December 11, 2014 He Pointer View D - Amazon S3 · holidays, doing a lot of shopping, or simply...

1December 11, 2014Pointer View

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serVinG tHe u.s. military acaDemy anD tHe community oF west Point

December 11, 2014Vol. 71, no. 47Duty, Honor, country

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11December 11, 2014

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ONLINEwww.PointerView.com

w w w . u s m a . e D u SEE PAGE 6

Cadets in crisis mode at WMD Strategic Gaming Workshop.

kathy eastwood/PV

SEE PAGE 4

Wreaths Across America returns t o W e s t P o i n t Cemetery.

Mike strasser/PV

Story and photo by Kathy EastwoodStaff Writer

Fourteen veterans and active duty members of the Army’s 2014 Warrior and Invictus Games Team were honored by the U.S. Military Academy Dec. 4 for winning the Chairman’s Cup. The Soldiers won the Chairman’s Cup for the fi rst time by racking up 71 medals in the Warrior Games Sept. 28-Oct. 4 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and wresting the cup from the Marines who have claimed the Chairman’s Cup for four of the fi ve years since the games began in 2010.

In a partnership between the Department of Defense and the U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympics Military Program, athletes in all branches of service are involved in one of the Army’s 25 Warrior Transition Units compete for gold in seven sports.

During their West Point visit, the athletes participated in presentations highlighting USMA’s contributions in research with various state-of-the-art devices and equipment, such as lightweight vests that optimize and distribute load and other projects.

Cadets in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering explained projects such as the tendon-assisted rigid exoskeleton, or T-Rex Tendon Exoskeleton, which is a brace worn over the boot that responds to electrical signals and allow contraction. The T-Rex is a cadet innovation, developed and built at West Point.

“It acts like a second set of muscles that allow a Soldier to get to a place faster and better,” Class of 2015 Cadet Fred Hill said.

USMA welcomes Army’s warrior-athletes

Biology was also a part of the event with a presentation on muscle and nerve tissue regeneration by Lt. Col. Luis Alvarez, Department of Chemistry and Life Science.

The athletes attended demonstrations in a research lab inside Mahan Hall that included an odd-looking treadmill with two belts that measures the load of the body moving forward, backward and sideways. The treadmill is used to test products.

“We need to ensure a device is working the way it should and doesn’t have disastrous effects,” Dr. Rebecca Zifchock, associate professor in the CME Department, said.

“The belts can run independently or at the same time and can simulate all gaits.”

The athletes took some time out of their busy itinerary to speak with faculty members and cadets about their reasons for competing, facilitated by Dr. Nate Zinsser, Center for Enhanced Performance.

The forum began with Zinsser asking the athletes why they compete.

Maj. Ray O’Donnell, who competed in the swimming category and has recovered from his injuries, spoke about his eight months as an inpatient and a year of outpatient rehabilitation from injuries sustained in Afghanistan. Through rehabilitation, he was able to do everything that an Army offi cer is supposed to do

including serving on a deployment. “I remember when the Warrior Games

fi rst kicked off in 2010,” O’Donnell said. “I thought that was cool for those guys who are going through what I had gone through, but I graduated from that. I kind of looked down on it at fi rst. Fast-forward to 2014 when I was stationed in Hawaii, the Navy and Air Force hosted an event for wounded warriors and I had an opportunity to come to the Army trials at West Point and made the team.”

O’Donnell said being with his colleagues and sharing experiences, both in the military and the recovery, is an important part of that recovery process.

U.S. Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen Jr. greets 14 active duty and retired members of the Army’s 2014 Warrior and Invictus Games Team who traveled to West Point Dec. 4 to participate in a congratulatory event for earning the Chairman’s Cup at the Warrior Games in October. The Army team won a total of 71 medals. Caslen spoke with the athletes about Army football and they presented him with a signed 2014 Warrior Games poster.

See WARRIORS, 0

2 December 11, 2014

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Eric S. BarteltPV Managing Editor, 938-2015Mike StrasserPV Assistant Editor, 938-3079Kathy EastwoodPV Staff Writer, 938-3684

Pointer View news & Features

Keep safe during the holiday season

More than just a game as Army-Navy meet in Baltimore

Excitement is building in anticipation of the Army-Navy Game this weekend! Saturday marks the 115th meeting between our two teams in what is one of the most famous rivalries in college athletics.

Our team worked hard all season long and is committed to going out there and getting the win against Navy in Baltimore. We certainly have the team to do it—they are tough, determined and, most importantly, have the support of the Corps of Cadets and the entire West Point community behind them.

Throughout our nation’s recent history, this storied rivalry has served as welcome oasis during some of our most difficult times. In 1944, Gen. Douglas MacArthur cabled West Point head coach Col. Earl H. “Red” Blaik from his Pacific base following Army’s 23-7 win against a tough #2 Navy team. MacArthur’s cable read: “We have stopped the war to celebrate your magnificent success.” This was the first of three undefeated Army football seasons and three national championships in a row.

The famous Army-Navy rivalry also helped to bring the country some much needed relief in 1963 following the assassination of President Kennedy.

The game, after being postponed by one week, was the first major college-sporting event played after that fateful date in November that shocked the nation. In front of 102,000 people in Philadelphia’s Municipal Stadium, Cadets and Midshipmen played to honor President Kennedy and to help the nation heal.

In an interview last year, the Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Ray Odierno said, “I remember watching that game and what an impact that game had on me as a young man because of what that represented in a time of crisis in this country … I related to the players.

I specifically related to the players at Army, specifically Rollie Stichweh, who was the quarterback, and it was really inspirational. I felt the camaraderie and teamwork and the dedication and the special nature of this game and what it meant to our country.”

Our rivalry with Navy also helps to prepare our young men and women for the challenges they will face as leaders in our military. I know that their experiences on the “fields of friendly strife” have helped our cadet-athletes go on to perform admirably in austere environments around the globe.

They entered into the service of our Nation with the skills necessary to be successful under difficult conditions. These adaptable leaders were able to understand diverse cultures; build relationships with joint, interagency, indigenous forces; and build close-knit disciplined teams often with limited guidance from their commanders.

This weekend is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our great Corps of Cadets to the Nation. As members of the Profession of Arms, the American people are our “clients” and as such, we must earn their respect and trust. Showing our camaraderie, discipline, esprit de corps and desire to win are ways we can do that on national television.

No matter what the score, we are proud of the players on both sides of the field who represent their academies, their services, and the thousands of Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who face danger and hardship even as we speak.

On behalf of everyone at the United States Military Academy, I would like to thank you for all your support this season and look forward to cheering our team on to victory together this Saturday.

Go Army! BEAT NAVY!!

Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, Jr. USMA Superintendent

While the holidays are a time to celebrate and spend time with your friends and family, it is also a time of the year where you need to remember to take the necessary safety precautions to protect your loved ones as well.

Believe it or not, the holidays bring about added safety hazards and vulnerabilities that need to be taken seriously.

Whether you are traveling for the holidays, doing a lot of shopping, or simply decorating your home, you should use the following safety tips to keep your family and home safe this season.

Home Safety Tips:• Always buy flame-resistant, non-combustible holiday decorations;• Water fresh cut holiday trees daily and place away from heaters,

fireplaces and candles;• Check all labels. Be sure that any lights you use indoors are certified

for indoor use;• Never leave Christmas tree lights on when you are asleep or away

from home; • Dispose of Christmas trees prior to any traveling or vacations;• Unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires. When

entertaining holiday visitors, be sure to keep a close watch on anything that is being cooked;

• Poinsettias are hazardous to pets and can be harmful to humans as well. If you have pets or small children, avoid buying these plants;

• Keep decoration cords and candles out of pet and children’s reach; • Use extension cords wisely. Do not overload them and remember to

match the cord to the appliance to avoid pulling too much current through a cord that is not rated for the load;

• Know how to get out. In the event of a fire, get out and stay out. Call 911 from a neighbor’s house or from your cell phone.

Leaving your home Holiday Tips:• Frequently check that all smoke detectors are properly working;• Keep your heat above 55 degrees to keep pipes from freezing;• Always keep windows securely closed;• Never leave a key hidden outside of your home; • Do not advertise that you will be out of town on social networks;• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your home while you are

away. See if they are willing to grab your newspapers, mail and possibly clear snow from your driveway.

It’s been a great year! Please enjoy this time with family and friends and remember this—the best of all gifts around any holiday tree is the presence of a happy and safe family wrapped up in each other.

Happy Holidays!

