A Heartfelt Letter of Appreciation
LTG (R) Glynn “Coach” Mallory passed on 20 February 2020 and his wife Linda sent this letter of appreciation to the Class of ’72 for the special presentation of the P & T Award.
Notice of Lee Barnes Passing - October 25th
From Chris LeBlanc: Class of -72, hit your knees....The Lord just took Lee Roy Barnes, Jr. home just a few minutes ago. The doctors were weaning him off the ventilator and it appears his heart just could not take it. He’s gone… Lee has now just met his father for the first time, back on the reservation. For those that might not be aware, Lee Roy Sr. (for the love of me now, I cannot remember his tribal name) was an American Soldier, too, and was lost during the Korean War. He is buried in Kansas.
I will let folks know when I can what decisions are made for burial. Lee's son Chris is not sure yet. Stand by for more news, and stand up for a great American and Soldier.
Lee was in A-1.
I will let folks know when I can what decisions are made for burial. Lee's son Chris is not sure yet. Stand by for more news, and stand up for a great American and Soldier.
Lee was in A-1.
Proud and True Award Presentation
Classmates,
What a privilege to visit with Glynn and Linda -- truly great Americans. Kathleen and I enjoyed a range of stories from Glynn as a Tac (said he always insured he clicked the taps on his shoes so the E2 cadets would have a fighting chance) to stories about their early days of courtship to stories about them reaching out to burn patients at BAMC to stories about their fights v. cancer (Linda finished her cancer treatments the week Glynn was diagnosed). They both are such models of dignity and optimistic grace.
The award was very meaningful to Glynn -- he expressed gratitude to our class and to his beloved E2. I have attached a few photos. As well, he joked about "how unusual for someone to give an award to a TAC!" We gave Linda some yellow roses from our class as well. She is a sweetheart!
In all seriousness, Kathleen and I were greatly blessed by this visit with Team Mallory. May God comfort, strengthen, guide, and console them in the difficult days ahead.
Proud & True,
Bob
Lee Barnes - Biography
Lee Barnes joined the Army as an Armor Cavalry Second Lieutenant upon graduation from West Point in 1972; he retired at the rank of Colonel, in 1997.
His service included duty stations in Korea, Germany and United States. He served as a tank Platoon Leader, Headquarters Company Commander, Armored Cavalry Troop Commander, and Tank Battalion Commander (concurrently serving as the Tank Regiment Commander for the Opposing Forces at the National Training Center). His staff time included battalion personnel (S1and Adjutant), logistics (S4) and operations, planning, and training (Army National Guard Advisor, Battalion XO, Brigade S3 and XO, and Division G3). His final posting was as the Chief of the Advanced Concept Office for Army Forces Command.
Lee joined Mystech Associates, which joined Northrop Grumman Corporation through a series of mergers. Lee served as Subject Matter Expert, Business Area Manager, Department Director, National Account Manager, Business Development Manager, and finally, as the Corporate Lead Executive, Orlando, retiring in 2012.
Lee has served as an independent consultant, but chooses to remain RETIRED, except for his volunteer activities, fishing, golfing and grand parenting.
Lee initially volunteered in 2011, to help with the Camaraderie Foundation annual golf tournament, “Pars and Stripes Forever”. He was elected to the board of directors in January, 2013. He was elected as Programs Director in 2015, elected Vice Chair of the Board in 2017, as Chair in Jan 2018, and in Jan 2019, re-elected as Chair for an additional one-year term.
His service included duty stations in Korea, Germany and United States. He served as a tank Platoon Leader, Headquarters Company Commander, Armored Cavalry Troop Commander, and Tank Battalion Commander (concurrently serving as the Tank Regiment Commander for the Opposing Forces at the National Training Center). His staff time included battalion personnel (S1and Adjutant), logistics (S4) and operations, planning, and training (Army National Guard Advisor, Battalion XO, Brigade S3 and XO, and Division G3). His final posting was as the Chief of the Advanced Concept Office for Army Forces Command.
Lee joined Mystech Associates, which joined Northrop Grumman Corporation through a series of mergers. Lee served as Subject Matter Expert, Business Area Manager, Department Director, National Account Manager, Business Development Manager, and finally, as the Corporate Lead Executive, Orlando, retiring in 2012.
Lee has served as an independent consultant, but chooses to remain RETIRED, except for his volunteer activities, fishing, golfing and grand parenting.
Lee initially volunteered in 2011, to help with the Camaraderie Foundation annual golf tournament, “Pars and Stripes Forever”. He was elected to the board of directors in January, 2013. He was elected as Programs Director in 2015, elected Vice Chair of the Board in 2017, as Chair in Jan 2018, and in Jan 2019, re-elected as Chair for an additional one-year term.
'72 Classmates in Orlando
Here is the picture of all 72 classmates at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetary-A1 plus Chris Le Blanc, Steve Main and Ben Martin.
Lee Roy was well remembered and honored by many friends and associates. Skip did a great job sharing some remembrance for A-1 and Chris did the same. Ann was very appreciative of the company turnout!
Lee Roy was well remembered and honored by many friends and associates. Skip did a great job sharing some remembrance for A-1 and Chris did the same. Ann was very appreciative of the company turnout!
