Fall Link 2018

Fall 2018 Edition The Link The Official Newsletter of the West Point Spouses' ClubFall 2018 . westpointspousesclub.org . [email protected]

WEST POINT SPOUSES’ CLUB BOARD Executive Board 2018-2019President Stephanie Flores [email protected] PresidentParliamentarian Jen Wright [email protected] Jen Heckel [email protected] Jennifer Rohn [email protected] Krista Wojtaszek [email protected] Committee Chairs 2018-2019Ways and Means Diane Schreiner [email protected] and Means Financial Katherine Bellocchio [email protected] Samantha Galui [email protected] Christine Van Meter [email protected] Andrea VanSwerigen [email protected] Madison Aleska-Frost [email protected] Maria Ochoa [email protected] Link Editor Louise Brennan [email protected] Advertising Courtney Millen [email protected] Outreach Elizabeth Flannery [email protected] Deborah Haley [email protected] Night Fundraiser Maria D’Amato [email protected] Rachael Goodwill [email protected] Clubs Colleen Morgan [email protected] and Tots Katie Landis [email protected] and Tots Amy Olson [email protected] [email protected] this issue Honorary Board 2018-2019President’s Welcome Page 3Welcome to Fall at West Point Honorary PresidentPage 5 Mrs. Erin WilliamsA Warm West Point Welcome! Senior AdvisorsPage 7 Mrs. Betsy Gilland Mrs. Cindy Love Mrs. Kristen CorriganEat, Drink & Beat Navy Page 9Join Us! Page 12 DISCLAIMER: The West Point Spouses' Club is a non-federal entity and not an officialMembership Form Pages 13-14 activity of the United States Military Academy. It is not endorsed, recommended, orCommunity Outreach Page 17 favored by the United States government. The Link is created and edited by theFall Programs Page 18 spouses of the West Point community, therefore, the views and opinions expressed bySuper Sign Up Page 20 this organization do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense. Front Cover Photograph of Michie Stadium was provided by Rachael Goodwill

President's Welcome As you pass through the gates at West Point, you are greeted immediately with a sense of history and beauty. The historic campus of the United States Military Academy is unlike any other post. I am sure between our experiences, we have seen it all. Whether a new or a seasoned spouse, we have to adapt, often quickly, to our new home and all that comes with it. Every moment at West Point provides us the privilege to be woven into the history of this place, which we can only hope is both positive and uplifting. Year after year we have the opportunity to write a new chapter in our book including new experiences and new friends. Often times a Spouses’ Club will have a negative reception from those who have been excluded or mistreated in the past. I am a firm believer that there is so much more to your story than the past pages you experienced. Each new location, each new set of potential friends, and each new opportunity yields the possibility of something bigger, better, and more beautiful that you expected. The best way to enrich yourself is to get involved! The West Point Spouses’ Club (WPSC) prides itself on being open-minded and inclusive. The WPSC hosts a variety of programs and clubs, giving you the opportunity to have fun while creating those life-long relationships. It fosters creativity, friendships, and positivity to resonate back into the community with our actions and volunteerism. Our club motto of “Where Friendships and Traditions Thrive” is a true testament to what we believe in and strive for on a daily basis. The WPSC has a long- standing tradition (for 80 years!) of providing social connections as well as a drive for philanthropic work to better our community. Whether it is running an event as a Cadet morale booster, volunteering within the local community, or with our fundraising efforts to award thousands of dollars in grant and scholarships, we are working towards leaving West Point better than how we found it. We would be honored if you (and your spouse) would join us this year as we have some very exciting events and opportunities you won’t want to miss! We are so excited to welcome new faces and cherish the familiar ones as we embark on this journey together. With this, I leave you to enjoy the continuing pages with a brief look into who we are, what we do, and some of our favorite things about West Point! “Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.” – Hazrat Inayat Khan Cheers & BEAT NAVY! Stephanie Flores WPSC President, 2018-2019 Page 3 The Link Fall 2018



