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JUne 11, 2020 Vol. 77, no. 22 ointer iew® dUtY, Honor, CoUntrY PSerVinG tHe U.S. MilitarY aCadeMY and tHe CoMMUnitY V of weSt Point

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Alumni For more information, contact the West Point Public Affairs Office at paoinformation@ Wreath Laying westpoint.edu. See pages 4-7, 11 for a story SEE PAGE 3 on West Point’s current female • • cadets. A wreath was placed at the base of Col. Sylvanus Thayer’s statue by First Captain Daine Van de Wall with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl See pages 8-10 for Class of A. Williams, West Point Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love and West 2020 members’ Q&As and Point Association of Graduates President and CEO Todd Browne in narratives on their West Point attendance during the Alumni Wreath Laying ceremony Tuesday on the Plain. The event traditionally honors the Long Gray Line and classes experience. in attendance during Graduation Week. However, this year, due to COVID-19, members of the Long Gray Line and classes were not able See pages 12 and 13 for Keller to attend. Photo Illustration and Photo by John Pellino/USMA PAO Corner and MWR updates. 2 JUne 11, 2020 newS & featUreS Pointer View

40 Mulberry Street, Middletown, NY 10940 Pointer View® To subscribe to the Pointer View or The Army civilian enterprise newspaper, the Pointer View, is an authorized publication for members The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not if you have delivery problems, call 845-346-3213. of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pointer View are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army or the Times Herald- Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of the Army or the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Record. Superintendent Brandon O’Connor The editorial content of the Pointer View is the responsibility of the U.S. Military Academy Public Everything advertised in this pub li ca tion will be made available for purchase, use or pa tron age Lt. Col. Christopher Ophardt PV Assistant Editor, 938-3079 Affairs Offi ce, Bldg. 600, West Point, New York 10996, (845) 938-2015. with out regard to race, color, re li gion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, phys i cal handi cap, Public Affairs Officer [email protected] The Pointer View is printed weekly by the Times Herald-Record, a pri vate fi rm in no way connect ed po liti cal af fi l i a tion or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or pa tron. Eric S. Bartelt Vacant with the Department of the Army, under ex clu sive con tract with West Point. The Times Herald-Record is If a violation or re jec tion of this equal opportunity policy by an ad ver tis er is confi rmed, the publisher PV Managing Editor, 938-2015 PV Photojournalist, 938-3684 responsible for all commercial advertising. will refuse to print ad ver tis ing from that source until the violation has been corrected. [email protected] POINT Pointer View IN FOCUS: ALUMNI WREATH LAYING CEREMONY June 11, 2020 3 West Point holds wreath laying to honor members of the Long Gray Line By Brandon O’Connor years past with the large crowd of hundreds PV Assistant Editor of Old Grads replaced by a small party that included Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Each year on the Tuesday before graduation, Williams, West Point Command Sgt. Maj. Jack the U.S. Military Academy honors the members Love, West Point Association of Graduates of the Long Gray Line by laying a wreath at the President and CEO Todd Browne and Van base of the Col. Sylvanus Thayer statue that de Wall, who filled in for the oldest graduate overlooks the Plain. and placed the wreath. They were joined by The wreath laying is traditionally performed members of the West Point Band, which filled by the oldest graduate in attendance and in for the cadet choir that typically performs at precedes the alumni review parade. This year, the ceremony. there was no parade and the ceremony took on a Many of the traditional graduation week different form as West Point adjusted to the new events have been canceled or adjusted this conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. year due to the global pandemic, including the The wreath laying was originally scheduled ceremony which will take place on the Plain for May 19 but was delayed a few weeks along this year for the first time since 1977. with the graduation ceremony, which will take Although Tuesday’s wreath laying was place Saturday. performed differently than it is traditionally, The delay caused a fortuitous occurrence Van de Wall said it was still important to hold where the wreath was laid at the Thayer statue it because it was a chance to show that no on the 235th birthday of the man who is known matter the circumstances, West Point and the as the “Father of Military Academy.” Army will continue fighting and performing “Knowing what Col. Thayer has done for their duties. the academy and specifically for the dean side “Graduation signifies getting to be part and the impact that he had, it’s only fitting that of the Long Gray Line and all those people A wreath was placed at the base of Col. Sylvanus Thayer's statue by First we could come out here and celebrate him who came before us,” Van de Wall said. “It’s Captain Daine Van de Wall with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, on his birthday,” First Captain Daine Van de definitely sad that we couldn’t have the oldest West Point Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love, West Point Association of Graduates Wall said. living grad here to do this for us, but it was an President and CEO Todd Browne in attendance during the Alumni Wreath Laying The ceremony was more intimate than in honor for me to get to fill that person’s shoes.” ceremony Tuesday on the Plain. Photo by John Pellino/USMA PAO POINT 4 June 11, 2020 IN FOCUS: 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN GRADUATING FROM WEST POINT Pointer View

Class of 2020 Cadet Elizabeth Cross, center, spent Cadet Troop Leader Training with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii this past summer. Cross' time with Coldsteel Company was the first time a woman had been embedded as a member of the company. Photos Courtesy of Elizabeth Cross ‘The Army is changing’ Current female cadets will enter the Army with more career options than ever By Brandon O’Connor with the academy and the Army way of life all all sexually harassed.” PV Assistant Editor over again. Only a decade after women first graduated Then came a familiar question asked of the from West Point, considerable progress had It was a simple answer to a question, but current and former female cadets who have already been made. In the summer of 1989, the implications of the words carried the weight walked through the granite halls of West Point Kristin Baker stepped into the role of first of history. along the banks of the Hudson River: “Do you captain, becoming the first female cadet to lead Talking over video chat due to the global think you've faced any different challenges at the Corps of Cadets. She said she felt largely pandemic that threw the spring semester at the West Point because you are a female?” accepted by the Corps during her time in the U.S. Military Academy into chaos, Class of Tracing the history of women at West role, but that equality quickly dissipated once 2020 Cadet Elizabeth Cross detailed her unique Point across 40 years, the varying answers to she received her diploma and left West Point journey to West Point, which first took her to that question told of the struggles women have behind for the Army. There, she soon realized a military preparatory school in Philadelphia faced, but also the progress that has been made. she was a “second-class citizen” because so after she wasn’t admitted to West Point the first The women in the Class of 1980—the first many doors were closed to her due to the time she applied. to include female cadets—were able to say restrictions on what roles women could have It was a difficult year, but her heart was unequivocally they were treated differently and which branches of the Army they could set on attending West Point, so she persevered because of their sex. They spoke of the assaults serve in. through the adversity before earning a spot in and harassment they faced both at the academy When Baker and many of the 5,140 the Class of 2020. and once they entered the Army. women who are members of the Long Gray She talked about her four years at West Brig. Gen. Cindy Jebb, who now serves as Line entered the Army, they knew their career Point, the challenges she’d overcome—such the Dean of the Academic Board at West Point, paths were limited. They couldn’t go to Ranger Class of 2020 Cadet Elizabeth Cross as a cracked femur that sidelined her during arrived two years later as a member of the Class School. They couldn’t serve in the infantry, is one of four females in the class Cadet Basic Training—and the moments during of 1982. Looking back at her cadet career she armor or a myriad of other roles. So, the reality who were commissioned as infantry training each summer when she fell in love said, “I think it’s safe to say we were probably was they could never aspire to one day become officers. POINT Pointer View IN FOCUS: 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN GRADUATING FROM WEST POINT June 11, 2020 5

