25 August 2017 MEMORANDUM

25 August 2017

MEMORANDUM FOR: Class Leaders, USMA Classes Presidents, West Point Societies

SUBJECT: West Point Association of Graduates 2018 Awards – Call for Nominations

1. Nominations for the 2018 Distinguished Graduate Award and the 2018 Thayer Award are due at the Alumni Center by 3 November 2017. Criteria for the Distinguished Graduate Award and for the Thayer Award, along with lists of past recipients, are enclosed.

a. With respect to the Distinguished Graduate Award, the following guidelines apply:

• Only Societies or Classes, not individuals, may nominate candidates for WPAOG’s Distinguished Graduate Award. The recognized leader of the nominating USMA Class or West Point Society must sign the nomination.

• During any given year, Societies and Classes may have a maximum of two nominees under consideration for the Distinguished Graduate Award. Nominations remain active for three years. (Nominators will be asked to advise WPAOG whether they wish second- and third-year nominees to remain active.)

b. With respect to the Thayer Award, the following guidelines apply:

• USMA Classes, West Point Societies, and individual WPAOG members may submit nominations for the Thayer Award. Thayer Award nominees must be U.S. citizens who are not graduates of USMA.

• The number of new annual Thayer Award nominations that a Class, Society, or an individual WPAOG member may submit is unlimited.

2. In past years, the materials placed before award committees were often voluminous and disparate. Often, it had become difficult for the selection committee members to read the material and make valid comparisons among nominees. Therefore, a nomination for either award must comply with the following format, or the nominator will be asked to revise and resubmit the packet.

a. A nomination shall take the form of a letter to the chair of the Thayer Award Committee or Distinguished Graduate Award Committee. After identifying the nominee and the award for which he or she is nominated, the letter shall summarize the ways in which the nominee’s record of service and/or achievements “draw wholesome comparison to the qualities for which West Point strives, in keeping with its motto – Duty, Honor, Country.” The nominating letter may be no longer than three pages of single-spaced typescript.

b. Endorsements of the nomination that accompany it or arrive separately may not exceed a single page in length.

3. The deadline for nominations to arrive at the Herbert Alumni Center is 3 November 2017.

Please submit your nomination packet by email or postal mail as follows:

By email: [email protected] Please indicate in the subject line: Distinguished Graduate Award Committee or Thayer Award Committee

By postal mail: Chairman Distinguished Graduate Award Committee or Thayer Award Committee c/o Laurie Fontana West Point Association of Graduates 698 Mills Road West Point, New York 10996

Todd A. Browne ’85 President and CEO

Enclosures:

Excerpt from the Distinguished Graduate Award Policy Excerpt from the Thayer Award Policy

Distinguished Graduate Award Policy

1. Criteria for the Distinguished Graduate Award:

a. The Award is to be given to graduates of the United States Military Academy whose character, distinguished service and stature draw wholesome comparison to the qualities that West Point strives for, in keeping with its motto - "Duty, Honor, Country." With the purpose of identifying to the public and the Corps of Cadets the broad national significance of West Point as one of America's cherished institutions, candidates for the Distinguished Graduate Award will be graduates of the United States Military Academy who have demonstrated a strong interest in supporting West Point throughout their lifetime.

b. The Award will not be given to individuals who occupy, or are candidates for elective office, or who are still on active duty. The individuals selected for the Distinguished Graduate Award must be alive and agree to accept the Award at West Point whenever possible. If an awardee should die between the time of selection and presentation, a designee appointed by the next of kin may accept on behalf of the deceased.