Col. Landy Dunham West Point Garrison Commander

4 December 11, 2014 Pointer View

West Point supports Wreaths Across America

Staff Reports

The Cadet Chapel is undergoing an 18-month renovation project, which will include both internal and external work. The Chapel sanctuary will not be accessible to visitors for tours or the regular Sunday services from January through April 2015.

The final church service at the Cadet Chapel will be the Christmas Eve Candlelight service, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and the Dec. 28 service will combine congregations at the Main Post Chapel on Biddle Loop.

Beginning Jan. 1, services will continue 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Mahan Hall’s Arnold Auditorium.

The renovation project includes a new roof, installation of a heat and air conditioning units in the basement and other necessary repairs.

Beginning in January 2015, the Cadet Chapel will be closed for visitors and services due to an ongoing renovation project. File Photo

Temporary closure in 2015 for Cadet Chapel during renovations

Story and photos by Kathy EastwoodStaff Writer

More than 100 community members braved the cold and steady rain Dec. 6 to attend the 5th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at the West Point Cemetery.

The Wreaths Across America at West Point began in 2010 when Dr. Todd Crowder, associate professor in the Department of Physical Education, and Jackie McNally, a retired schoolteacher, established the link between West Point and the Wreaths Across America organization. The two registered the cemetery and linked the West Point motto—“Duty, Honor, Country”—with that of the WAA—“Remember, Honor, Teach.”

Crowder invited family members and cadets at the podium to receive their wreaths from the Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. John Thomson III to place on their loved ones gravesite to honor and remember those now at rest.

For the second year, Class of 2017 Cadet Taylor Endres received a wreath to place on her father’s gravesite, retired Col. Michael Endres, Class of 1986.

Family members of Soldiers and graduates killed in Afghanistan since 9/11 also participated to honor 1st Lt. Nick Dewhirst, Class of 2006; Maj. Thomas Kennedy, Class of 2000; and 1st Lt. Michael Ferrara, Class of 2005.

The inaugural West Point WAA ceremony began with a small crowd of six people braving snow and rain to

remember those laid to rest with approximately 70 wreaths to place on the gravesites in 2010. Five years later, more than 3,200 donated wreaths arrived at West Point.

Wreaths Across America began as an idea in 1992 when Merrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreaths, remembered his first visit to Arlington National Cemetery, which left an indelible impression on the businessman.

When Worcester Wreaths ended up with a surplus of wreaths at the end of the holiday season, Worcester seized an opportunity to honor veterans at Arlington by donating wreaths to lay on gravesites, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a tradition that continues today.

The annual tribute, then known as the Arlington Wreath Project, quietly went on until 2005 when a photo appeared of the snow-covered wreaths at Arlington donated by Worcester circulated around the Internet where it soon went viral.

Almost overnight, the idea of the tribute took off throughout the nation. In 2007, Worcester formed Wreaths

In its fifth iteration here, more than 3,200 wreaths placed

Family members braved heavy rain and cold to receive wreaths to place on their loved ones gravesite Dec. 6 during the 5th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at West Point Cemetery.

Across America. Last year, WAA and the national network of volunteers

laid more than 540,000 memorial wreaths at 914 locations. National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday.

To learn more about this organization and how to participate, visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/.

Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. John Thomson III joined a contingent of cadets participating in the 5th annual ceremony of Wreaths Across America at the West Point Cemetery.


Glee Club: The West Point Glee Club supported the New York Public Library in hosting the annual Holiday Open House Dec. 7 at the main library on 5th Avenue.

The brass accompaniment, which supported the Glee Club’s performance, consisted of West Point Band members. Overall, the event at the New York Public Library was a success in terms of musical precision and in providing community outreach.

Equestrian: The West Point Equestrian team completed a busy weekend with two days of horse showing. The team participated Nov. 22 in an English show hosted by Stevens Institute of Technology at Centenary College.

In the Walk-Trot Class, Cadets Caroline Harris and Vanda Niemi placed second and third, respectively. Cadet Dillon Curtis won his Intermediate Fences class, while Cadet

CADET ACTIVITIES UPDATE

Cultural Affairs: The Cultural Affairs Seminar hosted a guest panel discussion Nov. 18 titled “What’s Race Got to Do with It? Social disparities and the impact on success.”

The purpose of the panel discussion was to address critical issues affecting race relations, our society and the world. The panel included Dr. Jonathan Holloway, dean of Yale College; Dr. Karla FC Holloway, professor at Duke University; and Dr. Katrina Bell McDonald, associate professor at Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Morten Ender, USMA professor, facilitated the discussion where the panelists addressed changes and improvements to race relations in the past 50 years. They also touched on the benefits of racial-ethnic diversity within society and identified strategies for improved race relations. More than 30 cadets, staff and faculty members participated in the panel discussion.

The overall goal of the panel was to inspire cadets, staff and faculty members to participate in making the academy, the Army and their communities a more welcoming place that respects and honors all differences.

Madeleine Arnold placed third in her Intermediate Fences class.

Cadet Katherine Iwanyk took a blue ribbon home by winning her Walk-Trot class. The West Point Equestrian team competed against Drew University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Centenary College, Marist College, SUNY New Paltz and William Paterson University. On Nov. 23, three cadets participated in the Battle of the Saddle Horse Show held at Valley Forge Military College.

Cadets Madeleine Arnold, Danielle DiUlus and Vanda Niemi were invited to participate as Region 3 representatives and contributed to its triumph over the other regions. Arnold placed eighth in her Intermediate Flat class, Niemi placed eighth in Walk-Trot class and DiUlus placed second.

Cycling: Two days of awesome cyclo-cross racing for the West Point Cycling team began Nov. 22 with six of the top 10 finishers all from West Point.

Class of 2017 Cadet Daniel Forquer led the way in the Category C race with a burly third place, and Cadet Will Scott finished ninth in his second Cyclocross race. In the Cat B race, Cadet Tristan Manderfeld placed seventh, Cadet Adam Ruff placed eighth, Cadet Daniel Serrano finished 10th and Cadet Alberto Castro returned to action with an 11th place finish.

The Elite UCI field was the debut of Cadet Kenny Dailey, who received an education in riding at the elite level and earned a second-place finish. Cadet Jinny Yan placed sixth in her second Cyclocross race in Women’s Cat B. In Men’s Cat B, Manderfeld moved up to place sixth while Ruff, Serrano and Castro rounded out the top 10.


By Lt. Col. David WilliamsDepartment of Physics and Nuclear Engineering

Imagine your morning news report starts with “Iran’s Supreme Leader demanded that all sanctions against Iran be lifted and declared that nothing could stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb if it chooses to do so.” Would it give you pause? What if Iran was attempting to accumulate enough highly enriched uranium to build a nuclear weapon?

These are the types of developments that cadets in NE450, Nuclear Weapons Effects Course, wrestled with on the morning of Dec. 4 during the Persian Gold Tabletop Exercise, a professionally-crafted exercise which has been a main-stay in the course since 2007.

Through the facilitation by invited guests Dr. Mark Mattox and Nima Gerami, experts from National Defense University’s (NDU) Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, the tabletop exercise challenged cadets to develop strategic ways, means and ends in order to address escalating nuclear proliferation concerns using Iran as a case study. Cadets were able to experience the same exercise used to help Cabinet-level officers understand the strategic challenges posed by Iran’s nuclear program.

As the crisis of the scenario intensified, small groups of cadets worked together to develop positions championing either the interests of the U.S. or Iran.

“The best part of this exercise was playing the role of Iran because it forced me to think from an alternative perspective,” Class of 2015 Cadet Michael Fletcher said.

As the final course in the Nuclear Engineering Core Engineering Sequence, many disciplines are represented by the cadets taking NE450.

“My favorite aspect of the exercise was being part of a team that consisted of many majors: History, Nuclear Engineering, Life Science and English,” Class of 2015 Cadet Michael Tobin said.

While most engineering courses, this one included, focus on the technical aspects of the discipline, the exercise allowed cadets to explore political and international issues after having achieved a foundation in the science.

“I gained a lot of insightful knowledge pertaining to the current issues with Iran and their geopolitical influence on the Persian Gulf region,” Class of 2015 Cadet Katrina Donarski said.

At the conclusion of the exercise, no treaties were signed, no military action taken and no nuclear weapons assembled, but the cadets obtained a clear understanding of the challenges surrounding nuclear issues and international politics.

“Each decision has second and third order effects, and policy making is difficult in a complex and unpredictable world,” Class of 2015 Cadet Sarah Goodman said.

The Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering looks

forward to tackling these issues in the future with continued exceptional support from guest experts-in-the-field from NDU.

