financial support, but even as we begin the task of matching the Pritzker Military Museum and Library’s generous challenge, I would like to highlight another level of support that goes far beyond dollars. And that is the support of our alumni who give their time, ideas, talents, and backing to making the Military Writers’ Symposium a world-class event. Leading that effort since the inception of the Symposium more than 25 years ago has been Norwich’s Class of 1960. Words do not adequately express the effort and generosity that members of this class have demonstrated over the years. They have, indeed, helped fund the event with their own donations as it ‘got off the ground’ and with the creation of the Schultz and Showalter Fellowships. But more importantly, we recognize the time and effort they put into making sure that it stayed at the forefront of campus events. They helped bring in authors and policy makers. They involved students who got to meet authors, generals, political leaders, intelligence professionals, distinguished alumni, and even Medal of Honor Recipients. It is a great legacy and one we all Andrecognize.itshould be no surprise that this very special class has helped get us where we are today. The Class of 1960 graduated into a unique time in American History. As they graduated, they were no doubt watching the campaign of a young Senator and World War Two veteran named John F. Kennedy. When Kennedy was sworn in into office in January 1961, Norwich’s class of ’60 were mostly Second Lieutenants, fresh out of infantry or armor or artillery schools and stationed in places like Berlin, Japan or perhaps even wondering if they could get to Vietnam, where a handful of advisors were already on the Whereverground. they were, they would have heard Kennedy’s words when, during his inauguration speech, he said: “Let the word go forth from this time and place to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans – born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage…” These words echo even today as we have another generation of Norwich students who, many tempered by war, are carrying the torch into our own third century. It is with this in mind that, as Chairman of the Military Writers’ Symposium, I am looking for a new class of Norwich alumni to follow in the footsteps of the Class of 1960. A class that will pick up the torch of Military Writers’ Symposium and help it continue to grow in the years ahead. No doubt we have alumni, perhaps from the 1990’s and early 2000’s who remember the event – maybe even attended talks or met writers or VIP guests. Maybe the event had an impact on you? Or a classmate. Or on your whole class. Norwich Alumni ‘classes’ have accomplished remarkable things on campus. Many of our buildings, our museum, library, monuments, and events owe their legacy to the commitment and effort of individual classes who came back together as alumni to create lasting legacies. Today, we are looking for a class to follow in the footsteps of one of those great classes, the class of 1960. They rallied around Kennedy’s famous words: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” I believe this spirit is as alive and well today as it was 62 years ago. I will be following up this column with personal letters and outreach to a number of Norwich class presidents along with alumni leaders to discuss whether their class may want to pick up the torch. Or, if you think your alumni class is ready to carry on this legacy, please get in Itouch!lookforward to seeing our Military Writers Symposium Associates on campus in just a few weeks!
MILITARY WRITERS’ SYMPOSIUM NORWICH UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATES Newsletter Chairman’s Message 2022 Norwich University Military Writers’ Symposium “Robots Rising: Arming Artificial Intelligence” *Event updates including registration and livestreaming information will be available on Norwich.edu/PAWC R. Pierce Reid FALL 2022 Save the Date October2022*12-13,
R. Pierce Reid M ’14 NUChairmanMilitary Writers’ Symposium Associates rpreid@pshift.com
October 12-13 Mack Hall Auditorium Norwich University Military Writers’ Symposium Robots Rising: Arming IntelligenceArtificial SAVE THE DATE Wednesday, October 12 • 9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. | Setting the Stage: Leading & Innovating in a Cutting Edge Field o Featured speaker: John Abele, Founding Chairman (Retired), Boston Scientific Corporation • 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. | Sci-fi, AI, and the Future of Armed Conflict o Featured author: August Cole, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Creativity, Marine Corps University • 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. | Storytelling & Invention: Writing & Imagining New Technologies o Featured author: Martha Wells, Sci-fi and Fantasy Author • 2 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. | Secret Science: DARPA and Unimagined Technologies o Featured author: Sharon Weinberger, National Security Editor, The Wall Street Journal • 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Robots Rising: Arming Artificial Intelligence Author Panel o Featured authors: Dr. Liran Antebi, August Cole, Martha Wells, and Sharon Weinberger Thursday, October 13, 2022 • 9:25 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. | Global Perspectives on Advanced Technologies & National Security o Featured speaker: Dr. Liran Antebi, Director of the Advanced Technologies & National Security Program, Institute for National Security Studies, Tel Aviv University • 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. | Colby Award Book Presentation – The Hardest Place o Featured author: Wesley Morgan, Author & Journalist, 2022 Colby Award Winner • 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. | Richard S. Schultz ’60 Symposium Fellow & Military Writers’ Symposium Fellow Panel o Featured students: Wesley Dewey ’23, Elaina Latino ’24, and Gabriel Williams ‘23 • 2 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. | Robotic Submarines Under the Pacific: China’s Development of Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs) o Featured speaker: Dr. Lyle Goldstein, Director of Asia Engagement, Defense Priorities This year’s event is supported by the Senator Leahy School of Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing Senator Patrick Leahy School of Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing
About: Elaina Latino is from Atkinson, New Hampshire. She is currently a junior at Norwich University studying computer safety and information assurance with a concentration in digital forensics. Although relatively new to the field, her summer research presentation on AI Forensics has helped her engage with experts in both artificial intelligence and digital forensics. This opened new doors for her and sparked an interest in her future. Over the summer, Elaina had the chance to study abroad through Norwich’s Maymester. The immersive class on cyber surveillance allowed her to explore new areas of computer safety in Germany. Elaina has a passion for digital forensics, but on the side, she also enjoys surfing while she is home for the summer as well as playing club field hockey while at school.