Chief of Staff of the Army or fill many of the class of women to enter knowing that upon senior roles in the Army. graduation every career path would be an option The first of those doors was opened in late for them, but their plebe year also marked the 2014 when women were allowed to apply to first time both the Commandant of Cadets and Ranger School for the first time. It was West the Dean of the Academic Board were women. Point alumni who led the way and proved Now-Maj. Gen. Diana Holland had stepped what was possible as the first three women to into her role as commandant the previous receive Ranger tabs—Capts. Shaye Haver and December and Jebb had become dean a few Kristen Griest, and Lt. Col. Lisa Jaster—are all weeks before the class arrived for Reception graduates of the academy. Day. Thanks to a change initiated by Holland, More doors opened in the coming years as the female cadets in the Class of 2020 would women in the academy’s Class of 2016 were also be the first to take boxing as part of the allowed to branch infantry and armor for the curriculum. Boxing had long been a required first time and enter the Army with many of those class for male cadets, but until 2016 it was one once closed career paths available to them. of the few parts of West Point that female cadets Now, in 2020, as Cross sat in her house hadn’t been integrated into. separated from the Corps of Cadets and the That change proved to be a transformational academy because of a pandemic, she was able to moment for Class of 2020 Cadet Amira look back at her four-year journey though West Mohamed. Her brother graduated with the Class Point and say, “Going through the academy of 2016 a few months before she arrived at the I’ve always felt in a siblinghood ... If you academy and one of the main pieces of advice put yourself out there as just a hard-working he’d given her was to join a team. She found her Soldier, you are respected the same.” place amongst a group of “badass ladies” on the Her answer spoke of the progress made at women’s boxing team and fought with them for West Point as she and her classmates prepare three years. The team had already existed for to graduate as members of the 40th class to a few years, but the addition of a boxing class include women this Saturday, and her story for female cadets enabled it to find a foothold as a whole exemplifies just how different the and become established. Army she will soon enter is from the one her Mohamed and her teammates would go to predecessors served in. the boxing room in Arvin Gymnasium, strap on Class of 2020 Cadet Before she even arrived at West Point, Cross headgear and gloves, and fight every afternoon Amir Mohamed, far wanted to serve in the infantry. Her senior after their classes were finished. Since 2016, left above, joined the year of high school she did her graduation the team has won two National Collegiate women's boxing team exit project on being an infantry officer, with Boxing Association team titles along with as a plebe in 2016 and a “definitely terrible” mock battle plan and toy eight individual national championships. The fought on the team soldiers. women’s team also underwent a big change for three years. The There was only one issue. At the time, the before the 2018 season when it merged with team existed before infantry was still closed to women. As she the men’s team to form one cohesive and then, but the addition battled her way through a tough year at Valley entrenched boxing team at West Point. of a boxing class for Forge Military Academy and College and “It was really shocking to me that at one female cadets that prepared to be admitted to West Point, it was point someone had thought that wasn't possible year allowed the team announced that women would be allowed to for a woman to be able to do that. We were to find a foothold and serve in the infantry for the first time. (boxing) every day,” Mohamed said. “That become established. Five years later, her dream is about to was our day, I would go back to the boxing Since 2016, the team become a reality. At Branch Night in November gym every single day. That huge part of my has won two National Cross opened her envelope, found two crossed life probably would not have been my life if Collegiate Boxing rifles—the insignia of the infantry—printed on it weren’t for Maj. Gen. Holland and I don’t Association team the inside along with a brass pin of the insignia know what it would have been like. I think it's titles along with eight and threw her head back while screaming out just insane.” of pure happiness. Along with the boxing changes that enabled individual national Because of the change made during her her to find a team at West Point, Mohamed said championships. year at prep school, she was able to pursue having two women in leadership roles during Photos courtesy of Amir the route she wanted. The door had not been their plebe year was “powerful” for the women Mohamed artificially closed to her like it had for so many in the Class of 2020. They were able to see if she can do it, why can’t I? I feel like a lot infantry and armor on their branch preference other women over the years. The key with the someone who looked like them in a leadership of the times, we count ourselves out. It takes lists. Starting with the Class of 2021, both male change to open every branch to women was for position and know what was possible for them an extra push to actually see someone doing and female cadets will have to include all 17 the first time they have near limitless choices in their careers. something and then knowing that you also can branches in their preference list. of where their careers will lead. They were not It was a similar experience of seeing a do it yourself.” For Class of 2021 Cadet Elizavetta Fursova told they had to serve in combat arms and at the woman in a successful position that eventually After the chance meeting, Mohamed began that mandate is just fine, as infantry and armor same time they were not told they couldn’t, just led Mohamed to her branch. For the first three to reflect back on all the field artillery officers are her top two choices. Fursova was born in as it is for their male counterparts. years of her cadet career, her plan had been she had met, including a member of the branch Texas, but her family has lived in Moscow “If I had been in a different class here, I still to branch military intelligence. Then during who’d become a mentor during Cadet Field since she was 2 years old because her parents would have wanted to go infantry there’s no Branch Week at the beginning of her firstie year, Training a couple summers earlier. She realized work at the American embassy there. In high doubt, but I would have obviously been forced she went by the field artillery tent with a friend she’d never met a field artillery officer she school, she’d started considering enrolling to pick a different branch,” Cross said. “I think and everything changed. They met a female didn’t like. That, along with her experience in an ROTC program for college when her I always would have had that longing to be like, officer who was Ranger tabbed and spoke about during Branch Week, solidified FA was the right guidance counselor asked if she’d thought about ‘I wish I could be down there with them. I wish her experiences in the branch. branch for her. attending West Point. I could be one of those guys,’ because that’s just Meeting a female officer from the branch In November, Mohamed opened her Branch When she arrived at the academy, Fursova where I’d see my heart being.” had a “huge impact,” Mohamed said, because Night envelope to find the crossed cannons said she was thinking she would eventually she was able to see first-hand that it was possible insignia of the field artillery branch. branch military intelligence, adjutant general or “Badass ladies” to thrive as a woman in field artillery. something else “completely non-combat arms.” Cross arrived at the academy on June 27, “It makes it seem like it’s possible,” “I am allowed to take that challenge” Class of 2022 Cadet Sam DiMaio tells a 2016 along with 281 other female cadets during Mohamed said. “She’s thriving, and that made This year marked the last time female similar story. It was tennis that brought her to a time of change. Not only were they the first it seem so possible and so within reach that cadets had the option to opt out of including See WOWP, PAGE 6 POINT 6 June 11, 2020 IN FOCUS: 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN GRADUATING FROM WEST POINT Pointer View WOWP, cont’d from Page 5 West Point. As an eighth grader, she first met going through field training exercises. It was West Point’s women’s tennis coach Paul Peck at also during that first summer when she realized a national tournament. That kickstarted a multi- West Point was absolutely the right place for year recruitment, which eventually led her to her and the nervousness she’d felt upon arriving enrolling at West Point and joining the team. became a thing of the past. She admits she had little exposure to the Beast planted the seed of change in DiMaio’s Army before the academy and entered figuring mind and the next summer as she went through if she went combat arms she would eventually airborne school and Cadet Field Training, the find herself in the middle of a war zone like the 180-degree change in plans was completed. ones she’d seen represented in “Saving Private “I realized that being an actual leader in Ryan.” So, her plan was to play tennis and then the Army (is serving) with Soldiers who are branch something “safe” like finance or signal. actually doing big, physical things like jumping Now, two years in, every branch in DiMaio’s out of planes and clearing zones and just top five is combat arms with engineers currently getting things done,” DiMaio said. “I was like, number one. Her hope is to become a combat ‘That’s something I want to do.’ So, I think the engineer, a job that was just opened to women experience really turned me around.” in 2015. Class of 2023 Cadet Savannah Achenbach, For both Fursova and DiMaio, the change on the other hand, knew before she ever entered in mindset began their very first summer at the the academy that, much like Cross, she was academy. When cadets first arrive at West Point, going to try and work toward a career in the they go through Reception Day and then begin infantry. The challenge of the branch drew her Cadet Basic Training, which is affectionately toward it, as did the personal relationships that referred to as Beast Barracks or just Beast. The grow between Soldiers as they face adversity new cadets learn how to shoot and go through together. Class of 2022 Cadet Sam DiMaio plays basic squad drills while making the transition Both of her parents are West Point graduates on the tennis team at West Point. She from civilian to military cadet. and Achenbach arrived at the academy last originally wanted to branch finance or Fursova said she realized during that first summer brimming with confidence and sure signal, but now only has combat arms summer she enjoyed being out in the field and she could cut it. branches in her top five. Photos courtesy of Sam DiMaio Then on Reception Day, when it came seeing the firsties of Class of 2020 able to time to report to the cadet in the red sash, that graduate and pursue that career, it means confidence came crashing down. The rite of everything to me, because that means I am passage requires new cadets to step to a line allowed to take that challenge,” Achenbach right in the face of an upper-class cadet and said. recite a memorized response as the cadet in Four female cadets—out of a total 229 in the red sash yells at them. Time after time the Class of 2020—were commissioned into the Achenbach struggled to get the lines right, until infantry this year. Fourteen were commissioned finally succeeding on her 15th try, the most of as armor officers, while Mohamed and 35 other anyone in her company, she said. women are joining the field artillery branch. The repeated failures caused her to doubt Stepping into those roles, as some of the whether West Point was the place for her, first women to join those branches, comes with especially with the requirement to memorize the pressure of proving they belong. Cross said and recite cadet knowledge throughout that she naturally has a very “hooah” personality, but initial summer. The doubts persisted until it even though that matches well with infantry, was time for the first physical fitness test of she doesn’t feel the pressure to act or behave a the summer. certain way just because she will be serving in Fitness was her calling card as she’d been that branch. The pressure she does feel comes training in CrossFit and powerlifting before from the need to show that she and other women arriving at the academy. Despite her diminutive serving in combat arms can meet the standards, frame at only 5-foot-1 and 125 pounds, she said and also leaving a good impression on the men she managed to score the highest of anyone who might be experiencing a woman in their in her company, which gave her a new boost unit for the first time. of energy to keep working toward her goal of “It’s really just a thought of don’t give serving in the infantry. them a reason not to like you and don’t give Class of 2023 That boost carried her into the school year, them a reason to care about what the gender Cadet Savannah where she tried out for and was selected to join of their next leader is,” Cross said. “It’s really Achenbach, the Black and Gold Sandhurst team, which just a thought in my mind of don’t mess this center above, trains throughout the year for military skills up and don’t give them a reason to have a entered West point competitions including the multi-day Sandhurst misconception of women.” set on joining the Competition annually held at the U.S. Military infantry upon Academy. “The Army is changing” graduation. To She would have had a chance to compete Because the changes are recent, both Cross help prepare, for the first time this year, but the competition and Mohamed know there is a chance they will she joined the was canceled due to COVID-19. arrive in a unit that has never had a female Black and Gold Achenbach is still early in her cadet officer in it before. It is an experience Cross is Sandhurst career, but her time at West Point has already familiar with because during her Cadet Troop team during galvanized her desire to serve in the infantry Leader Training experience last summer, she her plebe year. and take on the challenge of leading Soldiers was placed into an all-male infantry company Photos courtesy of into combat. with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. Savannah Achenbach “Now that it is open to females, and I’m Stepping into the company for a few weeks, POINT Pointer View IN FOCUS: 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN GRADUATING FROM WEST POINT JUne 11, 2020 7 “That’s very important to me to be authentic. “The Army is changing. I think when the That’s how I navigate things and sometimes females back in 1980 were joining the Army, that’s my downfall to just being myself all the Army really favored physical strength and the time. That’s really hard because you’re so just that aspect of it,” Mohamed said. “If you vulnerable to everyone else and if people don’t weren’t physically strong, we don’t really need like the way you do things, then there's nothing you, but I think the Army shifted from that ever really that you can change about that unless since. We value skills more. We value diverse you break that.” teams and I think that’s why it’s been a lot Along with the ability to pursue the career easier for us relative to them to integrate into of their choice, the current female cadets said that kind of culture.” they have found West Point to be a much more accepting place for women than their A domino eff ect predecessors. When the Class of 1980 arrived at West DiMaio said in her fi rst two years at the Point, they were the only 119 women at the academy, she doesn’t feel she’s faced any academy in a sea of more than 4,000 cadets. additional challenges because she’s a woman. By the time they graduated, only 13% of the There is pressure to meet the physical standards, Corps of Cadets was female. Forty years later, but at the same time she feels she has entered there are 1,026 women across the four classes Class of 2021 West Point, and will join the Army, at a time making up 23% of the Corps. Cadet Elizavetta when everyone expects it to be integrated. The decision to allow women to enter the Fursova, second “I've been really fortunate to be surrounded academy has left an indelible mark on the U.S. from right in by people who don’t view me as just a little girl Army, but the impact of them being admitted fi rst row above, trying to play Army,” DiMaio said. “They don’t has not stopped at America’s borders. Since competes as a think about how it’s just a man’s job when they 2000, 17 foreign female cadets from countries member of the go into it. They expect to have male and female such as Kazakhstan, Nigeria and Montenegro Company H-3 peers, superiors and subordinates.” have graduated from West Point and gone home Sandhurst team. Throughout her four years at the academy, to serve in their nations’ armies. Mohamed said she has felt like just a member Arelena Shala—who will be the fi rst female A few months out of the team. Unlike the women in the Class of cadet from Kosovo to graduate from West from finalizing 1980, who Sue Fulton said were seen as nothing Point—will become the 18th foreign female her preferences, more than female cadets—and frequently graduate since 2000 when she graduates as a Fursova is referred to as worse—40 years later Mohamed member of the Class of 2020 Saturday. deciding said she was treated as just a cadet. After graduation—and before returning between That feeling of just being a member of the home to serve in the Kosovo army—Shala branching team is something she said she hopes carries will attend Stanford University as a Knight- infantry or armor. over to the Army, even as the branches adjust Hennessy Scholarship recipient. There, she will Photos courtesy of to women. See WOWP, PAGE 11 Elizavetta Fursova she already had the challenge of proving think most people in the Army would care what she belonged because she was still a cadet. gender that leader comes from.” Additionally, she had the added pressure of The balance of being true to yourself being the fi rst woman to be a member of the and also proving you belong is something company. Achenbach said she has had to fi nd during her It took a few days to break the ice, she said, fi rst year at West Point. As a member of the but soon she was “smoking and joking” like Black and Gold Sandhurst team, she constantly another member of the company during a fi eld has to prove she belongs physically. training exercise. Before Cross arrived, the At West Point as a whole, she said she men had a misconception of what it would be feels secure in her place, but within the team— like having women in their platoons, she said, much as it will be within the infantry—she is because they had no exposure to it. It wasn’t that surrounded by people in peak physical shape the culture was uninviting to a woman, it was who push her to be faster, stronger and more simply that the men had no frame of reference competent. to know what to expect. Gaining that acceptance At the same time, she said she has worked comes, she said, not from acting a certain way to be true to herself. She doesn’t want to feel or changing yourself, but from instead being like she has to act a certain way to fi t in or true to who you are. behave a certain way just because she wants to “Nobody knows what it’s going to be like,” go infantry. Like Cross, she has found the most Cross said. “I think that once you get to a unit, acceptance simply by being herself and being if you’re just yourself and you genuinely care authentic instead