photographer for the United States

Florida, he spent six years on active duty in the United States

Army Training Center and Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C. Prior to

Army with assignments in Panama and the Pentagon. He also

arriving at Fort Jackson, Arrowood served two years as an Air

serves as head coach of West Point’s women’s club lacrosse team.

Force civilian photographer and 17 years as an Air Force enlisted

Pellino shot the photos for the Gen. David Rodriguez, Jack, Rob

photographer. Arrowood’s work can be found in the Jen

and Brian Riley, and Barney Forsythe stories.

(Johnstone) McAfee piece. Maj. Kamil Sztalkoper is the Public Affairs Officer for the 4th Tommy Gilligan has been a professional photographer for over

Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He

10 years. For the past four years, Gilligan worked as a staff

is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a commission in

photojournalist for the United States Military Academy. Prior to

the Infantry, serving as a rifle platoon leader, rifle company

arriving at West Point, Gilligan served as a Photographers Mate in

executive officer, OCS platoon trainer, and recon troop

the U.S. Navy for six years. Gilligan also shoots for the Super Bowl

commander. He is responsible for the brigade's command

champion-New York Giants as well as other professional and

information, media relations, and community relations programs.

NCAA teams. Gilligan provided photos for the Gary Steele, Dick

He has deployed to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan and shot photos

Hall, Gaylord Greene and Haley (Edwards) Uthlaut pieces.

for the Liz Lazzari feature.

Phil Hoffmann is the Director of Photography for the Naval

Rick Voight is a photographer who has provided photographic

Academy Athletic Association and the team photographer for the

services for Old Dominion University and other colleges for

Baltimore Ravens. In addition to 30 seasons with Navy Football

almost 35 years. He also handles corporate photography, and

and 17 years on the Ravens’ sidelines, he has photographed

through Tidewater Community College, has served as an

numerous college sporting events, such as basketball, lacrosse,

instructor for video production basics. He is actively involved in

soccer, wrestling, track and field, crew, and fencing. Phil has also

his church, and loves to spend time with his wife, his three sons,

covered Major League Baseball, the Professional Golfers

and the family dog. Voight snapped the anchor photo of Carl and

Association Tour, horse racing, and the Olympics. He produced

Becky Ullrich.

the Dick Edell profile photograph. Danny Wild is in his seventh year as a reporter and photographer for MLB.com, the official website of Major League

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. He is from Little

Baseball. He began volunteering at West Point as a photographer in 2009 after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism

taken him all over the world. He is still shooting roll film and uses

from SUNY New Paltz. His work with Army has been published by

his darkroom to print. Jones has a passion that motivates him to

ESPN.com, Sports Illustrated magazine, The New York Times, Daily

look for that perfect shot despite where he goes in the hospital.

News and more. Wild shot photos for the Dan and Jane Jollota,

He provided the anchor photo of Myreon Williams.

Paige Brink, Rich Ellerson and LoRusso family stories.

FIRST

A special thanks to John Johnson of John Johnson Art Direction & Design for his assistance with the design and layout of this book. Mission First was printed by the Elm Press.

MISSION

Rock Ark., and started taking photos in 1970. His camera has

★

Phillip Jones is a member of the Public Affairs Office at

★ 83

★ FIRST MISSION

★

The premier edition of Mission First is dedicated to the American soldier. “Yours is the profession of arms, the will to win, the sure knowledge that in war there is no substitute for victory, that if you lose, the Nation will be destroyed, that the very obsession of your public service must be duty, honor, country. Others will debate the controversial issues, national and international, which divide men’s minds. But serene, calm, aloof, you stand as the Nation’s war guardian, as its lifeguard from the raging tides of international conflict, as its gladiator in the arena of battle. For a century and a half you have defended, guarded, and protected its hallowed traditions of liberty and freedom, of right and justice … … You are the leaven which binds together the entire fabric of our national system of defense. From your ranks come the great captains who hold the Nation’s destiny in their hands the moment the war tocsin sounds. The long, gray line has never failed us. Were you to do so, a million ghosts in olive drab, in brown khaki, in blue and gray, would rise from their white crosses, thundering those magic words: Duty, honor, country.” — Gen. Douglas MacArthur in his speech to the U.S. Corps of Cadets in accepting the Sylvanus Thayer Award, May 12, 1962

The Statue To The American Soldier was presented to the United States Corps of Cadets in 1980 on behalf of the West Point Class of 1935 and the West Point Class of 1936. It is inscribed with the following: PRESENTED TO THE CORPS OF CADETS “THE LIVES AND DESTINIES OF VALIANT AMERICANS ARE ENTRUSTED TO YOUR CARE AND LEADERSHIP”