2. Ulmer Task Force recommendations for how the selection committee should evaluate the nominees.

• Since the mission of the USMA is to produce graduates who are “…prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the United States Army,” it is appropriate that a primary career as an Army officer be given due consideration. However, attainment of senior military rank alone does not qualify graduates for the Award unless they have met other criteria including “demonstrated a strong interest in supporting West Point throughout their lifetime.” Further, it is possible to meet the criteria as a DG for “character, distinguished service, and stature” without completing a full military career. • While “supporting West Point” may be interpreted as including the provision of some level of financial contributions over the years, no level of financial contribution alone is sufficient to justify the DG Award. • The requirement of “identifying to the public and the Corps of Cadets the broad national significance of West Point” indicates the need for service that has some degree of national impact or awareness. This of course might be gained by activities that are significant in a field—military or commercial or academic, etc.—to the extent that they have more than a transitory contribution to the nation. (Realistically it is unlikely that the DG Award can surpass the Thayer Award in reaching segments of the American public, and the Thayer Award seems not routinely capable of gaining broad public or even cadet attention.)

3. Procedural Guidelines:

a. Nominations for the award may be made by Classes and Societies only. A Class/Society may have a maximum of two nominees under consideration during any given year; if there are two, they do not have to be rank ordered. If a class is submitting the nomination, then the recognized leader of the class according to its constitution must sign the letter; if a society is submitting the nomination, the society president must sign the letter. Nominees need not necessarily be a member of the Society or Class forwarding the nomination. The nomination must be accompanied by a narrative of no more than 3 pages detailing the nominee's contributions and distinguished service, justifying selection as the recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award. Endorsement letters, of no more than 1 page, will be accepted. There is no limit on the number of endorsement letters. 3

Policies Governing the Selection of the Thayer Award Recipient

1. Each year, the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) shall present the Thayer Award to an individual American citizen who is not a graduate of the United States Military Academy. The Board does not intend for the Award to be presented to a group of Americans or to a conceptual individual such as The American First Responder. (Note that the presentation of the 2002 Award to The American Soldier was exceptional. That one-time exception was linked to the Bicentennial Celebration of the founding of the United States Military Academy.)

2. Classes, Societies, and individual members may submit nominations for the Thayer Award. The number of new annual nominations from Classes, Societies, and individual members of the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) shall be unlimited.

3. The criteria for the Thayer Award are as follows:

a. The Thayer Award, established in honor of Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, shall be presented annually by the Association. The Award is intended for presentation to an individual, a United States citizen who is not a graduate of the United States Military Academy. The recipient’s character, accomplishments, and national stature must reflect a life of great service to our Nation and exemplify the West Point motto Duty, Honor, Country. LTG Garrison H. Davidson ’27, Superintendent of the Academy when the Award was initiated in 1958, stated that the Award’s purpose was to recognize an American citizen of outstanding character and accomplishments whose stature in the civilian community would draw wholesome comparison to the quality for which West Point strives. He believed that selecting a citizen of national stature would enhance the reputation of West Point and encourage young people to aspire to become cadets.

b. Normally, the Award presentation at West Point is during the fall. The USMA Superintendent and the Corps of Cadets play essential roles in the ceremonies. The Award recipient participates in a brigade review, and he/she receives the Award during dinner in Washington Hall. The Award recipient must be willing and able to make a speech to the Corps of Cadets.

c. Guidance to the Thayer Award Selection Committee:

• National public service has been prominent in the careers of Award recipients. Extraordinary service to the Nation clearly remains a major factor in selecting Award recipients. National service may take many forms (e.g., service in the arts, sciences, and numerous professions in the public or private sector).

• Traditionally, the Award has acknowledged the recipient’s lifetime of service. Because the recipient will be forever associated with West Point and its ideals, selecting a recipient whose professional life story of service is nearly complete is advisable.

• The recipient should have respected, national stature (i.e., national name recognition and wide-based respect among the general population). Ideally, he/she will be recognized by cadets as a “great American.”

• The recipient must be able to receive the Award at West Point and deliver an acceptance speech to the Corps of Cadets.

4. Format and composition of nomination packets will be restricted:

• Nomination letters shall not exceed three pages. The nomination should explain how the nominee meets the criteria and guidance outlined in this policy.

• One-page letters supporting the nomination may be enclosed.