of putting on a false façade about your Soldiers, you can get over any little because of a preconceived notion of what an bump because they just want a leader that infantry offi cer should act like. Class of 2020 Cadet Amir Mohamed, right, boxed for her fi rst three years at actually cares about them and cares about the “I always try to be 100% Savannah West Point. This year, she served as the Brigade Operations Offi cer. mission. If you give them that, I really don’t Achenbach in everything that I do,” she said. Photos courtesy of Amir Mohamed POINT 8 JUNE 11, 2020 IN FOCUS: "WITH VISION WE LEAD" CLASS OF 2020 JUNE 11, 2020 9 USMA Class of 2020: ‟With Vision We Lead” in their own words Compiled by Eric S. Bartelt unique venture for the new second lieutenants Thursday night, we met over Teams to hang PV Managing Editor of the Class of 2020 within their 47-month out. One of the best examples was seeing Class of 2020 member Lynne Mooradian journey. Firsties calling and texting plebes and yearlings The U.S. Military Academy Class of Over four weeks, The Pointer View series to ensure that they were doing all right.” Pointer View: What does service and 2020 will graduate more than 1,100 members titled, “With Vision We Lead,” named after leadership mean to you as you start your career Saturday on the Plain. Those graduating the class motto, involves various members PV: What was the biggest hurdle you faced as an Army offi cer? represent 82% of the 1,302 cadets who of the class telling stories of their West Point during the crisis? What did you fi nd out about Lynne Mooradian: “As I start my career entered West Point nearly four years ago. experience. yourself and your resilience, whether it was as an Army offi cer, the ideas of service and Due to COVID-19 delaying graduation, In honor of the members of the 222nd physically or mentally, in overcoming this leadership together are a personal obligation members of the class commissioned May 23 graduating class of West Point, here is the situation and drive toward graduation? to improve myself. In order to serve and during an oath of commissioning ceremony third installament of a four-part series of RN: “Honestly, focusing on school was a lead eff ectively, I have a duty to develop my from remote locations. It marked another their journey in their own words ... bit more diffi cult, especially at fi rst. Remote expertise, leadership skills and character. Each learning blended vacation life with school life of my decisions and mistakes will impact many which took a bit of getting used to.” others—my Soldiers and even the nation. I Class of 2020 member Robert Norwood cannot aff ord to give anything less than my PV: What were you looking forward to the best, and I must strive to improve upon my Pointer View: When it comes to your most when you returned to West Point? weaknesses and fortify my strengths.” Class of 2020 motto, “With Vision We Lead,” RN: “Returning to West Point provides a what do those words mean to you? chance to wrap up this chapter of my life at the PV: What advice would you give to the Robert Norwood: “I like to think of our same place where it started.” underclassmen or to your younger self from four motto as future-focused. As an institution, the years ago with what you know now from your Army has made great strides toward being a PV: Historically, similar to your last two academy experience? diverse and inclusive organization that is ready months, this will be a unique graduation that LM: “I would tell the underclassmen to to answer a full spectrum of threats against no class previously has experienced, what is pursue every opportunity West Point off ers. As our nation. Our class has the opportunity to your hope and anticipation for your graduation cadets, we have access to once-in-a-lifetime push that vision, leading the Army into its day? experiences that should not be wasted. Do the next chapter.” RN: “I am most excited simply to graduate things that scare you—the moments that make one I will treasure. me as a high-schooler or plebe if I could handle with my people, the Class of 2020. We’ve had.” that there were other things that were valuable in you uncomfortable are the moments that will “The third and fi nal memory was of Army those roles, I would have told you ‘no.’ West PV: What does service and leadership been through so much together, that it is only PV: As a Truman and Stamps scholar, how addition to good grades, particularly, how I could help you grow. To my younger self, I would Football’s win over Navy in 2016. Finally Point—it’s struggles and opportunities—made mean to you as you start your career as an right to fi nish it out in the same way. I’m important has achieving educational heights meant serve those around me.” say that you are more competent than you give breaking the streak and storming the fi eld was an me more than ready.” Army offi cer? grateful that we will have the opportunity of to you? yourself credit for. I would remind her that ‘this incredible experience. As a plebe, that moment RN: “As an officer, service is not just that togetherness, something that many of our RN: “As I’ve progressed through West Point, PV: As a founder of the Cadet Media Group, talk too shall pass,’ so cherish every moment and the made me especially proud to be a part of the PV: What is your best achievement at West service to my nation and the mission, but fellow graduates across the country have not academic success became less important. I realized about getting that off the ground and the hope that people around you.” Long Gray Line.” Point? service to those who serve under me. No one the fruits of your labor will go on after you graduate? LM: “I would have to say graduating at the serves a leader; the leader serves everyone. RN: “The Cadet Media Group was not something PV: What is your favorite memory/top PV: Do you feel you achieved all your goals top of my class with the highest cumulative That is the ideal that I aspire to.” “My West Point Experience” I did alone, or even an idea that I came up with. I moments in your time at West Point? at West Point? Cadet Performance Score (overall) and highest was merely in the right place with the right skills LM: “I have three top moments from my LM: “I am more than happy with what I cumulative Physical Program Score were PV: What advice would you give to the In his own words ... by Robert Norwood to see an existing vision come to fruition. Moving time at West Point. The fi rst, a personal memory, managed to accomplish in my four years at West my best achievements at West Point. Those underclassmen or to your younger self from and assault at West Point. I think I’ve done as CMG from an idea to a club with offi cial DCA status is from the 2018 Patriot League Outdoor Track Point. Honestly, my goal was to graduate—I just accomplishments are the culmination of four years ago with what you know now from much to achieve those as I could have.” took my entire yearling year and included quite a There is a common cliché about the three Science major and spent countless weekends and Field Championship. I was the lead off leg wanted to tackle the challenge that is the West four years of hard work, precarious time your academy experience? few meetings. Service Academies that I like to think rings of my time as a cadet with the Cyber Policy of the 4x100-meter relay. The four of us were Point experience and grow a little in the process. management, late nights and support from RN: “Recognize that there is more to PV: What is your best achievement at “Ultimately, it came down to making the true: the Air Force Academy is about planes, team, debating how global policy should perfectly synchronized and running like our “I really didn’t understand what my friends and family. It is the summation of everyone than you can see. Everyone has a West Point? argument that our club would be a valuable asset to the Naval Academy is about ships and West respond to technology. lives depended on it. Ultimately, we won the achievements were possible, so I entered West all my other academic, physical and military story and a set of experiences that aff ect who RN: “The achievement that has made the the academy and would increase its ability to train, Point is about people. My interests in media and photography race and set a USMA and Patriot League record Point with very limited goals. I knew I wanted to achievements.” they are today. Some of those experiences were most impact on me wasn’t an award or a grade, educate and inspire leaders of character.” If that is the case, my parents prepped me meshed together at CTLT when I flew down in the process. It was the most perfect race I have perform well academically, but I never dreamed likely painful and still aff ect them. Approach but simply knowing that I had made a positive PV: for the right academy. I am the oldest of eight to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to spend ever been a part of. of winning a prestigious Marshall Scholarship Any one person you’d like to mention others with compassion and a willingness to diff erence in a few lives. Any cadet who can PV: Being the Brigade PAO, talk about what children, so I learned a lot about people early. three weeks with a Psychological Operations “The second memory was Ring Weekend. or graduating at the top of my class. who helped your success/guided you the most care for them and help them to be all they do that has been successful.” you learned from that experience that you can use My parents taught each of us to value each of unit. I trained with Soldiers who regularly Because of my commitments to Track and Field, “Over the last four years, I was not only able at West Point? can be.” as an Army leader? my siblings regardless of their differences. I deploy to the Ukraine and the Balkans to use I had