(Above) Nima Gerami, from the National Defense University, challenges cadets to make informed decisions based on their studies and the scenario presented to them during the WMD Strategic Gaming Workshop called Persian Gold. (Right) Cadets split into groups to develop positions either in the interests of the U.S. or Iran during the tabletop exercise created by the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction. This is the same crisis management exercise the NDU offers senior government leadership and has been provided to the academy since 2007. Photos by Mike strasser/PV

Decision-making tested in nuclear crisisNational Defense University’s exercise presents “what if” scenario about nuclear proliferation

In regards to Iran’s nuclear program, cadets identified strategic interests in the region, assessed possible impact, determined points of leverage and identified limitations while deciding what to do, if anything, given the scenario presented.


A bronze, life-sized statue titled, “Good-bye,” was unveiled at the West Point Schools entrance Nov. 12 to commemorate both Veterans Day and November as the Month of the Military Child. In 2012, the estate of retired Col. Thomas J. Wells, U.S. Military Academy Class of 1928, donated $30,000 to the children of West Point Schools. More than 100 West Point Middle School students and their art teacher, Gary Jacketti, worked for two years on the statue of a Soldier and his daughter saying goodbye, capturing the dedication to the role of the military family in the mission of the U.S. Army. Photos by kathy eastwood/PV

“Good-bye”


By Class of 2017 Cadet Alaina Kappner and Class of 2016 Cadet Regina Parker

Members of the West Point Flying team

hosted 35 Boy Scouts from West Point Troop 23 and Troop 430 from Reading, Pennsylvania, Nov. 15 and assisted them in earning the Aviation Merit Badge.

Cadets gathered the Scouts in Mahan Hall and led them through four stations to learn about the fundamentals of flight. At the first station, cadets instructed on basic aircraft systems using flight props borrowed from the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. At the second station, Scouts could be seen and heard building their own model gliders and racing them down the hallways. The third station included a quick-and-dirty lesson on cross-country flight planning using aeronautical charts of the New York area and manual flight computers. Then they flew their planned flight in an aircraft simulator.

The morning concluded with a lesson on aviation careers, both in and out of the military. Lt. Col. Tanya Estes, Army Aviator

and assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, treated the group to stories of her service piloting Apache attack helicopters.

Maj. Ben Recla, also an Army Aviator and CME instructor, brought out various jet engines used to power rotary and fixed-wing aircraft to give Scouts a closer, hands-on look at how the engines functioned.

After their scholarly morning in Mahan Hall, the scouts enjoyed lunch in the Cadet Mess before heading out to Stewart Airport and West Point’s 2nd Aviation Hangar. Once on the airfield, the Scouts received orientations of 2nd Aviation’s helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft and were able to observe airport operations. The scouts (and some parents, too) culminated their day inside a single-engine airplane with Air Force Lt. Col. Ron Whittle, Flying team officer-in-charge, and Maj. Scott Kutscher and Estes. Their aerial tour included sightseeing around West Point’s campus and flying operations at Stewart and Orange County Airports. Approximately 10 flight hours later, the Scouts were able to proficiently demonstrate

their aviation knowledge and earn their Merit Badge.

The Scoutmaster of Troop 430 and former USMA instructor, retired Lt. Col. David Beougher, was extremely grateful to return to West Point and combine forces with Troop 23 to provide his 23 Boy Scouts this wonderful opportunity.

While at West Point, Troop 430 camped on the USMAPS indoor athletic field (called “The Bubble”), conducted a historical tour and visited the West Point Museum.

Sean Flynn, a member of West Point Troop 23, completed his Aviation Merit Badge two years ago and will be joining the Ground School program offered by the West Point Aviation Club.

Beginning in the spring semester, Ground School lessons are held every Monday evening until April, when students take the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam. The lessons

are taught by cadets on the Flying team, one of whom, Class of 2016 Cadet Regina Parker, is a FAA-certified advanced ground instructor. The lessons are overseen by the officers-in-charge, who are FAA-certified flight instructors.

Passing the FAA written exam is the first step toward earning a private pilot’s license. Cadets who successfully complete the Ground School course and pass their written exam may then apply for a slot on the West Point Flying team. The team competes against other colleges that are part of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association in events such as accuracy landings, precision navigation and various aviation knowledge tests.

The Flying team is delighted to have Sean on board this year’s Ground School program, and perhaps a few years from now “Cadet Flynn” will join the Flying Team.

Flying Team assists Scouts with Aviation Badge

Class of 2016 Cadet Brian O’Connor, a member of the West Point Flying team, teaches Troop 430 Scouts how to plot courses on an aeronautical chart. After this instruction, they had an opportunity to fly their plotted courses in an aircraft simulator. The Scouts, from left, are James Hornickle, Robert Griffith and Brent Beougher. Courtesy Photo

• West Point SHARP Helpline (call or text)—845-659-7467; • USCC SARC, Maj. Mark Moretti—call 938-7479 or 845-659-7467;• Garrison SARC, Dan Toohey—call 938-5657 or 914-382-8180;

• Installation Victim Advocate, Dan Toohey—call 938-5657 or 914-382-8180;• Military Police Desk—call 938-3333; • Keller Army Community Hospital ER—call 938-4004.

Help is a phone call away. The following are resources available in the West Point community

Cadets welcome one Scout to the West Point Ground School program

Cadets on the West Point Flying team use these tools of the trade to plan cross-country flights. In competition, pilots are given 60 minutes to plan a flight given specific latitude and longitude coordinates using these tools. They are required to plot the course, estimate the t ime and the fuel burn. Later, the accuracy is graded on the actual flight. File Photo


Corps commits to a semester of givingInformation and photos provided by Brigade S-2

An increased emphasis on volunteering by senior Army leaders—most notably from USMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno—inspired the Corps of Cadets to respond with commitment and enthusiasm in community outreach this semester, especially in the New York City area.

Below, each cadet company is listed with the organization to which they volunteered.

Company A1–Marched in NYC Veterans Day Parade;Company B1–Volunteered for Hurricane Sandy

recovery work in Queens;Company C1–Led Wreaths Across America effort at

West Point Cemetery;Company D1–Volunteered at Food Bank for NYC; Company E1–Provided mentorship to students at the

New York Military Academy;Company F1–Volunteered with Kids at Enjoy Exercise

Now (KEEN) Swim and Splash;Company G1–Provided mentorship to students at the

New York Military Academy;

Company H1–Volunteered with Honor Flight;Company I1–Volunteered with Kids at Enjoy Exercise

Now (KEEN) Sports and Games;Company A2–Volunteered for the Association to

Benefit Children Open Door Program;Company B2–Volunteered at Bideawee Animal Center,

NYC Office;Company C2–Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity

in Duchess County;Company D2–Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity

in Yonkers & the Hope Community in Harlem;Company E2–Volunteered for Hurricane Sandy

recovery work in Queens (twice);Company F2–Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity

in Yonkers;Company G2–Volunteered in High Rock Park in Staten

Island;Company H2–Volunteered at the Walter Hoving Home;Company I2–Volunteered with Citymeals on Wheels;Company A3–Volunteered with Citymeals on Wheels;Company B3–Volunteered at the River Fund Food

bank; Company C3–Volunteered with City Harvest;

Company D3–Volunteered at the Jacob Riis Settlement House;

Company E3–Volunteered with Puppies Behind Bars and Food Bank for NYC;

Company F3–Volunteered with the Meatloaf Kitchen;Company G3–Volunteered with Citymeals on

Wheels;Company H3–Volunteered with City Harvest;Company I3–Volunteered with Project Hospitality

(twice);Company A4–Marched in NYC Veterans Day

Parade;’Company B4–Volunteered at the Orange County

Arboretum and with Habitat for Humanity in NYC;Company C4–Volunteered at the Ronald McDonald

House and the NYC Common Pantry;Company E4–Volunteered for Hurricane Sandy

recovery work in Queens;Company F4–Volunteered at the Food Bank for

NYC;Company G4–Volunteered at a soup kitchen through

the Park Avenue United Methodist Church;Company H4–Volunteered at St. Charles School and

the Greater File Harlem Soup Kitchen;

All cadet companies plan to continue volunteering next semester as well, and the Pointer View will provide the second semester results in May.

(Editor’s Note: The Pointer View is proud to publish this fine example of selfless service and would extend our support throughout the semester in sharing these stories for any company willing to provide us with information. Until then, Happy Holidays!)

Pictured, clockwise from top right, Company D3 cadets volunteer at the Jacob Riis Settlement House, spending time with local children as well as assisting with yard work and housecleaning. Co. C4 cadets help with packaging donation mailers at the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. Co. I3 cadets assist clients through Project Hospitality, this included helping with shopping and preparing food. Cadets from Co. D2 supported Project Hope Community’s Thanksgiving Food Drive, the cadets assisted with the movement and distribution of approximately 300 turkeys. Cadets from Co. H1 assist a World War II veteran through Honor Flight, an organization which helps transport veterans for free so that they can visit the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.