• Nominations not conforming to this policy shall be returned for revision and resubmission.

• A nomination shall remain active for three years (the year of submission and two additional years).

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD CRITERIA The DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD is to be given to graduates of the United States Military Academy whose character, distinguished service, and stature draw wholesome comparison to the qualities that West Point strives for in keeping with its motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.” With the purpose of identifying to the public and the Corps of Cadets the broad national significance of West Point as one of America’s cherished institutions, candidates for the Distinguished Graduate Award will be graduates of the United States Military Academy who have demonstrated a strong interest in supporting West Point throughout their lifetime.

The Award will not be given to individuals who occupy, or are candidates for, elective office, or who are still on active duty. The individuals selected for the Distinguished Graduate Award must be alive and agree to accept the Award at West Point whenever possible. If an awardee should die between the time of selection and presentation, a designee appointed by the next of kin may accept on behalf of the deceased.

PAST RECIPIENTS

2017 Mr. Marshall N. Carter ’62; BG (R) Daniel Kaufman ’68; GEN (R) Martin Dempsey ’74; GEN (R) Lloyd Austin ’75; Honorable Robert A. McDonald ’75; GEN (R) Raymond Odierno ’76. 2016 Mr. Louis Gross ’54; BG (R) John C. Bahnsen Jr. ’56;Mr. Joseph B. Anderson Jr. ’65; Mr. William P. Foley II ’67; GEN (R)Richard A. Cody ’72; GEN (R) Keith B. Alexander ’74; 2015 LTG(R) Max W. Noah ’53; Mr. Roderic B. Vitty ’55; LTG(R) John H. Moellering ’59; Mr. William F. Murdy II ’64; Mr. Jodie K. Glore ’69; LTG(R) Thomas F. Metz ’71; 2014 LTG(R) Robert E. Pursley ’49; COL(R) William B. DeGraf ’50; Mr. Frederic V. Malek ’59; Mr. Paul W. Bucha ’65; LTG(R) Franklin L. Hagenbeck ’71; 2013 Mr. Lee R. Anderson ’61; LTG(R) Joseph E. DeFrancisco ’65; GEN(R) John W. Foss ’56; GEN(R) Boonsrang Niumpradit ’71; LTG(R) Theodore G. Stroup, Jr. ’62; LTG(R) Robert G. Yerks ’51; 2012 LTG(R) Henry J. Hatch ’57; GEN(R) Crosbie E. Saint ’58; Mr. William H. Willoughby, Jr. ’60; GEN(R) Narciso L. Abaya ’71; LTG(R) William J. Lennox, Jr. ’71; 2011 GEN(R) William R. Richardson ’51; MG(R) Carl H. McNair, Jr. ’55; Dr. Lewis Sorley ’56; GEN(R) Dennis J. Reimer ’62; COL(R) William S. McArthur, Jr. ’73; 2010 LTG(R) Frederic J. Brown ’56; GEN(R) Barry R. McCaffrey ’64; LTG(R) Daniel W. Christman ’65; HON Thomas E. White, Jr. ’67; AMB Robert M. Kimmitt ’69; 2009 LTG(R) James D. Hughes ’46; GEN(R) Donn A. Starry ’48; LTG(R) Robert F. Foley ’63; HON Eric K. Shinseki ’65; GEN(R) Thomas A. Schwartz ’67;GEN(R) John