missed every previous class event—Plebe to excel academically, but also on the track and LM: “Coach Joe Reed has been with me PV: Any one person you’d like to mention RN: “Communication is an essential component think that is one of the core values that led information to combat Russian influence in Parent Weekend, Yearling Winter Weekend and in my leadership positions within the Corps. I every step of the way, pushing me to be better PV: What is your favorite memory/top who helped your success/guided you the most of leadership. The words that leaders say to express me to West Point; I wanted to spend my life the region. This made me realize something 500th Night. The chance to spend time with my never expected to be a team captain or to serve as on the track and as a cadet. I would not have moments in your time at West Point? at West Point? ideas and the timing and medium of those messages defending those differences. important: my passion, media, provided a way family and celebrate my time at West Point was the Brigade Academic Offi cer. If you had asked See MOORADIAN, PAGE 10 RN: “The best times at West Point are RN: “There are so many. One in particular aff ect how subordinates perceive the ideas they are When I arrived on R-Day, I didn’t know to create change in the world around me. I when you’re with your friends. For me, is Lt. Col. Ireka Sanders, the former USMA communicating. a immeasurable impact on how many cadets have been a diff erent person.” what I was getting myself into. Little did I became more involved with the West Point that includes 100th Night, Army/Navy and Deputy Public Aff airs Offi cer. She mentored “The Public Affairs Office and those who viewed sexual harassment and assault. I think know that I would find a place for my two Public Affairs Office, working to help them Thursday nights at the Firstie Club. The best me through both the creation of the Cadet work with it have an invaluable role in helping a that the academy’s focus on the issue in the last PV: You are an internationally-recognized passions—photography and technology. share a transparent image of what happens at moments are not so much defi ned by what you Media Group and using video to fi ght sexual commander’s ideas reach Soldiers and the public two years has begun to create a lasting change. debater and great artist in diff erent mediums, At West Point, I helped start a club, the West Point. are doing but by who you are with.” assault. I don’t think I could have done much in a way they understand.” “The model of letting people’s stories however, which do you take more pride in Cadet Media Group, to provide a place for Before long, I had the opportunity to use at all without her help and advice.” change the world around them is one that I achieving? cadets like me to gather together and use media to help with something even more PV: Do you feel you achieved all your PV: With your “Target 35” documentary, what think can be expanded far beyond West Point.” RN: “I take the most pride in my art, in the media to share our perspective of life on West impactful. In early 2019, West Point doubled goals at West Point? PV: Through this collective experience is the importance in your mind of combating sexual photos and videos I produce. Point with the outside world. Photography and down on efforts to eradicate sexual harassment RN: “Every fall, I set a new set of goals for everyone has gone through, from your assault/harassment and suicide that helps the PV: The oldest of eight children and “They have the power to affect people video provided an opportunity to use media and assault from the academy. I was able to the upcoming year. At fi rst, they were mostly perspective, how has the Class of 2020 united greater good at the academy, the Army and society? earning Eagle Scout… because of these facts, and make their lives better, which I value to share the stories of the unique cadets who help create a video that highlighted this. academic goals, but they became increasingly together and motivated each other during the RN: “Everyone has a story. Those stories have does leading and being committed to service immensely.” attend West Point. Since then, the photos and There were several brave cadets who more focused on what my impact would be COVID-19 crisis? the power to highlight injustice and inequality and just come naturally to you? videos our club has taken have brought the wanted to share their stories of harassment and when I left. RN: “We did what we have been trained to galvanize people to action. I think that by creating RN: “The way that I try to lead certainly PV: What branch did you choose and why? cadet story to the American public in many assault with the Corps. All I did was give them “If I were to summarize those goals into do: adapt to changing requirements and carry a video that told the raw story of sexual harassment traces its roots back to my family and the way RN: “I branched Armor. I came to West ways. a mouthpiece, and the whole Corps was able to two main goals, they would be: to solidify the on. Obviously, we moved physical meetings and assault at West Point, I merely provided a they raised me to serve and care for others. Point to serve and to learn how to lead Soldiers Besides media, I also consumed my time experience their stories, increasing awareness existence of the Cadet Media Group and to online. window into those stories. “If I had been raised with a diff erent set of and a combat arms branch was where I felt that thinking about technology. I am a Computer of the problem at West Point. encourage the elimination of sexual harassment “Instead of going to the Firstie Club on “The stories themselves, each of them real, had values in a diff erent family, I would no doubt I could do that best.” POINT 10 June 11, 2020 IN FOCUS: "WITH VISION WE LEAD" CLASS OF 2020 Pointer View MOORADIAN, cont’d from Page 9 achieved half of my accomplishments without PV: Historically, similar to your last two helped me in all my endeavors. Although I his support. He has been the best coach I’ve ever months, this will be a unique graduation that no feel pride in my accomplishments, I also feel had, a friend, a shoulder to lean on and a source class previously has experienced, what is your very lucky. of motivation whenever I faltered. hope and anticipation for your graduation day? “Coach Reed never stopped believing in LM: “The bottom line is that this ceremony PV: Legally blind as a child and working me, which helped me believe in myself. He has is about celebrating our accomplishments as to gain your eyesight to get to West Point, talk taught me to be confident, be competitive and a class. I am honored to be a part of a group about that experience and overcoming what was execute in everything I do in life.” of outstanding leaders, and each one of my once a physical liability? classmates deserves recognition on graduation LM: “My eyes have always been my greatest PV: Through this collective experience day. I am simply grateful to be having a weakness. Spending years of my childhood everyone has gone through, from your ceremony at all, given the circumstances, and performing vision therapy exercises—like perspective, how has the Class of 2020 united I anticipate a graduation day that is as or more counting grains of rice with tweezers—not only together and motivated each other during the memorable than any before it.” strengthened my eyes, but also strengthened my COVID-19 crisis? discipline and resilience. LM: “From my personal experience, the PV: Describe what tossing your hat in the “The hard work paid off, and I was thrilled Class of 2020 has done an incredible job air will mean to you, completing your journey to learn that I was medically qualified to attend of coming together during this crisis. By at West Point? West Point. In truth, that moment was almost PV: What branch did you choose and why? consistently reaching out to friends, company LM: “The hat toss is an incredibly symbolic more exciting than receiving my acceptance LM: “I chose military intelligence because mates and classmates on all platforms—texting, moment, one that I have looked forward to since letter. The relief I felt when I learned of my of the flexibility—as an MI officer, I will have calling, emailing and social media—we have the very beginning of my journey at West Point. medical qualification helped me realize how the opportunity to work with many different made sure no one feels alone. I’ve also noticed I watched my brother toss his hat in the air in much I truly wanted to attend West Point. organizations within the Army. Intelligence is that we have remained motivated and committed 2017, so being able to follow in his footsteps “Struggling with my vision during CBT and also the backbone of any operation, and I am in our leadership roles, ensuring that we will be the emotional culmination of everything having to wear an eyepatch helped me realize excited to be such a critical member of the Army. continue to support the underclassmen until the I’ve worked for these past four years. Tossing how much I wanted to stay. “My experiences with an MI Platoon during very end of our time at West Point.” my hat will be an iconic end to my journey as a “While I would not wish my eye problems CTLT were also a driving factor for my choice cadet, and the beginning of my next adventure on anyone, dealing with this physical liability of branch; I was impressed by the quality of PV: What was the biggest hurdle you as an Army officer.” has made me a stronger, more resilient person. the Soldiers that I worked with and the mission faced during the crisis? What did you find out I am grateful for that.” set of the unit. about yourself and your resilience, whether it PV: As the Brigade Academic Officer, was physically or mentally, in overcoming this describe