By Brigade S-2

Every November, the U.S. Military Academy sends a cadet to represent West Point at the Republic of Korea’s annual Hwarangdae Collegiate Forum of National Security.

This year, Class of 2015 Cadet Meghan Wentz attended the conference and presented her paper on “Responsibility to Protect” and interacted with cadets from all over the world including Spain, Italy, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey and Australia.

Class of 2015 Cadet Micah Clark attended the five-day conference the previous year and said the interactions were especially valuable because the cadets he met were from states he rarely had the chance to interact with before. Clark placed second in the international competition after presenting his paper on “Terrorism: Causes and Countermeasures.”

Hosted by the Korean Military Academy through the USMA Department of Social Sciences, cadets also experienced daily life at the foreign academy with Korean

cadets, and were afforded the opportunity to travel to the demilitarized zone and historic sites in South Korea.

Cadets from West Point have been participating for more than a dozen years and those who’ve attended said it offered valuable lessons, not only about other cultures, but about their own role as West Point cadets and future Army officers.

Both Clark and Wentz still remain in touch with their international friends, and said they hope to meet them again as allies in the future.

Class of 2015 Cadet Cadet Micah Clark gives a presentation on Terrorism: Causes and Countermeasures, for which he received second place in the international competition while attending the Republic of Korea’s annual Hwarangdae Collegiate Forum of National Security in 2013.

Class of 2015 Cadet Meghan Wentz visits the Demilitarized Zone with the other international cadets who attended the conference in November.

Cadets return to Republic of Korea for annual national security conference

The West Point Department of Chemistry and Life Science gave the warrior-athletes an overview of projects including neurological and bone regeneration, and bio-materials research and that are currently funded through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. West Point Civil and Mechanical Engineering gave a presentation on their innovative research to help Soldiers operate more efficiently in combat environments. Photo by will bunCe/usMa dPtMs Vi

WARRIORS, cont’d from Page 1

“It’s the camaraderie that you don’t get just anywhere,” O’Donnell said. “We were competing as far as we can, but there is that brotherhood and sisterhood. So here I was four years ago thinking I was above it. For me personally, it’s about living life to the fullest. We all made it back home and I feel we owe it to honor those who didn’t make it home.”

First Lt. Kelly Elmlinger, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Warrior Transition Battalion, suffered nerve damage from synovial sarcoma in her left lower leg. Elmlinger has always been involved in athletics by playing organized sports throughout her high school years and competed in running, cycling, swimming and crossfit.

“For me, I found organized sports and being a true member of this team sets up your success in the military,” Elmlinger said. “I can rely on myself and they can rely on me. We are now competing in different arenas, but I really feel like all my challenges is practice for me when you have a significant illness.

Elminger said competing also allows her a way to give back to those who assisted her throughout her recovery and subsequent achievements along the way.

The athletes presented a framed poster with their signatures to USMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen Jr. while he spoke informally to the athletes about the Army Football team, the Warrior Ethos and setting an example to cadets by overcoming adversity.

“You have demonstrated the winning culture by setting a tremendous example for us all,” Caslen said.

The warrior-athletes concluded their visit with a pep talk to the Army Football team as they prepare to face the Naval Academy in the 115th Army-Navy Game.

A photo set from the visit is available at the USMA Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/west_point/sets/72157649210971418/. Videos from the 2014 Warrior Games are available, courtesy of DVIDS, at http://www.dvidshub.net/feature/2014WarriorGames#.VIcA3O8tCmQ.


By the Army News Service

Army efforts to change command climate and increase training have resulted in a decrease in sexual assaults as well as an increase in reporting of these crimes, a recently released report shows.

“The Army still has the prevention of sexual assault as its number-one priority,” Dr. Christine T. Altendorf, director of the Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, or SHARP, office, said.

“We have put a lot of focus and effort on this in the last couple of years, and we do believe we are making progress,” Altendorf said. “Do we still have more things to do? Yes. Will we continue to do more things. Yes. But we are making progress.”

The numbers showing progress come from a report exceeding 1,100 pages given to the president this week by the secretary of Defense. The report details the efforts of the military services to curb sexual assault.

According to the Army’s portion of the document, reporting of sexual assault is up, Altendorf said. Additionally, she said, the prevalence of sexual assault is going down. What that means is that now, more Soldiers are willing to report that they have been sexually assaulted, she said, At the same time, anonymous surveys of Soldiers show that fewer sexual assaults have actually occurred.

According to the report—an anonymous prevalence report, administered every two years—the number of sexual assaults against female Soldiers has decreased from 7.1 percent of the force in fiscal year 2012, to 4.6 percent in fiscal year 2014. Sexual assaults against male Soldiers increased slightly, from .8 percent in fiscal year 2012, to 1.2 percent in fiscal year 2014.

At the same time, surveys show that reporting of sexual assaults has gone up. Of the total number of estimated sexual assault victims in fiscal year 2012, only about 14 percent made a report. In fiscal year 2014, that number increased to 23 percent. A sexual assault involves “offenses ranging from abusive sexual contact to rape,” as spelled out in the report.

“The decline in prevalence combined with the increase in reports, suggests the Army’s efforts to prevent sexual assault and reduce the stigma of reporting are having a positive effect,” the report concludes.

Altendorf said the Army must focus equally now on prevention of sexual assault, not just taking care of victims.

“We don’t want this to happen at all,” she said. “This goes back to really focusing on that climate of dignity and respect and that is what we have to really try to institutionalize if at all possible.”

The DOD report to the president details the Army’s efforts across “lines of effort” to increase reporting of sexual assault, to take care of victims of sexual assault, and to decrease sexual assaults across the force. Five lines of effort include prevention, investigation, accountability, advocacy, and assessment.

PreventionFor prevention, the Army in 2014 completed a multi-year process to

revise all professional military education courses to update and improve their SHARP training. In addition, since 2011, unit-level SHARP training has been required annually and, since 2014, is now complemented by an interactive presentation designed to educate Soldiers about the importance of active bystander intervention.

In 2013, the secretary of the Army also mandated suitability checks for more than 20,0000 drill sergeants, recruiters, victim advocates, sexual assault response coordinators and other “positions of trust” to ensure that only the best-qualified and most suitable individuals serve in these

important positions.Investigation

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division has joined with prosecutors, victim witness liaisons, victim advocates and other sexual assault responders to form “Special Victim Capability” teams at more than 70 Army installations. These teams are trained in the unique aspects of investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases, including the need to ensure that victims are referred to the appropriate agencies for comprehensive care.

Since 2011, the U.S. Army Military Police School has also developed a number of innovative investigative techniques, including the Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview, which is designed to increase victim cooperation with the accountability process and thereby enhance prosecutions. Finally, to expedite sexual assault cases, the Army has increased its number of DNA analysts by more than 400 percent, since 2011.

AccountabilityThe cornerstone of the Army’s accountability

effort is the “special victim prosecutor.” Army SVPs are selected for their courtroom expertise and also for their sensitivity to the victims of sexual assault. SVPs complete a specially-designed, intensive training course, and oversee or assist in the prosecution of every sexual assault case in the Army.

In 2011, the Army also began a program of providing victims with “special victims’ counsel.” The SVCs represent the victim throughout the investigation and accountability process, with their primary duty to represent the interests of the victim, even if those interests do not align with those of the government. The Army has now trained nearly 200 SVCs, who together have represented more than 1,200 victims.

Lt. Gen Flora D. Darpino, the Army’s Judge

Advocate General, said surveys show that 89 percent of victims said they had a “great experience” with their special victims’ counsel.

AdvocacyIn 2014, the chief of staff of the Army directed

the development of a centralized SHARP Academy to expand the knowledge and skills of sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates and program managers. The Army also ensures that victims of sexual assault receive quality medical care.

Since 2012, the U.S. Army Medical Command has trained more than 100 sexual assault medical forensic examiners annually. Reconstituted and improved in 2014, a Sexual Assault Medical Management Office in every military treatment facility optimizes coordination of sexual assault cases and consists of a medical director, a sexual assault care coordinator, a sexual assault clinical provider, the sexual assault behavioral health provider and all sexual assault medical forensic examiners. Since 2014, U.S. Army Medical Command also provides at least one sexual assault nurse examiner at every military treatment facility with a 24/7 emergency room.

AssessmentFinally, to assess its efforts, over the last three

years the Army has actively collected multiple types of data, ranging from leader-led focus groups to Soldier surveys, about the efficacy of SHARP training.