P. Abizaid ’73; 2008 GEN(R) Wallace H. Nutting ’50; LTG(R) Clarence E. McKnight, Jr. ’52; GEN(R) John A. Shaud ’56; Mr. James V. Kimsey ’62; LTG(R) Dell L. Dailey ’71; 2007 LTG(R) John M. Wright, Jr. ’40; BG(R) Amos A. Jordan, Jr. ’46; COL(R) Joseph G. Clemons, Jr. ’51; MG(R) Joseph P. Franklin ’55; MG(R) Bernard Loeffke ’57; 2006 LTG(R) Richard G. Trefry '50; Mr. Herbert S. Lichtenberg '55; Mr. Arthur E. Dewey '56; MG(R) Nicholas S. Krawciw '59; GEN(R) Wayne A. Downing '62; BG(R) Howard T. Prince, II '62; Mr. Thomas B. Dyer '67; 2005 LTG(R) Frank A. Camm Jan '43; GEN(R) Sam S. Walker '46; GEN(R) John A. Wickham, Jr. '50; MG(R) Neal Creighton '53; LTG(R) Dave R. Palmer '56; Mr. R. James Nicholson '61; Mr. Michael W. Krzyzewski '69; 2004 GEN(R) William A. Knowlton Jan '43; GEN(R) Robert M. Shoemaker '46; COL(R) Ralph Puckett, Jr. '49; COL(R) David R. Hughes '50; Mr. Denis F. Mullane '52; GEN(R) Glenn K. Otis '53; COL(R) John A. Feagin, Jr. '55; 2003 GEN(R) Walter T. (Dutch) Kerwin, Jr. ’39; LTG(R) Harold G. Moore, Jr. ’45; Mr. John A. Hammack ’49; GEN(R) Carl E. Vuono ’57; GEN(R) Edwin H. Burba ’59; 2002 Mr. James R. Dempsey Jan 43; GEN(R) Edward C. Meyer ’51; LTG(R) Walter F. Ulmer, Jr. ’52; GEN(R) Arthur E. Brown, Jr. ’53; BG(R) Peter M. Dawkins ’59; GEN(R) George A. Joulwan ’61; 2001 Mr. Stanley C. Pace Jun 43; GEN(R) George S. Blanchard ’44; COL(R) James L. Hayden ’45; GEN(R) Charles A. Gabriel ’50; LTG(R) Howard D. Graves ’61; 2000 President Fidel V. Ramos ’50; Dr. Buzz Aldrin ’51; GEN(R) Frederick M. Franks, Jr. ’59; 1999 GEN(R) Lew Allen, Jr. ’46; GEN(R) Robert C. Mathis ’48; 1998 MG(R) Adrian St. John, II Jan 43; LTG(R) John W. Morris Jun 43; Mr. Bernard W. Abrams ’47; MG(R) Michael Collins ’52; 1997 COL(R) Russell P. Reeder, Jr.’26; GEN(R) Michael S. Davison ’39; Dr. David M. Abshire ’51; GEN(R) John R. Galvin ’54; 1996 MG(R) Kenneth D. Nichols ’29; GEN(R) William C. Westmoreland ’36; GEN(R) Alexander M. Haig, Jr. ’47; COL(R) Frank Borman ’50; 1995 GEN(R) Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. ’36; GEN(R) Bernard W. Rogers Jun ’43; LTG(R) Brent Scowcroft ’47; 1994 BG(R) Paul W. Thompson ’29; Mr. E. Douglas Kenna, Jr. ’45; GEN(R) H. Norman Schwarzkopf ’56; 1993 LTG(R) Edward L. Rowny ’41; BG(R) Robert F. McDermott Jan 43; GEN(R) Roscoe Robinson, Jr. ’51; 1992 GEN(R) James A. Van Fleet ’15; GEN(R) Matthew B. Ridgway ’17; GEN(R) Andrew J. Goodpaster ’39; Dr. Thoralf M. Sundt, Jr. ’52.

THAYER AWARD CRITERIA

The Award is to be given to a citizen of the United States, other than a West Point graduate, whose outstanding character, accomplishments and stature in the civilian community draw wholesome comparison to the qualities for which West Point strives, in keeping with its motto - “Duty, Honor, Country.” The individual selected for the Thayer Award must agree to accept the Award at West Point.