Welcome to Fall at West PointAs a mother to three beautiful children, a wife to an amazing man, and a new business owner, Iwas so happy to find a place to help get me connected to the community. I am so thankful for thememories and friendships that the West Point Spouses’ Club has helped me form during the lasttwo years here. My job, this year, is to help preserve these memories. One of my favorite places tobe, is behind my camera. As Historian, I am excited to be able to contribute to the legacy of thisgreat organization. Falling for West Point Meet our Historian & The By Rachael Goodwill Link Editor As the season changes from summer to fall  New families arrive and we welcome all Rachael Goodwill West Point is breathtaking; colorful leaves abound  Welcome to Fall at West Point! So these are a few things to do here and around Step out for a walk to breath the crisp autumn air I find West Point is one of the most inspiring places in Grab a pumpkin spice latte and a sweater to wear the world. I first visited West Point 15 years ago when The Spouses Club Tailgate will be so much fun my future husband was a cadet at the West Point To enjoy our first gathering when summer is done Prep School. As a proud Army wife of 11 years and Head on over to Michie to sit in the stands mother of twin boys I have always found a welcoming To ensure we cheer louder than all Navy fans home with Spouses Club. MWR has something that is just the best Cold Beer and Bratwursts served at Oktoberfest My greatest passions are picking up my paintbrush, Apple picking, hay maze and play village, too art history, travel, football (all codes), and military history. Life as a proud Army spouse and long before, Lawrence Farm may be just the perfect place for you  an Australian Army Brat, have given me the Pumpkin patch, hayride and warm cider donuts opportunity to travel the world and peruse my passions. I have had the privilege of living in Australia, Jones Farm has something for babies through grownups England, Germany and the United States. West Point Another attraction that will surely amaze is one of the most scenic locations I have called home. Are the carvings at The Great Jack O’lantern Blaze Walk with the Spouses’ Club, to make your skin crawl GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!On our ghost tour from the cemetery to Scott Barracks’ hall Louise Brennan Get all dressed up to trick or treat on the stoops For Halloween candy from the Dean, Comm & Supe For Cider tasting, lawn games and a fun family day Angry Orchards is just a stones throw away Our scenes and activities will not disappoint When you come and spend time falling for West Point Page 5 The Link Fall 2018

PROUDLY SUPPORTSTHE ARMY SPOUSESGO ARMYBEAT NAVY

A Warm West Point Welcome!As military spouses, we know that the only constant in our lives is change. Changes happen either directly to us, or to ourfriends and family around us. This year has been no different for our West Point community with the many changes thatoccurred over the summer. Although it is always sad to see friends move on, with their departure comes a new group ofwonderful people to enrich our lives.At the core of the West Point Spouses’ Club are the words, “Where Friendships and Traditions Thrive.” Not only do weencourage and help promote friendships through opportunities within the club and local community, but we also hold dear theimportance of maintaining our many traditions. This year it is our esteemed honor to share one of these special traditionswith you as we welcome not one, but two wonderful senior spouses to West Point and to the WPSC.Mrs. Erin Williams has been part of the Army since birth, hailing from Alexandria, Virginia. She is the wife of LieutenantGeneral Darryl Williams, the 60th Superintendent of the USMA. The Williams have three children; Kendall, Zachary, andNathan, and have two beautiful grandchildren, Sloane and Hayes. In her free time, a few of Erin’s favorite things to do areneedlepoint, reading, and antiquing. The Williams family comes to West Point via Fort Belvoir, Virginia/Izmir, Turkey. Erinand her family are excited to return on a third trip back to West Point. When asked what she is looking forward to the mostthis year, Erin mentions the amazing new people she will meet! We are deeply honored to have Erin as our HonoraryPresident of the West Point Spouses’ Club Board and are excited for the year ahead!Mrs. Cindy Love is the wife of Command Sergeant Major Jack Love, USMA’s 20th Command Sergeant Major. The Love’slove story began early on before they joined the Army family. Hailing from Alabama, they were high school sweethearts, butnot in the traditional sense, as he was from the adjacent town and a rival high school. Together they have three wonderfulchildren; Jake, Tori, and Slade, all of whom are attending Pierce College, Washington state. They also have one lovely two-year old granddaughter, Haven. The Love’s come to us via Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Although she enjoyedher time in Washington, Cindy is happy to be closer to family on the East Coast. A few of Cindy’s favorite hobbies arereading and exploring all that the local area has to offer by way of restaurants, antique stores, and outdoor recreation. This isthe first time the Loves have been stationed to West Point. When asked about her experience in the weeks since her arrival, Ithink she summed up it perfectly with these words: “I am finding it beautiful here and so far I am enjoying the incrediblearchitecture and history of West Point, as well as seeing the Cadets and how they are shaped into young adults and asOfficers.“ We are extremely lucky and overjoyed to have Cindy as a Senior Advisor on the West Point Spouses’ Club Boardthis year!We are so excited to welcome Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Love to our West Point community and to the WPSC. We areincredibly grateful to them for providing insight into their lives and for sharing their stories. We look forward to getting toknow them better and appreciate their mentorship as we write the next chapter of our club’s history. Page 7 The Link Fall 2018