The Army now provides data from the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database on a monthly basis to commands and installations, enhancing sexual assault response coordinators’ ability to provide comprehensive victim case management, and helping commanders to more thoroughly assess the effectiveness of their response efforts.

Reports show progress in SHARP efforts

By the Department of Defense

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel released a report on the Department of Defense’s recent progress in addressing sexual assault in the military, and announced on Dec. 4 four directives to further strengthen the department’s prevention and response program.

Sustained senior leadership engagement over the past three years including 41 secretary of defense initiatives has changed how the military works to prevent, respond to and effectively adjudicate sexual assault crimes.

“Eradicating sexual assault from our ranks is not only essential to the long-term health and readiness of the force; it is also about honoring our highest commitments to protect our fellow Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines,” Hagel said.

Preliminary survey data indicate that our efforts are driving progress. Service members experienced fewer sexual assaults in fiscal year 2014 than in fiscal year 2012 an estimated 19,000, down from 26,000. Although this is a reduction, there is clearly

more work to be done.In addition, the number of service member

victims choosing to report these crimes has increased by more than 50 percent over the same period of time. This indicates an increased confidence in the department’s ability to support victims, and adjudicate these crimes.

The secretary announced four directives intended to further improve the department’s sexual assault prevention and response programs by: (1) creating a pilot program for select installations that will customize prevention efforts (2) requiring commanders to identify and prevent retaliation, (3) training first-line supervisors to lead sexual assault and prevention programs, and (4) further publicizing resources for victims.

“DOD will continue its strong and committed efforts to pursue comprehensive and dynamic approaches to fighting sexual assault in the military. President Obama and all of DOD’s leaders, both military and civilian, are committed to doing whatever it takes to stamp out this scourge,” Hagel said.

Hagel announces four directives • Overall, reporting of sexual assault in the Army is up, while prevelance of sexual assault is down in 2014, compared to the 2012 report.• The number of sexual assaults against male Soldiers increased from .8 (2012) to 1.2 percent.• The number of sexual assaults against female Soldiers has decreased from 7.1 to 4.6 percent.


FEATURED EVENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTSVolkssport Club of West Point Time to Walk

Join the Volkssport Club at West Point for a unique walking event. From coast to coast, more than 70 walking clubs in 39 states will gather on 12/13/14 to walk at exactly 10:11 a.m. for an event called “Time To Walk.”

The American Volkssport Association has shirts and caps to recognize this event at www.ava.org.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the West Point Visitors Center.

Participants will then walk to Memorial Park and meet at the clock. Mayor Pat Flynn will join the group to give the group a send off at 10:11 a.m., following the year round trail in Highland Falls.

The walk is free with AVA credit. The trail is on paved streets and village sidewalks and onto the grounds of West Point.

A similar number sequence will not happen again until the year 2067 at 01:23 4/5/67.

For details, call 845-446-4709.

WPWC’s Cookbook and Gift Shoppe HoursThe West Point Women’s Club’s newest cookbook, “Eat,

Drink & Beat Navy” is available in the West Point Women’s Club Gift Shoppe.

The Gift Shoppe is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesdays in December. There is a special opening 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

The Gift Shoppe will be closed on the following Wednesdays: Dec. 24 and 31.

The Gift Shoppe is located inside Bldg. 695, the white building in the parking lot behind the Cemetery off Washington Road.

Building strong marriages and raising wise kidsThe Post Chapel will host a marriage and parenting

conference 6-8 p.m. Jan. 16 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 17.Guest speakers will be Drs. Paul and Virginia Friesen

(himweb.org). Meals and limited childcare provided. Register no later than Jan. 6 by phone at 845-938-2003 or

[email protected].

Watchcare coordinator neededBids are being accepted for the FY15 watchcare coordinator

in support of Chapel Worship Services and Religious Education Programs.

Tasks include coordinating and scheduling providers for all regularly scheduled and special activities, assisting in providing watchcare as needed, ensuring the set-up and recovery of the watchcare space, the sanitization of all toys and other items following each activity and ensuring authorized snacks, food and drinks to the children are available.

For details, call Sgt. 1st Class David Kress at 938-8813 or email [email protected].

Watchcare workers needed Bids are being accepted for FY15 to provide childcare

services in support of Chapel Worship Services and Religious Education Programs.

The events are 8:45-11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-noon Sundays.

OUTSIDE THE GATES

EDUCATION and WORKSHOPS

Sale at West Point Army Athletics Gift ShopThe West Point Army Athletics Gift Shop, will have a 30

percent off sale on most items 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. today. The Shop is located at the Visitors Center.

The sale is for in-store stock only and shipping is not available. Sales are not available through www.goarmysports.com. Items can’t be held prior to the sale.

For details, call 845-446-3085.

His Promised Covenant MinistryChurch services for His Promised Covenant Ministry is

scheduled 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays at 44 Balmville Road, Newburgh, New York, in the Union Presbyterian Church.

For details, contact Tammy L. Beard at [email protected] or call 254-371-3125.

Feed the birds! Join environmental educator Pam Golben 10 a.m. Saturday

at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive across from 174 Angola Road, Cornwall, for a fun day learning how to create a molded seed wreath as a gift for the birds.

Visitors will leave with a seed wreath to hang in their yard. There is a small fee for this event. For details, visit hhnm.

org or call 845-534-5506, ext. 204.

Holiday School Break Camp for Children When school is out the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

will be hosting a school break camp at the Outdoor Discovery Center 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 29-31.

Children, ages 6-9, will join museum educators for some seasonal fun. Campers will learn about wildlife, enjoy animal presentations, stories, crafts and activities plus, weather permitting, enjoy the outdoors.

Prepaid registration is required due to very limited space. For details and to register online, visit hhnm.org or call 845-534-5506, ext. 211.

Army Education Center closureThe Army Education Center will be closed Dec. 26. Call 845-938-3464 with questions or concerns.

Transition Assistance Workshop Transition Assistance Workshops are five-day events designed

to assist separating or retiring service members and their family members in preparing for a smooth transition to civilian life.

The workshops provide information on entitlements and services available, including the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans’ Benefits Briefing. Upcoming schedule includes Jan. 5-9. Registration is required.

Contact the Soldier For Life—Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) at 938-0634 to register.

IETD Computer Training ProgramThe Information Education and Technology Division is

offering computer courses that include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, computer skills, keyboard typing skills lab, Dell XT3 Tablet, Lenovo Tablet and Apple iPad information system.

Most courses are held over three days, 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. Courses are offered to O/Dean Staff and Faculty, and if space permits, to other departments and USMA affiliates (tenant organizations, USMA spouses and volunteers.)

Courses are held in Jefferson Memorial Library (Bldg. 758), 4th Floor, Room 414 (IETD Classroom).

For details, contact Thomas A. Gorman at 938-1186 or email [email protected].

Army Personnel Testing programsThe Army Education Center at West Point offers Army

Personnel Testing (APT) programs such as the AFCT, DLAB, DLPT, SIFT through the DA and DLI.

Tests are free of charge to Soldiers. Call the Testing Center

Tasks include the set-up and recovery of the watchcare space, the sanitization of all toys and other items following each activity and to provide authorized snacks, food and drinks to the children.

For details, call Sgt. 1st Class David Kress at 938-8813 or email [email protected].

at 938-3360 or email [email protected] for details or an appointment.

DANTES testingThe Army Education Center at West Point offers academic

testing programs through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) such as the SAT and ACT.

Pearson VUE offers licensing and certification exams. Most tests are free of charge to Soldiers.

Call the Testing Center at 938-3360 or email [email protected] for details or an appointment.

community

The most stressful time of the year? Employee Assistance Program can helpBy Wayne JohnsonArmy Substance Abuse Program

When employees are experiencing on-going or overwhelming problems related to stress, family, emotional, alcohol or drug use, financial or other concerns, the EAP can help.

Talking things over with a professional counselor can often provide a step in the right direction to resolve the issues that get in the way of handling a job or coping with day-to-day living.

EAP information includes: • Areas of assistance: Diagnostic and short-term

counseling. Covers emotional/mental stress that employees face, including but not limited to: substance and alcohol use/abuse and financial issues; not limited to work-related stress.

• Who’s eligible: Employees and dependents, including same sex partners, are eligible for services; services can differ per location.

• Restrictions: Typically, none too few, which

encourage employees and dependents to seek help early; covers work- and off-duty related issues.

• Services: Includes employee-focused counseling, treatment referral, and actual treatment; client follow-up and aftercare; supervisory consultation; crisis intervention; also includes various tailorable workshops for managers and leaders.