PAST RECIPIENTS

The recipients to date have been: 1958 Dr. Ernest O. Lawrence, noted physicist and inventor of the cyclotron; 1959 The Honorable John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State; 1960 The Honorable Henry Cabot Lodge, U.S. Representative to the United Nations; 1961 Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower; 1962 General of the Army Douglas MacArthur; 1963 The Honorable John J. McCloy, Chairman of the President’s Advisory Committee on Disarmament; 1964 The Honorable Robert A. Lovett, Former Secretary of Defense; 1965 Dr. James B. Conant, scientist, educator and statesman; 1966 The Honorable Carl Vinson, former Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and member of the House of Representatives for more than 50 years; 1967 His Eminence Francis Cardinal Spellman, Military Vicar of the Armed Forces for 17 years; 1968 Mr. Bob Hope, entertainer, humanitarian and untiring supporter of the Armed Forces of the United States; 1969 The Honorable Dean Rusk, former Secretary of State; 1970 The Honorable Ellsworth Bunker, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam; 1971 Neil Armstrong, engineer, astronaut and lunar pioneer; 1972 Dr. William Franklin Graham, educator, author and evangelist; 1973 General of the Army Omar N. Bradley; 1974 The Honorable Robert D. Murphy, advisor, foreign policy strategist and statesman; 1975 Governor W. Averell Harriman, public servant, statesman and leader of industry; 1976 The Honorable Gordon Gray, public servant and educator; 1977 the Honorable Robert T. Stevens, public servant and industrial leader; 1978 Dr. James B. Killian, Jr., distinguished educator and public servant; 1979 The Honorable Clare Boothe Luce, distinguished author, public servant and diplomat; 1980 Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, educator, theologian and author; 1981 Mr. James E. Webb, public servant, lawyer and business leader; 1982 The Honorable David Packard, public servant and leader of industry; 1983 LTG James H. Doolittle, distinguished aeronautics pioneer, public servant and citizen soldier; 1984 The Honorable Stanley R. Resor, distinguished public servant and government leader; 1985 The Honorable Frank Pace, Jr., public servant and industrial leader; 1986 Dr. Edward Teller, distinguished physicist, educator and author; 1987 The Honorable Barry M. Goldwater, distinguished soldier, airman, public servant and author; 1988 The Honorable Warren E. Burger, Federal Jurist and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States; 1989 Former President Ronald W. Reagan; 1990 The Honorable Michael J. Mansfield, member of Congress, Senate Majority Leader and Ambassador to Japan; 1991 Mr. Paul H. Nitze, educator, author and distinguished public servant; 1992 The Honorable George P. Shultz, former Secretary of State, Secretary of Treasury, assistant to the President, author and educator; 1993 The Honorable Cyrus R. Vance, distinguished international and national public servant and former Secretary of State; 1994 Former President George H. W. Bush; 1995 Professor Barbara Jordan, distinguished public servant, educator and orator; 1996 General John W. Vessey, Jr., Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff and POW Return negotiator; 1997 Mr. Walter Cronkite, war correspondent, national television news anchor and author; 1998 General Colin Powell, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; 1999 Mr. Norman R. Augustine, distinguished author, public servant and leader of industry; 2000 The Honorable Henry Kissinger, educator, public servant and author; 2001 The Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, member of Congress; 2002 “The American Soldier”; 2003 General Gordon R. Sullivan, former Army Chief of Staff, President of the Association of the United States Army; 2004 Senator Robert A. Dole; 2005 The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor, Supreme Court Justice; 2006 Mr. Thomas J. Brokaw, journalist; 2007 General Frederick J. Kroesen, Jr., distinguished soldier; 2008 Doctor William J. Perry, public servant; 2009 Mr. Ross Perot, businessman; 2010 The Honorable James A. Baker, public servant; 2011 The Honorable Robert M. Gates, former Secretary of Defense; 2012 The Honorable Ike Skelton, public servant; and 2013 The Honorable Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State; 2014 The Honorable Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State; 2015 Gary Sinise, actor and humanitarian. 2016 Robert S. Mueller III, 6th Director of the FBI. 2017 George W. Bush, 43d President of the United States.