2022 Richard S. Schultz ’60 Symposium Fellows
Project Topic: The Weaponization of Echo Chambers
2022 Military Writers’ Symposium Fellow
The 2022 Military Writers’ Symposium Research Fellowship is an annual fellowship that includes a $2,500 grant to one undergraduate student to conduct research on behalf of the center. The award is merit-based and designed to support original undergraduate research.
About: Williams is a Norwich Senior from Suffolk, Virginia. He attended Hampton Roads Academy where he was captain of the track and field. Discovering early on that he thoroughly enjoyed the field of government and politics, Gabriel chose to attend Norwich University as a Political Science major, planning to work in the government sector or Intelligence Community upon graduation. At Norwich Gabriel cofounded the Norwich University Boxing Program and made history this past year as he was a part of the first Norwich boxing team to ever compete in the National Collegiate Boxing Association. As a member of the Corps of Cadets Gabriel thoroughly enjoys working with the rook class as he was cadre staff his junior year and is an officer in a cadet training company this year. Outside of Norwich Gabriel has had internship and contracting experiences in the Department of State and Department of Defense.
About: Wesley Dewey is a student at Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont, class of 2023. He believes in personal and professional growth, hard work, and furthering the great legacy that Norwich University holds. Wesley is studying for his Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management. He has also spent time playing for the Norwich University esports program and spends time outside of class with friends and family or in the gym.
Project Topic: Electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) and warfare.
Elaina Latino | Computer Security & Information Assurance | Class of 2024
Gabriel Williams | Political Science | Class of 2023
Project Title: An Analysis of the Current Uses of AI in Warfare and Why There is a Need for the Subfield of AI Forensics in Warfare
Wesley Dewey | Business Management | Class of 2023
The 2022 Richard S. Schultz ’60 Symposium Fellowship is awarded annually by the Peace and War Center to an undergraduate student(s) for a single project that may involve additional Norwich undergraduate students. The award, which includes a $2,500 grant, follows a wide solicitation and competitive selection.
PMF provides support aimed at deepening public understanding of military history and protecting the health and well-being of service members and veterans. For over 20 years, it has been a dedicated supporter of the symposium, among numerous other Norwich initiatives. The PMF’s latest gift will provide valuable operating funds for the symposium and help grow its endowment. Scan the QR Code below to donate.
Challenge
The Dennis E. Showalter Research Fellowship at the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies recognizes Professor Dennis Showalter’s contributions to the military history field, its junior scholars, and especially to our M.A. in Military History (MMH) program. The Fellowship, an endowed fund of Norwich University, was named in his memory as one of the founding faculty members for the Norwich Master’s in Military History Program. Showalter was renowned author, engaging lecturer and professor, and wise mentor over a 50-year career until his passing in 2019.
Last year, the Pritzker Military Foundation (PMF), on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago, committed $650,000 to the Norwich University Military Writers’ Symposium. PMF also posed a $500,000 matching gift challenge through 2025 to grow the symposium’s endowment, which has been renamed the Carlo D’Este ’58 Military Writers’ Endowment to honor the legacy of beloved symposium co-founder Carlo D’Este. Should Norwich meet this challenge, the endowment will reach over $1,000,000, thus generating enough income annually to fund the symposium in perpetuity. In addition to supporting the symposium’s operating costs, the endowment will continue to fund the William E. Colby Award and year-round student enrichment opportunities on military history and current affairs. To learn more or to help us meet the challenge, visit: alumni.norwich.edu/deste
Fellowship Carlo D’Este ’58 Military Writers’ Endowment Carlo D’Este ’58 Military Writers’ Endowment Aims to Raise $500,000 Through Matching
us meet our Dennisgoal! E.