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Eat, Drink & Beat Navy! Find more fabulous Recipes inside the WPSC CookbookDiane SchreinerChili Con Carne Meet Our Gift Shoppe Kate Bellacchio Team!2 lbs. red, pink or pinto beans, washed anddrained Ways and Means &12C. water1/4c. olive oil Ways and Means Financial4 onions, chopped Manager6 cloves garlic, minced4 lbs. lean beef WEST POINT SPOUSES CLUB GIFT SHOPPE2 lbs. ground pork or sausage with skin removed(or 2 lbs. ground lamb or veal) For those of you new to West Point, the WPSC Gift Shoppe offers a6 tsp. salt selection of hand crafted West Point and Army themed items. Come and½ tsp. fresh ground pepper visit us in our unique boutique style setting just north of the cemetery in5 T. chili powder½-1 tsp. crushed red pepper (leave out for mild Building 695 on Washington Roadchili)2 bays leaves GIFT SHOPPE HOURS2 tsp. ground cumin Regular Hours2 tsp. oregano3-4 c. crushed tomatoes THURSDAYS 9-34 c. tomato juice Resume September 6th5 T. cornmeal (to thicken if desired) SPECIAL OPENINGS DURING THE SUMMERCover beans with water and let stand overnight. Monday August 13th 8-1 (Marchback)Drain water and recover beans with water. Bring Saturday August 18th 11-4 (A-Day)to a boil for 2 minutes. Reduce heat, cover and Friday August 24th 11-4 (Ring W/end)simmer beans until tender, about 2 hours. In alarge skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic Saturday August 25th 11-4 (Ring W/end)and cook until golden. In a large pan , cook meatin manageable batches until meat separates and OR AT YOUR CONVENIENCEbrowns, stirring with a fork. Add meat with Call or e-mail Diane Schreineronions , garlic, water, salt, pepper, chili powder, 913-704-9411 ~ [email protected] pepper, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, crushedtomatoes and tomato juice. Simmer, uncovered, A major part of the WPSC fundraising comes from sales at the Giftfor about 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to Shoppe, our retail website www.shopthepoint.com and numerous annualavoid scorching. Add cornmeal in small batches Academy events where we are permitted to have a booth. We are alwaysto thicken as desired. seeking volunteers to help with these endeavors. No experience is necessary. If you are interested please call or e-mail Diane Schreiner at 913-704-9411 or [email protected] Volunteers receive 20% off on the day they volunteer!Kathleen Mitroka Page 9USMA ’04, DPE The Link Fall 2018



www.suearney.com your site for West Point gifts [email protected] 845-702-3389Family, Lifestyle, and Event Photographer rachaelreneephotography.com 315-525-4328 [email protected]

Join Us! Special Clubs The West Point Spouses Club has a diverse membership and has a broad range of sub clubs. We have clubs for those who like games, exploring, reading, endeavoring new skills, or if you just want a chance to meet new friends.With the Mah Jong Club you can learn to play a fun game and enjoy learning new strategies. Our Book Club meets monthly and we will discuss a wide variety of booksacross genres. The Lunch Bunch Club offers a chance to try new restaurants and new towns.The West Point Experience Club allows members to get a behind the scenes look at historic USMA. Further our Deal of the Month club and Reel Fun Movie club providedeals from local retailers and opportunities to check out new movies with friends.The best part of joining a special club is sharing interestswith new friends. We would love to hear some new ideas for clubs. Some new ideas are Golf Club, Running Club and Marksmanship Club. So, come out and try a club or two or three! Get the most out of your time here! Colleen MorganSpecial Clubs Chair MOMS AND TOTS Stacie & Ellie Chambers Page 12 is a special WPSC group at Boscobel House 2018 The Link Fall 2018 dedicated to providing fun, engaging, andeducational activities for parents and their young children (age 4 and under). Moms and Tots helps to fostersocialization and support for families and regular activities include playdays, local area outings, story time, and holiday gatherings.