• Cost: Typically, no additional cost. Insurance or medical programs can cover most referral options.

• Marketing: EAP info disseminated through health fairs and outreach events, newsletters, training to both employees and supervisors, and networks with supervisors, HR specialists, and medical personnel to facilitate appropriate referrals and dissemination of information.

Federal and state laws guarantee the confidentiality of client identity and records. The primary concern is that employees receive the assistance they need.

The Employee Assistance Program is covered under AR 600-85, The Army Substance Abuse Program.

Refer to DA Pam 600-85, Chapter 2 for a discussion of comprehensive EAP services for civilians.


JUST ANNOUNCED

WEST POINT MWR CALENDAR www.westpointmwr.com

FOR THE YOUTHS

FOR THE ADULTS

FEATURED EVENT

Rudolph’s kick lineKick off the holiday season noon-2 p.m. Saturday at the MWR

Fitness Center with a much-loved American tradition: the classic kick line, set to Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer.

You’ll learn a fully choreographed Rockettes-style kick line dance. Feel free to come “in costume” if you have it—black pants, red shirts, cute noses, jingle bells and reindeer antlers.

Work up a sweat and have fun doing it. Open to adults and adolescents (13 years and above).

Adolescents of 13-15 years of age need an adult to participate with them. There is a small fee for this class.

For details, call 938-6490.

Junior Black Knights Baseball clinic & tryoutsBaseball Clinics run 6-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, at the

Foley Indoor Center. Tryouts run 6-8 p.m. Dec. 18. The eligibility cutoff date is April 30 and whatever age a

player will be on April 30, 2015. For details, contact Brian Szeli at 938-3550.

ACS Family Readiness Group (FRG) Winter Class Schedule

Attendees will discuss all aspects of Family Readiness Groups, from discussing what a FRG is, having an effective FRG, the role of FRGs in today’s Army, the role of volunteers in the FRG, or how to keep and raise funds legally and within the Army’s regulatory guidance and local procedures.

This quarter’s sessions will be held at the Army Community Service offi ces in Building 622. The sessions are: Jan. 21, 4-5 p.m.; Feb. 18, 4-5 p.m.; and March 25, 4-5 p.m.

For details or to reserve your seat, contact Michelle Bradley at 845-938-4621 or [email protected].

Spin on your lunch breakWant to burn off extra calories from treats in your desk?

Join Rene for the ultimate spin session at noon Mondays and Wednesdays at the MWR Fitness Center.

There is a small fee for this class. For details, call 938-6490.

Financial Readiness Classes with ACSWant to achieve fi nancial success? Take a fi nancial readiness

class with ACS. All classes are held at the ACS Heritage Room, Bldg. 622,

3-4 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The dates are:

Project Angel TreeBOSS, ACS and the Exchange present Project Angel Tree at

the Exchange through Tuesday. Pick a decoration with the age and gender of a West Point child and purchase an age appropriate gift or wrapping paper.

Put the unwrapped gift and the decoration from the tree in the box and make a child’s Christmas morning special.


Youth Sports coaches neededChild, Youth and School Services Youth Sports program is

seeking volunteer coaches for Youth Basketball for the Winter 2014-15 season.

Coaches are needed for the following age groups: Little Shooters (4-year-olds), Division A (5-6-year-olds), Division B (7-9-year-olds) and Division C (10-13-year-olds).

West Point Golf Course Holiday SaleNeed the perfect gift for that golfer in your life? Swing

by the West Point Golf Course through Wednesday for its holiday sale.

Deep discounts on merchandise, demo club and annual passes. Sale hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.


West Point Club Holiday ClosureThe West Point Club will be closed Dec. 17- Jan. 5 for

the holiday season. We wish you and yours a very happy and healthy new year.

FOR THE FAMILIES

• Jan. 14: ID Theft Avoidance;• Jan. 21: Clever Credit;• Feb.11: Coupon Basics;• Feb. 25: Blissful Budgeting;• March 11: Sensible Savings.For details, call 938-5839 or email amy.weyhrauch@usma.

edu.

Trees for TroopsTrees for Troops returns to West Point this December. Live

Christmas trees will be delivered in early-to-mid December to West Point.

Military members (active duty personnel, retired military personnel, ARNG and Reserve personnel and their family

members) are eligible to receive a free tree. Trees will be distributed on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis

and military ID must be shown when picking up tree. Limit one tree per family.

Please follow the West Point ACS Facebook page (www.facebook.com/westpointarmycommunityservice) for information about when and where to pick up your tree.

EFMP Family Event/PAWS for KIDS (update)As the weather gets colder and calendars get fuller, remember

your fun Exceptional Family Member Program events. Come by to have some fun or meet other families with special

needs that you might have something in common with. All our events are free and held at ACS, Bldg. 622 unless

otherwise noted.• Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24, PAWS for

KIDS—3:30-5 p.m.;For details, contact the EFMP Program Manager Josephine

Toohey at 938-5655, [email protected] or the program assistant Anne Marshall at 938-0232 or [email protected].

December classes with Arts & Crafts• Open studio—10 a.m.-7 p.m., today, Tuesday and Dec. 18.

Come and enjoy the freedom of creating whatever it is you like.Registration for all classes is required. There is a minimal

charge for these classes. For details, call 938-4812.

December Trip with Leisure Travel Services • Holiday sightseeing/Shopping in NYC, Sunday—leave

West Point at 10 a.m., leave NYC at 4:30 p.m. Spend the day in NYC all decorated for the holidays with shopping at its fi nest.

There is a minimal fee for these trips. For details, call 938-3601.

Community Skate Program

The MWR Community Skate Program will be conducted on Sundays during the months of December, January and February 3:30-5 p.m. at Tate Rink.

There is no charge for the program, but skaters must provide their own skates. In case of inclement weather, call 938-2991 for updates.

NFL Sunday TicketJoin the West Point Club every Sunday for NFL Sunday

Ticket with complimentary snacks and weekly menu specials. A pub menu will also be available. Bar opens at 12:45 p.m. For details, call 938-5120.

Boost Holiday Spirit and SpinFestive-themed Spin Classes with Lois at the MWR Fitness

Center are available:• Friday, 5:40 a.m.—“Army/Navy Relay Ride;” • Dec. 19, 5:40 a.m.—“Reindeer Ride;”• Dec. 21, 12:30 p.m.—“Reindeer Ride;”• Dec. 24, 9 a.m.—“Reindeer Ride.”For more spin classes during the month of December, visit

westpointmwr.com/fi tness.

Employment Readiness Program Classes with ACS• 10 Steps to a Federal Job Workshop—Dec. 18, Feb. 3 and

March 24, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at ACS;• Military Spouse Preference Information Session—Jan. 7

and Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at ACS;• Navigating USAJobs—Jan. 8, 2-3 p.m. at ACS;• NCOA Career Fair—March 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the

Thayer Hotel;• Mini Job Fair at ACS—Jan. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at ACS.Space is limited, call 938-5658 to register or email Ellen.

[email protected].

7th annual Wellness Fair and Fitness ChallengeTrim the excuses and accept the challenge. The 7th annual

Wellness Fair and Fitness Challenge begins Jan. 12 and ends March 13.

To schedule an appointment for your assessment and sign up for the challenge, visit the Wellness Fair at the West Point Club 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 12.

For details on the Wellness Fair and Fitness Challenge, call the MWR Fitness Center at 938-6490.

Fitness Center SurveyWe want your feedback, take our survey at https://www.

surveymonkey.com/r/6T67JPM.

Gentle YogaGentle Yoga at the MWR Fitness Center is open to all levels

of practice and abilities, and is especially great for beginners or those searching for the therapeutic benefi ts of yoga.

This soothing gentle practice focuses on moving slowly into basic yoga poses while using the breath as a tool to remain present and mindful.

Meditation and relaxation techniques will also be introduced, perfect for stress relief and overall well being.

Refer to the Group Fitness Calendar for dates and times of instruction, or call 938-6490 for details.


Potassium iodide (KI) tablets will be available to the West Point community 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday in Eisenhower Hall. Courtesy Photo

Friday—St. Vincent, PG-13, 7:30 p.m.Saturday—No showing.Dec. 19—Big Hero 3D, PG, 7:30 p.m.Dec. 20—Dumb & Dumber To, PG-13, 7:30 p.m.Dec. 26—Into the Woods, PG-13, 7:30 p.m.Dec. 27—Into the Woods, PG-13, 7:30 p.m.(For movie details and updates schedules, visit www.shopmyexchange .com/ ree l - t ime - thea t res /West -Point-1044343.)