what that job detailed for you? situation and drive toward graduation? LM: “As the Brigade Academic Officer, “My West Point Experience” In LM: “I am very lucky to have wonderful I served as the liaison between the Corps of parents who support me in all my endeavors, as Cadets and the dean, registrar and Center for well as a home environment that is conducive Enhanced Performance. I supported the peer her own words ... by Lynne Mooradian to remote learning. tutoring program, monitored the academic When the Class of 2020 chose “With athlete and lead my fellow cadets as both the “Without Track and Field, I had far more standing of the Corps and worked with the Vision We Lead” as our class motto during track and field team captain and the Brigade time to dedicate to my classwork. However, cadet academic chain of command to provide Cadet Basic Training, I felt like the target Academic Officer. while my academic requirements became more resources and help to those who needed it. of a bad joke. We were marching back from My intent was to make a meaningful manageable, my role as Brigade Academic “Following COVID-19, I became a more Camp Buckner, the banner held proudly at the contribution to West Point and the Corps, Officer became more extensive. I faced the integral member of the dean’s team. I was front of a column of exhausted new cadets as but along the way I found myself developing challenge of finding innovative ways to support in contact with Brig. Gen. (Cindy) Jebb and families and friends lined the route to cheer. and growing in unexpected ways. The liberal the Corps during an unprecedented crisis. I her team before the start of remote classes, Somewhere in that line of new cadets was arts education I received challenged my worked closely with the dean and her team to organizing and analyzing the results of several me: New Cadet Mooradian, more commonly perspectives and critical thinking, while the address the concerns of the Corps and improve cadet surveys. These surveys were aimed at referred to as “Patchy.” For six weeks of CBT, focus on character development instilled in the remote learning environment, allowing us determining cadet concerns and potential issues I struggled with crippling double vision and me a vibrant sense of duty and commitment to finish the semester strong. with resources and connectivity in the new was forced to wear an eyepatch in order to to serving others. My 47-month experience “The challenges inherent to my role as learning environment. complete my training. was enriched by the people around me: those Brigade Academic Officer during this crisis “My work contributed to adaptations The pirate jokes and isolation were who were there for me when I wasn’t at my taught me about my commitment to helping and improvements to remote learning, while unrelenting, but the irony seemed far worse: best and those who challenged me to be better others, my creativity and my ability to adapt. As retaining West Point’s high academic standards.” I drive toward graduation and my career in the The Class of 2020, “With Vision We Lead,” each and every day. seemed to be the first class with a near-blind I have emerged from the last four years a Army, I know that this will not be the last time Top 10 in the class academically and PV: new cadet. Our motto felt like a personal attack more confident leader, an experienced scholar I am asked to adapt and lead in unprecedented number one physically, how much pride do you and a confirmation of my looming fear that and an accomplished athlete. circumstances.” take in achieving both of those feats? I was not cut out to attend the U.S. Military Looking back, I would not change a “I never aimed to be top in my class LM: Academy. thing—every mistake taught me a new lesson, PV: What were you looking forward to the in any pillar, but I am enormously proud to Although the eyepatch was not permanent, every failure strengthened my resilience and most when you returned to West Point? have achieved that standing both academically “Patchy” would continue to shape me. During every success made me appreciate the support LM: “I looked forward to reuniting with and physically. I have always thought that CBT, I had felt like my vision problems made of my peers, instructors and coaches even my friends. I have had the same roommate for if something is worth doing, then it is worth me a liability to others and unqualified to more. every semester at West Point except for one— doing well. serve. I never wanted to experience that feeling Now, as I look toward what lies ahead, we are an inseparable pair. I’ve missed her, my “I think these accomplishments reflect again, so over the next four years I endeavored “With Vision We Lead” seems so very fitting. teammates and my other classmates more than my dedication to a high standard of effort and to prove that I belonged at West Point and in Our class, graduating during the COVID-19 I ever would have expected. performance. I had many opportunities to take the Army. To me, that meant taking advantage pandemic, has faced unprecedented times and “Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, I had the easy way out and let my standards slip, but of the countless opportunities the institution emerged stronger than before. intended to prioritize making memories with my self-respect and respect for the values of provided. No one knows what awaits us in the years my classmates before we go our separate ways West Point kept me motivated through it all. My I published research, studied Russian in to come, but I am confident that we have the after graduation. I lost a lot of precious time with own efforts aside, my academic and physical Armenia and the Republic of Georgia, trained foresight and character to adapt and lead, the people close to me, so I am thankful for the standing would never have been possible at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, regardless of the circumstances. chance to say goodbye as we each embark on without my incredible support network. My competed as a Division I Track and Field The future is bright—I can see it clearly. our next adventure.” parents, coaches, instructors and friends have POINT Pointer View IN FOCUS: 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN GRADUATING FROM WEST POINT June 11, 2020 11 WOWP, cont’d from Page 7

Class of 2020 Cadet Arelena Shala will become the first female cadet from Kosovo to graduate from West Point on Saturday. Prior to returning home to serve in the Kosovo Army she will attend Stanford University as a Knight-Hennessy Scholarship recipient. Photos courtesy of Arelena Shala pursue a master’s in international policy with a She was able to attend airborne school, focus on security studies and counterterrorism. which is not offered in the Kosovo Army. It is an experience she would never have During Shala’s firstie year, she was also able thought possible even a few years ago. She’d to serve as a regimental command sergeant been studying at the Kosovo Military Academy major over roughly 1,000 cadets. That was the for two years when the opportunity to attend equivalent to overseeing a quarter of her entire West Point was presented to her. At first, she army back home. was hesitant. It would mean starting her cadet “Being able to have that experience here education all over from the beginning in a and understanding how leadership works at country she had never visited. In the end, she the higher levels and interacting with the West decided it was an opportunity she couldn’t Point leadership on a daily basis, I think that’s pass up. Not only was it a chance to pursue a really valuable,” Shala said. “It will definitely world-class education, but it would also enable make my experience easier once I go back.” her to represent her army and country on an After attending Stanford, Shala will return international stage. to Kosovo and begin her career as an infantry She arrived in the United States a few officer. days before Reception Day and then was In the long run, she said she hopes to have immediately thrown into Cadet Basic Training. a chance to work at the Kosovo academy so she She found comfort there because she was used can introduce parts of what she learned at West to a military environment, but still had to adjust, Point into their curriculum, mainly the West particularly to the colloquialisms in American Point character program. English she was unfamiliar with. “I would definitely not be here today if Attending West Point has introduced Shala the women of 1980 wouldn’t have opened the to a considerably more diverse environment door for all of us. You can really see the impact than the one back home. The academy in when you have women from armies from all Kosovo is very homogeneous, she said, while over the world coming to West Point and then West Point has cadets from all 50 states along going back and opening doors for women in with foreign cadets from countries throughout their militaries,” Shala said. “To think that I Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. would be opening the doors for other women Along with the education, her time at the or cadets in general from Kosovo to come to academy also offered her opportunities to West Point in the coming years, that is really experience things that never would have been inspiring. It’s just an impact that kind of spreads possible back home. like a domino effect.” POINT 12 June 11, 2020 IN FOCUS: CORONAVIRUS 2019 UPDATE Pointer View Keller Corner: Update on Coronavirus Keller Corner

For a one-stop shop of all updated coronavirus information, Keller Army Community Hospital notifications, how to stop the spread of COVID-19, federal/state/local guidance and the U.S. Military Academy and Army Garrison West Point webpages, visit https://kach.amedd.army.mil/West-Point-COVID-19-INFO/.

