JULY 2, 2015 1 THE JULY 2, 2015 VOL. 72, NO. 25 ® UTY ONOR OUNTRY OINTER IEW D , H , C PSERVING THE U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AND THE COMMUNITY V OF WEST POINT ® Beginning the transformation Approximately 1,270 cadet candidates reported to the U.S. Military Academy Monday for the West Point Class of 2019 Reception Day. During Reception Day, the new cadets undergo administrative processing, are fi tted with their initial issue of military clothing, received haircuts, medical and physical evaluations, and begin their fi rst lessons in marching, military courtesy and discipline as they began the process of becoming West Point cadets and future U.S. Army offi cers. See pages 3-4 for R-Day story and photos. PHOTOS BY STAFF SGT. VITO T. BRYANT/U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE 2 JULY 2, 2015 NEWS & FEATURES POINTER VIEW Happy Independence Day! Thank you for your support Dear West Point community, Teammates, On July 4, 1776, a small band of patriots I’m honored to serve as the 18th Command Sergeant Major declared that we were a people created equal, of the U.S. Military Academy, and couldn’t be more proud to free to think and worship as we please and free be a part of such a storied institution. Things have been quite to determine our own collective destiny, not busy over the past month since I assumed responsibility as your have it determined for us. command sergeant major. These patriots, who became the Nearly 1,000 members of the Class of 2015 graduated and Continental Army (later, the United States commissioned as second lieutenants, the superintendent and I Army), knew there was a better way of doing have traveled to Korea and Ft. Irwin to see how members of things. They knew freedom was possible and the Long Gray Line are impacting our force both nationally and in order to achieve that freedom, they were abroad, we celebrated the 240 years of our Army’s selfless service willing to pledge “their lives, their fortunes to the nation and we received more than 1,200 new cadets during R-Day for the Class of 2019. and their sacred honor.” I want to say thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to make our academy’s Two hundred and thirty-nine years later, mission a huge success. My transition was much easier due to the tireless efforts and support this improbable experiment in democracy, of not only the great USMA staff, but the West Point community as a whole. We couldn’t the United States of America, stands as the remain the nation’s pre-eminent leadership development institution without the hard work and greatest nation on Earth. dedication of our entire team. What makes us great is not our size or our As the senior enlisted advisor to the superintendent, it is my role to help shape and amplify wealth, but rather, the wealth of our values and our ideals, and the fact that we’re willing to his priorities and vision. The superintendent’s number one priority is eliminating sexual fight for those ideals. harassment and sexual assault, and that is my priority as well. This week, we welcomed the Class of 2019 to West Point, as these new cadets begin their Behavior and acts of this nature will not be tolerated within our ranks, period. It is my goal 47-month journey toward becoming leaders of character. They join all those in the profession to foster an environment where respect is the cornerstone of academy life. of arms who stand in the gap between the evil that it out there and the values that define us I look forward to hosting some great events in the upcoming months to contribute to as a nation. leader professional development. I recently hosted the inaugural U.S. Military Academy These news cadets have taken the first steps on a road that is challenging and demanding, Noncommissioned Officer Fusion Forum and plan to host another forum in August. During but also extremely rewarding. They will lead America’s sons and daughters on behalf of, and these events, I will bring together NCOs from across the installation as we focus on professional in defense of, our nation’s beliefs and values, to make this world a better and safer place. development and allow them an opportunity to continually grow as leaders. Defending our nation and our freedoms with strength and sacrifice is our daily charge. I will rely on your experience and knowledge as we continue to educate, train and inspire The American people have placed its trust and its security on our shoulders, as they have cadets into future leaders. As our cadets undergo the 47-month experience to prepare to on all those who have worn the cloth of our nation. lead America’s sons and daughters in war and in peace, it is my goal to see every individual As we celebrate our nation’s birthday, please take a moment to reflect on the values we associated with the academy, whether they be Soldiers or civilians, staff or cadets, personify represent as and the freedoms we enjoy. In addition, please remember our brothers and sisters our Army profession as leaders of character. who are deployed in harm’s way and their families waiting for them back home. I appreciate all that you do to make our academy great and I look forward to maximizing To the entire West Point community—thank you for your service in defense of our nation opportunities to get out into the community meet you all. and our freedoms. Go Army! Happy Independence Day! Go Army! Command Sgt. Maj. David M. Clark Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr. 18th USMA Command Sergeant Major Parking and force protection measures for the Fourth By the West Point Force Protection Clinton, Doubleday and the Tennis court lots time on Sunday. Thayer gates will be extremely heavy beginning Office are reserved for handicap parking only. Please be advised that anyone who is early Saturday afternoon. Members of the There will be no parking allowed along the planning to attend the Independence Day workforce who have a DOD decal and CAC/ The following parking and force protection Thayer Extension by Trophy Point or the First concert to refrain from staking out an area with military ID card, and who wish to attend the measures will be in effect in support of the Class Club parking lot. rope, tape, tarps and/or blankets until after noon concert, should use Washington Gate. Independence Day concert activities on West Howard Road, from the intersection with on the day of the scheduled concert to help As with all special events that take place Point: Ruger Road, down to the North Dock area and prevent damage to the grass and preserve the on the installation, safety and security are of The West Point Band will host a concert and Pitcher Road, from the Upton intersection down beauty of the Trophy Point/amphitheatre area. paramount concern. Remain vigilant, maintain fireworks display at 6 p.m. Saturday at Trophy to the North Dock, and Cullum Road, from The Military Police will remove/discard situational awareness and immediately report Point. The fireworks will begin approximately Quarters 101 intersection, to Clinton Lot will all items mentioned above that are placed on any suspicious activity to the Provost Marshal’s at 8 p.m. be closed from approximately 6:45 p.m. until the Trophy Point Amphitheater grounds for the Office at 938-3333. Parking is available at Buffalo Soldier Field, the end of the concert. In the event of inclement purpose of reserving a viewing spot. For details, contact Luke Pagan, West Point the South Dock area and along Thayer Road. weather, the concert will take place at the same Incoming traffic at Stony Lonesome and Force Protection Officer, at 938-8859. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army or the Times Herald-Record. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, POINTER VIEW ® 40 Mulberry Street, Middletown, NY 10940 or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, The Army civilian enterprise newspaper, the Pointer View, is an authorized publication for members To subscribe to the Pointer View or physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pointer View are not necessarily the official views of, or if you have delivery problems, call 845-346-3214. endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of the Army or West Point. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser The Pointer View ® is an unofficial publication authorized by AR 360-1. The editorial content of the will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. Pointer View is the responsibility of the West Point Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 600, West Point, New York Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, Jr. Eric S. Bartelt 10996, (845) 938-2015. Superintendent PV Managing Editor, 938-2015 The Pointer View is printed weekly by the Times Herald-Record, a private firm in no way connected Lt. Col. Webster Wright Kathy Eastwood with the Department of the Army, under exclusive contract with West Point. The Times Herald-Record is PV Staff Writer, 938-3684 responsible for all commercial advertising. Public Affairs Officer POINTER VIEW IN FOCUS: CLASS OF 2019 R-DAY JULY 2, 2015 3 New cadet candidates begin challenge on R-Day Story and photos by Kathy Eastwood Staff Writer Approximately 1,270 cadet candidates arrived at West Point Monday to begin their journey to join the likes of Dwight Eisenhower, George Patton, Douglas MacArthur and other members of the Long Gray Line who became leaders and officers of character.