Theatre schedule at Mahan Hall, Bldg. 752.MOVIES at MAHAN

West Point Command Channel Army Newswatch

Thursday, Friday and Monday-Dec. 188:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For the week of Dec. 11-18Channels 8/23

Keller CornerKeller information

Get up-to-date Keller Army Community Hospital information at http://kach.amedd.army.mil/ or on social media a t h t t p : / / w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m /kellerarmycommunityhospital/.

2015 Armed Services Blood Drive Key Person Kick-Off campaign meeting

The Armed Services Blood Program will hold a kickoff campaign meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Army Education Center, Bldg. 683, Training Room #10.

The ASBP i s look ing fo r ‘Key Personnel,’ from each West Point activity (one key personnel representative for every 50 individuals in your area), to attend the meeting.

The role of the ‘key person’ is to assure the distributed information is received and disseminated to all departments; to improve unit awareness regarding the need for blood donors; and to motivate and encourage personnel within their respective organizations to donate blood.

To be a ‘key person’ or for more information on the Armed Services Blood Drive, contact Mary Mandia at 938-2583 or at [email protected].

Health care concerns while travelingIf you or a family member is traveling in

CONUS and have a health care concern, call the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273 and select option 1.

The nurse will ask you questions about the symptoms that you or your family member are experiencing and provide advice on whether you need to seek care and when.

When you are traveling, the NAL nurse will help you fi nd a safe, high-quality health care facility in the TRICARE network. If

you are a military hospital or clinic enrollee, the NAL will send a follow-up note to your primary care manger and medical team back home so they know how you are doing.

The NAL is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on accessing the NAL while on the go, visit www.TRICARE.mil/NAL.

Active-duty service members and their family members who are traveling outside CONUS may use the services of TRICARE International SOS to access health care.

For emergency care, go to the nearest hospital and contact ISOS as soon as possible. If urgent care is required, contact ISOS to fi nd an authorized provider and, if needed, arrange transportation.

ISOS can be reached online at www.tricare-overseas.com or by calling 877-451-8659.

Be sure to save all receipts for medical expenses; you must include copies when fi ling a claim for reimbursement.

For help with fi ling a claim, contact the Keller Health Benefits Advisors at 938-4838.

Ebola Virus Disease informationTo get educated on the Ebola Virus

Disease (EVD), go to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention site at www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola; or the offi cial website of the Military Health System & Defense Health Agency at www.health.mil/ebola.

Additionally, Channel 23 will re-broadcast the Garrison Town Hall, where Col. Brian Burlingame, KACH commander, addressed EVD questions and concerns.

KACH Referral AssistanceNeed help or have questions about

a referral? Call 938-5373 and a referral specialist will be happy to assist you.

• Kids Bowling: ‘Tis the season for a holiday celebration at the West Point Bowling Center 1-2:30 p.m. Friday.

Balfour Beatty Communities will supply the shoes, one game of bowling, pizza and soda.

Email [email protected] if you plan on attending the holiday event with the names and ages of your children who will be bowling.

• Letters to Santa: Write a letter and then drop it in our very special North Pole mailbox at 132 Bartlett Loop before Dec. 18 for a guaranteed delivery to Santa before Christmas.

Make sure to check your mail box for your letter back from Santa, please include your age, gender and address.

LifeWorks • Holiday Home Decorating Contest: BBC will have a special category this year to recognize families who decorate with energy effi ciency in mind.

Nominate a home you feel deserves to be included.

Winners receive $25 gift cards. Send the house number by noon Wednesday to [email protected].

Judging will take place that evening.

• Tree of Warmth: Help decorate our Tree of Warmth. Bring any new mittens, hats, gloves and scarves to help decorate our Holiday Tree.

Make the holidays special for someone in need and feel good by doing it.

We are counting on each of you for the success of this heartwarming event.

BBC will be collecting at 132 Bartlett Loop until Dec. 19. Let’s make our tree the warmest tree at West Point.

KI tablets to be distributed to West Point communitySubmitted by Keller Army Community Hospital

Keller Army Community Hospital will distribute potassium iodide (KI) tablets to the West Point community 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday in Eisenhower Hall.

This is being done in an effort to mitigate the effects of ionized radiation to West Point community residents and workers in the event of an emergency at the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant.

West Point is in the 10-mile emergency planning zone of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, located south on the Hudson River in Buchanan, N.Y.

In the rare event that an accident or incident should occur there, causing a release in radiation, West Point personnel must be prepared to take action to protect themselves.

The dominant internal exposure following a reactor accident is likely to be from iodine-131.

Most of the iodine in accidents will be soluble and capable of being absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, absorption through the skin, or any combination of those.

The iodine is concentrated in the thyroid gland and is at its highest concentration approximately 48 hours after exposure. Potassium iodide (KI) can be used as an effective thyroid-blocking agent in situations where signifi cant radioactive iodine exposure is likely.

Eisenhower Hall will be the designated distribution facility. Each Major Activity Directorate has been notifi ed of the time and day for their personnel to report to Eisenhower Hall to receive their KI tablets.

Receipt of the KI tablet is strictly voluntary. Voluntary KI recipients will fl ow through a

series of three stations in Eisenhower Hall. The fi rst is an orientation station located in

the auditorium where participants will receive medical educational materials, a medical assessment form and an overview of the distribution process.

Personnel will then be directed to the screening area in the Grand Ballroom where qualifi ed medical personnel will be available to answer questions and handle concerns. Personnel will proceed from the screening station to the distribution point in the Grand Ballroom where they will submit their signed medical assessment form, receive their KI tablets and be released.

Sponsors may pick up KI tablets for their family members as well and must complete a separate screening form for each.

Please check with your supervisor to fi nd out the time and day to come to Eisenhower

Hall, and bring your CAC card or military ID with you.

15December 11, 2014Pointer View sPorts

Junior guard Kyle Wilson’s career-high 31 points helped lift Army past Delaware, 73-69, Dec. 3 at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Delaware. Photo by bob Mayberger

Wilson’s 31 points leads Army past Delaware

Channels 8/23

By Mark MohrmanArmy Athletic Communications

Trailing 62-61 with less than three minutes to play, Kyle Wilson scored eight straight points and Army’s final 12 points overall as the Army Men’s Basketball team defeated Delaware, 73-69, Dec. 3 at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Delaware.

Wilson’s 31-point performance set a new career high and came on the strength of six three-pointers, propelling Army to a 6-1 start. The result dropped the Blue Hens to 0-6 on the year.

Wilson was one of three Army players to reach double figures in the scoring column, as Kennedy Edwards and Kevin Ferguson added 13 and 12, respectively. Ferguson added three blocks, while Dylan Cox handed out four assists to go along with his eight points.

“Kyle got us off to a good start tonight when I thought we didn't have the execution and energy level we needed to be successful,” head coach Zach Spiker said. “He was consistent and I thought he did a good job on defense too.”

Delaware had three players in double digits, with Cazmon Hayes leading the way with 14, Kory Holden adding 13 and Chivarski Corbett putting in 11.

Both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the opening 10 minutes prior to Delaware putting together the game’s first run with a 9-2 spurt.

The stretch gave the Blue Hens an 18-11 edge, but a pair of Wilson three-pointers and Ferguson's turnaround in the low post erased the deficit and put the Black Knights in front, 19-18.

Delaware scored the next six points, all in the paint, before Army’s 16-2 run that included four points from Edwards and a pair of threes by Wilson.

The reigning Patriot League Player of the Week went 5-for-5 from beyond the arc in the period and Army took a 35-28 lead into halftime after forcing Delaware into eight turnovers.

The Blue Hens scored seven straight points early in the second half and went ahead 40-38 as part of a 12-3 run after intermission. Maurice Jeffers contributed four points and Hayes drilled a three to cap the stretch.

Playing in his first collegiate game, Edwards tied the score at 42 with a pair at the line, before drilling a wing triple that made it 45-42 in favor of the Black Knights. Corbett had a bucket on the other end, before Ferguson came up with a loose ball and turned it into two on Army's ensuring possession. The Black Knights' center then found Edwards cutting to the basket after an empty Delaware trip and his layup capped Army’s 9-2 run with the Black Knights in front 49-45.

Delaware refused to go away, however, as Corbett connected on an open three (51-50) and Holden tied the game with a free throw with 8:51 to play.

“It was very tough to overcome their zone defense,” Edwards said following the game. “They are very long and athletic and sometimes that can bother you as a player. We just stayed patient, swung the ball and Kyle had a great game.”

Both teams were in the double bonus by the 5:25 mark and the home team held a 58-57 lead after Mo Williams made one of two at the line shortly after draining a corner trey.