KACH Pharamacy Curbside Pick-up By Robert K. Lanier seen in the hospital that day. Public Affairs Officer, Keller Army Any patients who are under a restriction Community Hospital of movement (self-quarantine or self- isolation) should not leave their quarantine/ Keller Army Community Hospital is isolation area. taking steps to maintain social distancing In Brief: while continuing to serve our beneficiaries • Prior to arriving at the pharmacy, by providing “In-car” pharmacydispensing. call 845-938-2271/6199/3812 so we can This service is available during the start process your medication prior to your pharmacy hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday arrival at the KACH Pharmacy. We will through Friday. coordinate a time for you to come pick up Beneficiaries will need to call the your medication within about two hours. pharmacy to ensure we have your • When you arrive at the pharmacy, pull medications filled prior to coming to the in to one of the numbered pharmacy parking pharmacy. spaces, and call the pharmacy again at 845- Refill prescriptions can still be called 938-2271/6199/3812 to have a hospital into the refill line for pick up after two representative bring out your medications business days. out to you. When you arrive at the pharmacy, pull Additional information: KACH Immunizations Clinic to schedule appointments in to one of the numbered pharmacy parking • If you have hardcopy (paper) Keller Army Community Hospital older (parent must call to make appointment). spaces and call the pharmacy for a hospital prescriptions, let us know when you arrive will resume scheduling immunization 2. Any active duty servicemember who representative to bring your medications to and we will come collect them. appointments. needs updated immunizations for MEDPROS. your car. • If you are picking up controlled In an effort to accommodate our population 3. Any travel related vaccines after an This service is available for all substances, please bring your own pen to use needing vaccines while maintaining the safety appointment with one of our providers has beneficiaries and is the preferred medication when signing for your medications. of all of our beneficiaries, appointments will taken place. dispensing method. We thank you and appreciate your be scheduled for: To schedule an appointment, call the The pharmacy inside the hospital is still patience as team West Point continues our 1. Any healthy beneficiary 11 years or KACH Appointment Center at 845-938-7992. open and serving patients who have been COVID-19 response. Pointer View CoMMUnitY/Mwr JUne 11, 2020 13

WEST POINT MWR CALENDAR westpoint.armymwr.com COMMUNITY FEATURED ITEM West Point Tax Center closed and IRS extension The West Point Tax Center is offi cially closed. However, the IRS has extended the federal COVID-19: MWR facility income tax fi ling and payment deadlines. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the IRS is automatically extending the federal income tax fi ling and payment deadlines until July 15. This extensions applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax fi lers as well as those who pay self-employment tax. and program updates Taxpayers do not need to fi le any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax fi ling and payment relief. Please note, the extension does not apply to state income tax fi lings or payments. Check The following services remain open or just recently with your state of residence for state income tax fi ling and payment deadlines. reopened: For more details, visit https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury- • Dog Parks—Please limit groups and cleanup after yourself. irs-extend-fi ling-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed. • West Point Bowling Center—Open 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Food delivery and pick up only. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS • (UPDATED) Round Pond Recreation Area and Lake Frederick Recreation Area— Permitted fi shing and passive recreation only, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. No camping or picnicing LRC CIF appointments for retiring, ETSing military personnel allowed. For West Point fi shing permits, create an online account at https://westpoint. Due to COVID-19, all military personnel who will be retiring or ETSing and require isportsman.net. clearing through the Logistics Readiness Center West Point Central Issue Facility (CIF) will • Morgan Farm Pet Grooming—Now accepting reservations. You must call ahead for an be required to make an appointment by phone. appointment at 845-938-3926. Also, if you’re PCS’ing away from West Point this summer To make an appointment, call 845-938-4562 or 845-938-1835. and will be checking out of your RV Storage site, Morgan Farm would like to hear from you. Contact Trish at Morgan Farm at 845-938-3926. Logistics Readiness Center message • Stony Child Development Center—The CDC is open for key and essential customers We regret to inform the community that the SMURF buses are indefi nitely suspended due only. Eligible patrons have received direct notifi cation via their Chain of Command. to lack of drivers. • CYS Parent Central Services—The CYS Parent Central Services is open by appointment The Transportation and Maintenance Division will continue to provide a bus for handicapped only. To schedule an appointment, call 845-938-4458/0939/3969 between the hours of 8:30 patrons from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. To call for that service, call 938-4468 or 938-2018. a.m.-1:30 p.m. The taxi service was suspended at the beginning of the current COVID-19 crisis in an eff ort • (NEW) Automotive Center—It is open for “Self-Help” patrons and “Fleet Services” to mitigate the spread of the virus. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. only. For complete details, visit https://westpoint.armymwr.com/programs/automotive- center. Legal Assistance Offi ce information Have a legal question? For example, are you wondering how you can legally terminate or extend a lease? The following services are closed or canceled (until • Contact the West Point Legal Assistance Offi ce. The Legal Assistance Offi ce’s physical further notice): location is closed in response to COVID-19. • MWR Administrative Offi ces. • Limited services are available by calling 845-938-4541. • Army Community Service—Recommend using MilitaryOneSource.mil. • Leave a voicemail with your name, phone number and brief message describing your • Arts & Crafts—Classes are canceled. Virtual classes are available via the Arts & Crafts situation. You may also email [email protected] for assistance. Messages are Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/westpointartsandcrafts. reviewed every two hours during normal business hours. • BOSS. • (UPDATED) CYS (All programs closed except for Stony CDC and Parent Central West Point Commissary hours change for Saturday and July 4 Services, see above)—All Youth Sports and Instructional programs for the Spring season The West Point Commissary is open Saturday on Graduation Day, however, the hours have are canceled. CYS staff is currently refunding/giving household credits in accordance with been changed to 3-7 p.m. only. The commissary will also be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4. IMCOM guidance. SAC Summer Camp canceled through July 3. Re-assessment decision As a reminder, customers will not be allowed in the commissary without a face mask. will be July 6 for remainder of summer. • MWR Fitness Center. • Intramural Sports. • Leisure Travel. • Outdoor Recreation—All camping/lodging reservations canceled until further notice. The Bull Pond lottery reservation is postponed until further notice. • Recreational Swimming ◦ Season opening postponed until further notice. This includes Long Pond Swim Area, Round Pond Swim Area, Lake Frederick Swim Area, and Crandall Pool inside Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center. No events currently scheduled. • Special Events: ◦ West Point 5K/10K, Army Birthday Run, (June 13) canceled. ◦ Check out our #MWRAtHome digital events/competitions on our Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/westpointfmwr. • Tronsrue Marksmanship Center—Closed, all classes are canceled. MOVIES at MAHAN • West Point Club: Theatre schedule at Mahan Hall, Bldg. 752. ◦ Dinner-To-Go is closed. ◦ All events and personal reservations are canceled currently. Movies canceled until further notice. • West Point Golf Course. (For movie details and updated schedules, visit http://www. Please check the MWR facebook page for updates as things progress at https://www. aafes.com/exchange-stores/Movie-Guide/showtimes- facebook.com/westpointfmwr. West-Point.htm.) 14 June 11, 2020 Sports Pointer View THANK YOU, FIRSTIES By Paul Peck Army West Point Women’s Tennis Head Coach

Dear Danna Funaro and Gloria Son,

Congratulations on graduating from West Point and commissioning as 2nd lieutenants! I am so proud of the both of you for all you have accomplished these past four years. It has been quite a journey! I know that you are both prepared and ready for the challenges ahead in your military career. You have been trained at the best leadership institution in the world and your leadership skills will help you succeed in any unit you are assigned. I am looking forward to seeing all your accomplishments in your military careers, in your communities and in the private sector in the future. I also want to thank you for all you have done for Army women’s tennis. Because of you two, our team is the most cohesive I have ever seen it in my 26 years at West Point. You both have led by example in terms of your work ethic, competitiveness and just being great teammates. One of your best strengths as teammates is your sense of humor and constant teasing of each other. It allowed the team to laugh and relax during a tough dean’s week or in stressful competitions. We have had many adventures on and off the courts over the years but one of my favorite Army West Point women’s tennis seniors Gloria Son and Danna Funaro. Photo by Army Athletic Communications memories during your time with the team is the semifinals earned us the right to play Navy in lost the doubles point against them in the finals I will always treasure our time together and 2018 Patriot League Championship. the finals. And Gloria’s win in singles during but because of your tenacity we were able pull I will miss both of you dearly. I will always You both won critical matches to help us the finals switched the momentum in our favor off the upset! cherish our friendship. Be safe and take care. bring the championship trophy back to West to beat Navy 4-2. Again, I just want to say how proud I am of Love, Point after five years of frustration. Danna’s What was even more amazing is we had both of you and how grateful I am to have been Coach Peck dramatic win over Boston University in the lost to Navy 7-0 in the regular season and we given the honor to be your coach. P.S. Beat Navy!!!!