Help Showalter Research Gift
The Fellowship will support the research efforts and recognize academic excellence of one or more students in the MMH program at Norwich. The student(s) selected will have the opportunity to highlight their scholarly contribution of a completed capstone or thesis, if topically appropriate, during a presentation at Norwich’s CGCS Residency. The student(s) selected will receive a cash award for research and travel expenses to the annual Norwich University Writers’ Symposium to present graduate research. To learn more or donate, visit: https://alumni.norwich.edu/give/dennisshowalterfellowship
— Wesley Morgan
Wesley Morgan has won the 2022 William E. Colby Award for his book, The Hardest Place: The American Military Adrift in Afghanistan’s Pech Valley. The Colby Award is given annually to a first solo work of fiction or nonfiction that has made a major contribution to the understanding of military history, intelligence operations, or international affairs. The winner receives a $5,000 author honorarium provided through the generosity of the Chicago-based Pritzker Military Foundation, on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library.
The Hardest Place: The American Military Adrift in Afghanistan’s Pech Valley, (Random House, 2021), draws on reporting trips, hundreds of interviews, and documentary research to reveal the history of the war in Afghanistan in the iconic region of the Pech valley through both American and Afghan eyes. It is the story of one of the twenty-first century’s most unforgiving battlefields and a portrait of the American military that fought there.
2022 Colby Award Winner “I’m excited to receive this award for military and intelligence coverage, since using the lens of Kunar province’s Pech valley to illustrate how those two subjects blended together at key points during the twenty-year U.S. war in the Afghan east was one of my goals with THE HARDEST PLACE. It’s also an honor to join the company of past award recipients, including an Army Ranger who served in Kunar, Paul Scharre; a Marine Harrier pilot who flew missions over the Pech, Michael Franzak; Bing West, who covered the war in the Pech and the Korengal; and Karl Marlantes, whose Vietnam novel MATTERHORN I read just before my first trip to the Pech and was reminded of when the battalion commander in the valley turned out to be reading it as well.”
Wesley Morgan is the author of The Hardest Place: The American Military Adrift in Afghanistan’s Pech Valley. He has covered the U.S. military and its wars in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2007, when he began embedding with combat units as a 19-year-old freelancer. From 2017 to 2020 he covered the Pentagon for Politico, and his reporting has appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Atlantic, and other outlets as well as in Michael Gordon and Bernard Trainor’s book The Endgame, on which he worked in Iraq and the U.S. as a researcher. He is a native of the Boston area and a graduate of Princeton University.
Congratulations to these authors that represent Norwich’s contributions to scholarship!
Joseph Stiles MMH ’20 expanded his capstone into a full-length book titled Alexander the Great and Persia: From Conqueror to the King of Asia. Stiles examines Alexander’s reign, albeit brief, over a vast empire stretching from Greece to India. Stiles focuses on Alexander’s relationship with Persia, the largest and most powerful enemy that he defeated. His action varied widely, such as adopting Persian customs or laying waste to palaces. Stiles finds Alexander to be a complex character who could be pragmatic or savage and whose historical reality was clouded by myths.
Alumni and instructors at Norwich University are actively publishing books on history and military history. Their works expand our understanding of causes, conduct, and consequences of military conflicts, whether in recent history or the distant past.
Gregory Valloch ’83 has published a book about the experiences of his grandfather – Howard Claypoole -- titled The Great War through a Doughboy’s Eye: Corporal Howard P. Claypoole’s Diaries and Letters Home from Enlistment to his Discharge after World War I. The postcards, letters home, photos, and even a paybook bring the war to life. Claypoole’s story starts with enlistment and training in the United States. Then he received more training in France before seeing combat in spring 2018. After recovering from being wounded, Corporal Claypoole returned to the front later that year, finished fighting in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, and stayed on occupation duty in Germany after World War I ended. Like his grandfather, Gregory Valloch also served in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of colonel.
Author! Author!
A commander in the U.S. Navy and associate professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, Benjamin J. Armstrong MMH ‘07 is co-author of Developing the Naval Mind with fellow naval officer and professor John Freymann. In their “how to” manual for intellectual and professional development of Sailors and Marines, the co-authors start with the basics of reading articles, guiding discussions, facilitating seminars, lecturing, and writing. Ultimately, they want readers to learn to think critically about leadership, decision-making, and mentorship. This entails more than several year-long stints in professional military education. Instead, Armstrong and Freymann want to instill habits of mind in life-long learners. They also include excerpts of writing by Navy and Marines officers such as Alfred Thayer Mahan, John Stockdale, Charles Krulak, and James Mattis that provide talking points for the learning process.
Long-time instructor and director of Norwich’s M.A. in Military History Program, David Ulbrich has co-edited From Far East to Asia Pacific: Great Powers and Grand Strategy, 1900-1954. This anthology includes papers presented at a military history conference in Singapore in 2019. Collectively, the chapters examine the decline of European empires in East Asia beginning in 1900, and then they track the rise of Japan and the United States as the new powers in the region during the early twentieth century. The Japanese and Americans eventually fought for hegemony during the Second World War. Japan suffered defeat, and the United States a victory. Meanwhile, China emerged as the new challenger to American hegemony in the region in the 1950s. Chapters delve into strategic, economic, and diplomatic factors during those decades of transformation.
Author! Author!
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