A Blue Hens miss led to a quick layup by Cox and Army regained the lead. Hayes then muscled his way inside and converted an old-fashioned three-point play to send Delaware to a 61-59 edge.

Following a Delaware miss out of a timeout with 3:35 to play, Cox took an outlet pass to the rim and converted his driving layup in transition to tie the score at 61-61. After a Delaware free throw, Wilson made a pair at the stripe, then hit his sixth three of the night off a drive and kick by Cox and Army never trailed from that point on.

Ferguson sent back Holden’s layup attempt inside and Delaware's head coach Monte Ross was called for a technical foul after the play. Wilson made both technical shots and Army went up 68-62 prior to closing out the four-point win.


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Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds is the Midshipmen’s rushing leader with 1,082 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also has added 749 yards through the air and five touchdown passes. Photo by John Pellino/dPtMs

• Army has had seven players rush for more than 100 yards in a game this season.

• Freshman John Voit intercepted a pass in the second quarter, the first of his career.

• Army limited Fordham to 90 yards rushing. The last time Army held a team below 100 yards rushing was Louisiana Tech (57) on Sept. 28, 2013 in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.

• Linebacker Jeremy Timpf registered a team-best nine tackles and topped the 100-tackle mark for the season with 102.

• Timpf marked the 58th time an Army player has registered at least 100 tackles.

• Timpf is the first Army player with at least 100 tackles since Geoffery Bacon made 136 in 2012.

• Timpf, Chris Carnegie, Andrew King and Richard Glover all registered one tackle for loss.

• Alex Tardieu recorded his 17th and 18th punts inside the

ARMY-NAVY GAME, cont’d from Page 20opponents’ 20 yard line in the first half. His first punt was downed at the five.

It is the sixth punt that has pinned the opponent at or inside its 5 yard line.

• Kelvin White ran for 14 yards on a second quarter fake punt, the third fake punt Army has run this season.

• Lamar Johnson-Harris recovered a blocked punt for the first touchdown of his career.

• Josh Jenkins blocked the second quarter punt, the first Army block of a punt since Zach Watts did it against Rutgers on Oct. 16, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

• It marked Jenkins’ first career block.• The last time Army blocked a punt and recovered it for a

touchdown was Sept. 1, 2007 against Akron at Cleveland Browns Stadium. John Plumstead blocked the punt and Peter Anderson recovered.

Shrine Game InvitationArmy senior running back

Larry Dixon has accepted an invitation to play in the annual East-West Shrine Game.

Dixon is the offensive team captain and hails from Bremerton, Washington. He has rushed for 3,098 yards in his career.

This will mark the 14th consecutive season an Army player has been chosen for the prestigious senior event in Florida. Wide receiver Patrick Laird was selected last year.

Dixon is the 29th Army player honored for the showcase, beginning with Gus Farwick and Edgar Garbisch in 1925.

This year’s contest will be played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Welcome GamedayFor the first time ESPN's

College Gameday will broadcast live from the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA on Saturday.

ESPN’s signature college football show will air from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. in Baltimore, the site of the 115th Army-Navy Game presented by USAA.

College Gameday, with host Chris Fowler and analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso and

Desmond Howard, are expected in Baltimore for the two-hour show.

College Gameday was at West Point, on Sept. 27, 2003, prior to the Black Knights’ game against South Florida.

About the Black KnightsArmy is among the nation's leaders in rushing yards per

contest with 305.5, while averaging 24.7 points per game.The Black Knights are averaging 364 yards of total offense

per contest and have scored 33 rushing touchdowns and three through the air.

Larry Dixon paces the rushing attack with 94 yards per game, while quarterback Angel Santiago is averaging 72 yards per game on the ground.

Dixon has rushed for at least 100 yards on four occasions this season and 11 times in his career. Santiago has connected on 35-of-68 passes for 488 yards and a score.

Terry Baggett averages 7.6 yards per carry on the ground and quarterback A.J. Schurr has rushed for 293 yards and three scores. Schurr has completed 11-of-25 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown.

Army is allowing 34.4 points per game. Jeremy Timpf leads the team with 102 tackles and 14 tackles for losses of 35 yards. Josh Jenkins has 60 tackles and a team-best four interceptions. Chris Carnegie and Timpf each have three interceptions.

About the MidshipmenNavy is 6-5 after beating South Alabama, 42-40 on Nov. 28.The Midshipmen are averaging 34.5 points per game and

allowing 29.9. They lead the country in rushing yards per game with 357.8 and allow 199.8 rushing yards per contest.

Quarterback Keenan Reynolds, despite playing in just nine games, is the team’s leading rusher with 1,082 yards and 20 touchdowns. He averages 5.3 yards per carry and 120.2 yards per game. He has completed 43-of-96 passes for 749 yards with three interceptions and five touchdowns.

Noah Copeland has rushed 105 times for 859 yards and five scores, while Chris Swain has 574 yards on 87 rushes. Jamir Tillman is the team’s top receiver with 18 catches for 338 yards and two touchdowns.

Navy is allowing 426 yards of total offense per game. Jordan Drake is the team's top tackler with 85 stops. Will Anthony leads the squad with 8.0 tackles for losses of 23 yards and has 1.5 of the team's five quarterback sacks.

Daniel Gonzales shows 73 tackles and two interceptions. Parrish Gaines has a team-best three interceptions.

Navy opened the season with a 34-17 loss to Ohio State and won road games against Temple (31-24) and Texas State (35-21). Losses to Rutgers (31-24), Western Kentucky (36-27) and Air Force (30-21), were followed by victories over VMI (51-14) and San Jose State (41-31).

Navy lost to Notre Dame (49-39) and beat Georgia Southern (52-19).


Senior running back Larry Dixon is one of three current Army runners who has surpassed 1,000 yards rushing in a season with his 1,028 yards. Senior running backs Terry Baggett and Raymond Maples have also accomplished the 1,000-yard feat. Dixon ranks fourth all-time on Army’s rushing list with 3,098 yards, behind only Mike Mayweather (4,299), Carlton Jones (3,536) and Trent Steelman (3,320). Photo by John Pellino/dPtMs

Army-Navy Game Preview:Can the Black Knights contain Navy’s Reynolds to end losing skidBy Ryan YanoshakArmy Athletic Communications

The Army Football team will close its 2014 season in America’s Game: The Army-Navy Game presented by USAA at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore Saturday.

CBS will carry the game live to a national audience beginning at 3 p.m.

Army enters the game 4-7 following a 42-31 victory over Fordham on Nov. 22.

The Black Knights posted a 3-2 record at Michie Stadium in 2014 and will look to end a 12-game losing streak to Navy.

Fordham Leftovers• Army wore gray jerseys and pants for the first time this

season, with black helmets with a gray stripe.• Saturday marked the third time Army has scored at least 40

points this season. Buffalo (47) and Yale (43) were the others.

• For the ninth consecutive week, Army had a different starting five on the offensive line. Center Matt Hugenberg is the only member of the offensive line to start all 11 games. He was joined up front by tackles Corey Hobbs and Todd McDonald and guards Bryce Holland and Jaryn Villegas.

• Terry Baggett rushed for a second quarter touchdown, the 12th of his career and second of the season.

• Larry Dixon ran for a game-high 158 yards and three touchdowns.

• Dixon now has 11 career games with at least 100 yards, tied for third in Academy history with Tory Crawford and Carlton Jones. He has topped 100 yards four times this season.

• For the season, Dixon has 1,025 yards rushing.• Dixon is the third member of the current squad to register

a 1,000-yard rushing season. Terry Baggett gained 1,113 yards last season, while Raymond Maples ran for 1,215 yards in 2012 and 1,066 in 2011.

• Dixon is the 14th Army player to rush for 1,000 yards in

a season. Those 14 players have combined to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark on 18 occasions.

• Dixon passed the 3,000-yard mark for his career.• During his four seasons, Dixon has 514 carries for 3,098

which ranks fourth all-time. He passed Heisman Trophy winner Glenn Davis (2,959) and trails Trent Steelman (3,320), Carlton Jones (3,536) and Mike Mayweather (4,299).

• Dixon is just the fourth player in Army history to rush for more than 3,000 yards.

• Dixon rushed for three touchdowns, giving him a season-best nine for the year.

• For his career, Dixon has 26 rushing touchdowns and is tied for sixth in Academy history with Heisman Trophy winner Felix “Doc” Blanchard.

• Army’s scoring drive in the fourth quarter covered 84 yards, in 20 plays and 11:13. It was the longest scoring drive of the season in terms of plays and time.

See ARMY-NAVY GAME,

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