By Matt Sherman forward and upward. I wish you and the entire Army West Point Men’s Rugby Head Class of 2020 the best as you now forge ahead Coach into your professional careers as officers in the United States Army. To the Army men’s rugby Class of 2020, In a complex, dynamic and troubled world, strong young leaders of character will Congratulations on the successful be critical, and I know you will rise to meet, completion of your 47-month journey at West solve and defeat the challenges that lie ahead. Point culminating with Saturday’s unique My family and I take great faith in the graduation. I don’t think you would say the future of our country knowing you will be journey has been easy, but I hope you’ve carrying the torch forward. enjoyed it. I believe strongly it will be one Please stay in touch and as always, keep that you found to be challenging, rewarding, climbing in everything you do. With the fulfilling and formative as you forge down most admiration, respect and appreciation your life’s path. I can offer, I know how hard you’ve all worked to get Coach Sherman here, and I am overwhelmingly proud of and happy for you all. I am also deeply saddened Army West Point men’s rugby seniors. Photo by Army Athletic Communications See next week’s Pointer to see you depart, and I, your teammates, team these last 47 months. I am grateful for carried the Army rugby brotherhood forward and the team, will miss you immensely. our relationship and the personal impact you by forging strong bonds with all of your View for the 13th annual Nonetheless, while not here in being, your have had on my life, helping me to improve teammates and with each other. Black Knight Awards legacy will be with us in spirit as we continue and grow as a better person, leader and coach. Lastly, I’m grateful to have been able to that celebrates Army to strive to now stand on your shoulders and I’m grateful for the positive impact you have see your personal growth and development leave the jersey in a better place. had on our team and brotherhood. on and off field these last 47 months. West Point Athletics, its I am very grateful for our time and I feel absolute in saying you left the Your climb has been steep and impressive. teams and cadet-athlete experiences together, as well as your jersey in a better place and have carried our It was never easy, but you approached it accomplishments. considerable efforts and contributions to the legacy forward. I also know that you have with tenacity and resilience and kept moving 16 JUne 11, 2020www.GoarMYweStPoint.CoM tHe Pointer View J U n e 11, 2020 V o l . 77, n o . 22 dUtY, Honor, CoUntrY SPortS WEST POINT, TO THEE By Samantha Stewart Army West Point Women’s Lacrosse

If I was able to go back in time to the day I committed to Army women’s lacrosse, I would have never expected to be where I am now. Growing up in a military family, I always knew I wanted to attend West Point. I think the scariest part was not knowing what to expect. Of course, there are stories from your parents, a family friend and even a current cadet, but nothing compares to your own experience. While deciding to come to West Point seemed like an easy decision at fi rst, it has been anything but easy. At the R-Day barbeque, I remember coming together with the rest of the class of 2020, bright eyed and excited for the journey we were about to embark on. However, the next day I found myself standing in my sweaty white over gray uniform in the rain holding back tears as I desperately held on to my parent’s gaze from the bleachers. We have all had those moments, those days and that thought of whether West Point would be right for us or not. However, I always had one thing that helped me stay on track. My teammates. From the very beginning, our team has served as one of the most important support systems throughout my West Point experience. It’s interesting to take a moment and look back at those memories as a senior. Filled with fear of the unknown then, I fi nally know what the next few years will have in store for me. Those moments don’t seem as scary and all I can think now is how blessed I am to be apart of something like West Point. To my teammates—we have achieved so Army West Point Women’s Lacrosse senior Samantha Stewart. Photo by Army Athletic Communications much this year. The milestones we reached as our alumni program and ensuring we stay forever grateful for the love and support you all Coach Car, thank you for teaching me the a fi fth-year program demonstrate our hard work connected. I wish I could stay with you all and gave me as a lacrosse player. It is something I importance of footwork. My defense was shaky and dedication to this team. play lacrosse forever, however, I am extremely will hold onto forever. I love you all so much and at points in my career, however, you empowered Although our season was cut short due to excited to start my career in the Army. The best I cannot wait to see the greatness you all achieve me to fi nd my inner defender and helped me unforeseen circumstances, the goals we reached part about our program is that our team bond throughout your lacrosse and military careers. reach my potential in so many ways. Thank you and the memories we created will remain in our will never leave us. To my coaches—thank you for guiding me so much, all three of you, these years of lacrosse hearts forever. So, as we refl ect on our time cut short with throughout this experience. Seeing the goals, will stay in my heart forever. To the freshmen, four seasons go by one another, it is important to acknowledge that you’ve made for this program over the years To the Class of 2020, graduation is right incredibly fast, make sure you take advantage we will eventually be working alongside one unfold has been such an exciting journey. Not around the corner. Whether we like it or not, of every moment. Sophomores, in the next few another on an even bigger team. only have our seasons gotten stronger, but the we will have to move on from lacrosse, school months you’re going to make a huge decision It’s crazy to think how much a sport can gear has gotten even better. All jokes aside, I and our lives at West Point. to continue on this path. It’s an exciting one change your life. I almost didn’t play lacrosse. will miss you three so much. Although we can sit here and think about so get ready! To the juniors, I am so excited to It took some tough love from my parents to Coach Waagbo, thank you for believing in the opportunities we could have had, we have come back and see the ways you will carry this “inspire me” (they signed me up without telling me. I am so blessed to say I was a part of the to take these memories and remind ourselves program as a senior class and what your military me). If I hadn’t played lacrosse, my life would Army women’s lacrosse team. It is crazy to see how much we have achieved. careers will soon become. be completely diff erent. To the daily laughs, the how far we have come in four years and I’m It’s exciting to think in a couple of days we Although our team is young and breaking late-night study halls and countless American sure you’ll have many more seasons of greatness will fi nally get to graduation, a moment we’ve records every day, there is always room for Burrito dinners, there was never a dull moment. getting to coach such a great group of girls. discussed forever. It’s all happening and I’m improvement. I have no doubt in my mind that If I had not played lacrosse, I would not have Coach Shan, you have been here since the incredibly proud of every single one of you. next year's team will be even stronger. With met any of you and I am sure a big part of my very beginning and to think at one point you I can’t wait to see what the future holds for strength on the fi eld comes bonds made off heart would be missing. I am grateful every day were helping me take a draw. Thank you for everyone. I am blessed to have spent my four the fi eld. I think this year we did a great job I was able to play alongside all of you. all the midfi eld knowledge and support you’ve years at West Point with you all. of establishing new traditions and following From the good times and bad, this team has given me throughout my career. If I ever get Love, old ones. helped shape me into the leader and woman I the chance to play again, I will always take a Sami Stewart My hope for the future is strengthening am today. I cherish all your friendships and I am hard shot. #10