H-2 Happy Deuce Old Grad Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue One September 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome back to the new year of the Happy Deuce Newsletter. The goal of this publication is to keep you informed of events and changes in H2 and give you general information about the Corps.

I would like to add interesting stories and pictures from past years of the company and to include special events in your current life in order to facilitate the connection between Old Grads and current Cadets. So if you have anything you would like to contribute please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

-Happy as Hell Class Events

2012: Ring Weekend Starting off Firstie Year the Class of 2012 received their rings and enjoyed a great class weekend with friends and family.

Photo of H2 Cadets Courtesy CDT Bunker ‘13, Co. H2

2013: Affirmation Shortly after returning to West Point for the academic year, the Class of 2013 had their Affirmation Ceremony.

Photo of H2 Cadets Courtesy CDT Bunker ‘13, Co. H2

2015: March Back and A-Day The Fourth Class was welcomed into H2 following March Back and at the end of the week 2015 was able to celebrate being accepted into the Corps of Cadets on A-Day.

Photo Courtesy Ms. Keri Austin Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 2 AY2012-1 Command Team Commander Blake Boyd CDT Boyd grew up on a large family farm in Pinehurst, NC as the middle child. He has two brothers and two sisters and considers himself to be a family man. During his time at West Point he was on the Cross Country and Track Team for three years as well as a year at USMAPS. CDT Boyd hopes to branch Light Cavalry and be stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. He loves the summers and enjoys spending time on the beach. He also loves animals and dogs are his favorite.

Executive Officer Tyler Skomp

CDT Skomp was born and raised in the deserts of Phoenix, AZ. He is the middle child, with an older sister and a younger brother. While at West Point, CDT Skomp participated in the Parliamentary Debate Team and focused his efforts on class work revolving around his major, Civil Engineering. Tyler is planning to branch Engineers and hopes to be stationed at Ft. Carson, CO.

First Sergeant Chris DiBiase CDT DiBiase is from Sanibel, FL so he grew up around the ocean. He is the oldest in a close knit family of six. At West Point he is a Dive Instructor on the SCUBA Team. He enjoys most water activities but most of all diving. CDT DiBiase earned his “bubble” when he graduated the Combat Divers Qualification Course over the past summer. He hopes to branch Infantry and post to either Fort Campbell or Fort Bragg. Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 3

TAC Officer TAC Team Captain Zachary Reed

CPT Reed is from Sandwich, MA and is a graduate of Norwich University where he commissioned as a Field Artillery officer. He has also completed two graduate programs, one at Norwich University and the other at Columbia University. CPT Reed has spent most of his career in Hawaii with both light and Stryker units. He has two deployments to Iraq, once as a platoon leader and the other as a Battery Commander. CPT Reed and his wife, Rebecca, have a two year old son named Alden. Whenever possible, CPT Reed tries to involve his family in the cadet activities and functions.

Sergeant First Class Sean T. McCracken enlisted in the United States Army in 1999 and completed one station unit training at Fort Knox, TAC NCO Kentucky as a 19D Cavalry Scout. Sergeant First Class Sean McCracken Sergeant First Class McCracken has served over 12 years in various assignments throughout the United States and overseas, to include 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry, Fort Hood, TX; 1st Battalion 37th Armor Regiment, Friedberg, Germany; 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry, Fort Campbell, KY; 3d Battalion 81st Armor Training Battalion, FT Knox, KY; 5th Squadron 73rd Cavalry, Ft. Bragg, NC; and is currently assigned to the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. He has held leadership positions as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, Scout Section Leader, and Platoon Sergeant in both garrison and in combat. Sergeant First Class McCracken is currently serving as a Tactical Non-Commissioned Officer for 2nd Regiment and Hotel Company, 2nd Regiment, United States Military Academy.

His Military Education includes Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course, Pathfinder Course, Jumpmaster Course, Javelin Gunners Course, Armors Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Basic Instructor Course, Warrior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, and Distinguished Honor Graduate Maneuver Senior Leaders Course.

Sergeant First Class McCracken’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with “V” Device, The Bronze Star Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (6 OLC), the Army Achievement Medal (4 OLC), the Army Good Conduct Award (4th Award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal (4 CS), the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and was awarded the Order of Saint George Bronze Medallion. Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 4

H2 Spirit and Activities

The Spirit Staff Tuesday night CDT CPL and the Activities dinner, one Agha ‘14 Staff have gotten upperclass wine (Qatar) H2 off to a great tasting, and prepares start to the year. produced one the music So far, we’ve had spirit poster for for the three company the home Army first BBQs, one Football game. company BBQ during the first week of classes.

Right: H2 showing spirit at the SDSU game and won “Most Spirited” in the Upperclass Wine Tasting at Battalion! Cullum Hall Below: BBQ before Army faced SDSU.

Photo Courtesy CDT Boggs ‘13, Co. H2

BEAT THE AZTECS! H2 Plebes work hard to create the week’s Spirit Poster Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 5

Company Athletics H2 company intramural chalkboards. The sports for teams are hard at work this fall season remain the With the activation of the I preparing for the same as last year’s fall Companies to the Corps, competition first semester. season with companies H2 now competes in 3rd The Coaches have put time competing in football, Battalion which will add in practice with both wrestling, basketball, new competition for all our physically preparing to soccer, handball, and teams. compete and spending Ultimate Frisbee. time working plays on the

COACH SPORT CDT Griggs ‘12 Football CDT Collins ‘12 Wrestling CDT Dellinger ‘12 Basketball CDT Cranston ‘12 Soccer CDT Ketter ‘13 Handball CDT Miller ‘13 Ultimate Frisbee 2010 IM Football Team

The Historian’s Corner

Bethany Houdeshell is the newsletter officer this semester. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] with questions, comments, or H2 Class of 1962 suggestions. Volume 2, Issue 1 Page 6

ALUMNI BBQ!

WHO: H2 Grads and Families along with current H2 Cadets

WHEN: 01OCT following the 1st/2nd Regiment Review before the Tulane Game (approx. 1000)

WHERE: Pershing Sally Port

H2 showing off their impressive spirit as we cheered the Army Team onto Victory against Northwestern!

Photo Courtesy CDT Boyd ‘12, Co. H2