Classmates at Lee Barnes Funeral
Going around the table starting on the left are:
Chris LeBlanc; Tod Wilson; Murro Martens; Bill Guarino; Ray Idzior; Paul Oskvarek; Lee’s son Christopher; Skip Ash; Tom Waller; Steve Curtis; Tom Pawlowski; Steve Main
Chris LeBlanc; Tod Wilson; Murro Martens; Bill Guarino; Ray Idzior; Paul Oskvarek; Lee’s son Christopher; Skip Ash; Tom Waller; Steve Curtis; Tom Pawlowski; Steve Main
West Point Grad News
Reach Out in September
Reach Out is the 2021 theme for Suicide Prevention Month. The Reach Out campaign focuses on increasing knowledge about what Veterans and their loved ones can do now to help prevent a suicide later. While big life moments—like starting or losing a job, ending a relationship, or raising kids—can be overwhelming, Veterans don’t have to go through them alone. They can reach out and ask for help, and their loved ones and all of us need to proactively reach out to the Veterans and provide support during life challenges. By reaching out early and often, we can help Veterans stay on a healthy pathway through life or get back on track as needed. Here are some ways to reach out:
- Use the toolkit found at REACH.gov/SPM for more information to share with your network.
- Download and share content on the suicide prevention month page to spread the word.
- Call, text, or email the Veterans in your life. For conversation starters, visit REACH.gov/SPM.
Continue to reach out throughout September and beyond. You don’t have to be an expert to talk to a Veteran going through life challenges—showing you care makes a big difference.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, a day to honor those service members who were held captive and returned from war, as well as those who remain missing. We are eternally grateful for their courage and sacrifice.
Class Notes Updates This Week
The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1945 | 1956 | 1959 | 1962 | 1968 | 1980 | 1982 | 1996 | 2001 | 2003. Class Notes
2020/2021 Distinguished Graduate Awards
Congratulations to all the Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients of 2020/2021!
On September 11, the Distinguished Graduate recipients of 2020 and 2021 received their awards with their families at West Point. These eleven graduates were selected because of their notable service and character in keeping with the West Point Motto - “Duty, Honor, Country.”
DGAs 2020: Mr. Richard A. Nowak ’64 | Mr. William H. Roedy Jr. ’70 | LTC (R) Andrew F. Krepinevich ’72 | LTG (R) Kenneth W. Hunzeker ’75 | GEN (R) Curtis M. Scaparrotti ’78
DGAs 2021: HON Michael W. Wynne ’66 | Mr. Randall M. Pais ’67 | Mr. Thomas C. Shull ’73 | GEN (R) Stanley A. McChrystal ’76 | GEN (R) David M. Rodriguez ’76 | LTG (R) Herbert Raymond (H.R.) McMaster Jr. ’84
Read more about each distinguished recipient on the WPAOG Website.
WPS of Upstate South Carolina Networking Event
On August 31, The West Point Society of Upstate South Carolina and the Palmetto Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association co-hosted a Business Networking event sponsored by FocalPoint. This event was an opportunity for society members and their guests to trade business cards, learn about each other, and hear a presentation from FocalPoint Career Coaches (Mike Ungar ’80, John Roney ’85, and Jerry Pilewski USNA ’97) on implementing change in an organization. The societies are hoping to make this a quarterly event.
West Point Unveils Buffalo Soldiers Monument
The United States Military Academy unveiled a monument dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers of West Point on Friday, September 10, 2021. The new monument is located at Buffalo Soldier Field across from the Thayer Hotel. The Buffalo Soldiers were a regiment of African American soldiers who served at West Point teaching Cadets Military Horsemanship from 1907 to 1947.
In honor of the unveiling of the Buffalo Soldiers monument at West Point, WPAOG has released a commemorative collection of merchandise created and designed by WPAOG with input from West Point Grad and former West Point Commandant MG Fred Gorden ’62. Visit the WPAOG Gift Shop.
USMA 2001 Check Presentation
This past weekend during the victorious Army vs. Western Kentucky game and on the 20th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the Class of 2001 presented a 20th Reunion Gift of $300,000 to support the Combating Terrorism Center and the Cyber Research Center. The Class of 2001, the last class to graduate prior to the events on 9/11, wanted to gather for their reunion and formally present their gift on this significant date. President Sean Morrow and Fundraising Chairman Matt Kapinos presented the gift on behalf of the Class to CSM Michael J. Coffey, the 21st Command Sergeant Major of USMA, and Todd Browne ’85, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates. Thank you to the Class of 2001 for its outstanding support of West Point!
Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Conference
The United States Military Academy hosted the annual Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Conference with this year’s theme “Developing Inclusive Leaders for Future Readiness”. Keynote Speaker, LTG Gary Brito, U.S. Army’s 49th Deputy Chief of Staff, delivered key messages including Developing Leaders of Character, Building Diverse and Effective Winning Teams, Dignity and Respect, and Cultivate an Inclusion environment.
The event brought cadets, staff, faculty, West Point alumni, and diversity and inclusion professionals together to discuss and share best practices on developing inclusive leaders and how to leverage their talent to enhance collaboration, engagement, and innovation within their organizations.
Additional guest speakers and visiting panelists included Mr. Anselm A. Beach, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Doug Melville, VP, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Richemont and nephew of General Benjamin O Davis, Jr. ’36, Cultural Support Team members including Maj. Kimberly Brutsche, MAJ Jessica Yahn, CPT Mary Kholars (P), Command SGM (R) George Fraser, and 1SG (R) Catherine Harris. Photos.
WPAOG Remembers
Today, WPAOG remembers and honors the members of the Long Gray Line who lost their lives as a result of the attack against our country on September 11th, 2001, or have given their lives in defense of freedom while fighting the Global War on Terrorism. https://www.westpointaog.org/inmemoriam
Class Notes Updates This Week
The following classes have added updates this week to their Class Notes pages. 1953 | 1956 | 1959 | 1963 | 1971 | 1974 | 1983 | 1990 | 1994 | 1996. Class Notes