West Point Spouses’ Club • Membership Application 2018-2019 Last Name: Click or tap here to enter text. First: Click or tap here to enter text. Street Address: Click or tap here to enter text. City: Click or tap here to enter text. State: Click or tap here to enter text. Zip Code: Click or tap here to enter text. Email: Click or tap here to enter text. Phone: Click or tap here to enter text. June 2018 – May 2019 Membership Eligibility: Please check ONE that applies to you: $25 Full Individual Membership: Military and civilians assigned to West Point or Stewart Air Base and their spouses (to include GS Employees, ODIA Coaches, NAF Employees, active and retired military ID card holders 18+). $40 Full Couple Membership: Both members meet individual Full Membership requirements. $15 Associate Individual Membership: Individuals 18+ that do not meet the above criteria for Full Membership. Associate Members must be approved by WPSC Board, do not have voting rights, may not hold office, and are ineligible for scholarships. $25 Associate Couple Membership: Both members meet Associate Membership requirements. Associate Couples must be approved by WPSC Board, do not have voting rights, may not hold office, and are ineligible for scholarships. Spouse Last Name (for Couples): Click or tap here to enter text. First: Click or tap here to enter text. Email: Click or tap here to enter text. Phone: Click or tap here to enter text. The WPSC is a private, 501c3 non-profit organization created to foster and develop a spirit of community responsibility at West Point. The WPSC raises thousands of dollars annually for grants and scholarships. Follow us on Facebook and select us on Amazon Smile to donate a percentage of your purchases back to the WPSC. WPSC Directory Opt Out: I/We DO NOT want my contact information in the annual hard copy WPSC Membership Directory. Please initial here: Click or tap here to enter text. WPSC Link Newsletter Hardcopy Opt Out: I/We DO NOT want a hard copy of the WPSC Link Newsletter. I/We prefer just the electronic version. Please initial here: Click or tap here to enter text. Text Messaging Opt Out: I/We DO NOT want to be contacted via the WPSC text messaging system about upcoming events. Please initial here: Click or tap here to enter text. Reservations Policy: If you fail to cancel your reservation within the time limit indicated for each event, you will be charged full price for the event. This applies to ALL types of reservations. Reservations are nontransferable. All members will understand fully that they are personally liable if the assets of the organization are not sufficient to discharge all liabilities. Additionally, all members will acknowledge in writing that they understand the provisions of the Article and Section of the WPSC Constitution. This is a mandatory requirement of Army Regulation 210-22. DISCLAIMER: The West Point Spouses' Club is a non-federal entity and not an official activity of the United States Military Academy. It is not endorsed, recommended, or favored by the United States government. The views and opinions expressed by this organization do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.

West Point Spouses’ Club • Membership Application 2018-2019 Volunteer Opportunities: Please denote if you are interested in volunteering for any of the following: WPSC Gift Shoppe Casino Night Fundraiser Board Position Grants Committee Community Outreach Events Scholarship Committee Coordinator/POC for Sub-Club: Click or tap here to enter text. Special Club Opportunities: Please denote if you are interested in receiving more information about: Lunch Bunch Book Club Moms & Tots Mah Jongg Reel Time Cocktail Club WP Experience Tours Deal of the Month Suggestions for Sub-Club: Click or tap here to enter text. Other information: Please denote any of the items below that apply to you: Do you have a high school senior? Would you be interested in receiving information about an educational scholarship for him/her? Are you continuing your education? Would you be interested in receiving information about an educational scholarship for yourself? Do you own a small business? Would you be interested in advertising in the WPSC Membership Directory ($10), submitting an ad for the Link Newsletter or support Casino Night with a product/service donation? Primary Member Signature: Click or tap here to enter text. Date: Click or tap to enter a date. Spouse Member Signature (for Couples): Click or tap here to enter text. Date: Click or tap to enter a date. By typing my/our full name(s) here, I/we agree to the provision above. I/we intend for my/our typed name(s) to have the full legal effect of a handwritten signature. By signing, you agree to membership terms, submission of correct information and, unless you opt out of the above, consent that any photographs taken of me/us during WPSC events may be used by the WPSC for purposes of event documentation, social media publishing, printing, media coverage, and promotion of the WPSC and its activities. Dues are payable at http://www.westpointspousesclub.org - accompanying applications can be emailed to [email protected] OR printed applications with accompanying check (as needed) can be mailed to: WPSC, PO BOX 44, West Point, NY 10996 WPSC use only: Received by: _________________________________ Date: _____________ Check # ____________ Electronic ___________ Cash __________ All members will understand fully that they are personally liable if the assets of the organization are not sufficient to discharge all liabilities. Additionally, all members will acknowledge in writing that they understand the provisions of the Article and Section of the WPSC Constitution. This is a mandatory requirement of Army Regulation 210-22. DISCLAIMER: The West Point Spouses' Club is a non-federal entity and not an official activity of the United States Military Academy. It is not endorsed, recommended, or favored by the United States government. The views and opinions expressed by this organization do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.



July – September 2018 ARMY EDUCATION CENTER 683 Buckner Loop, West Point, NY 10 Steps to a Federal Job Hours: 0745-1630 Counseling: (845) 938-5389/3464 July 25 & September 26, 8am-12pm Testing: (845) 938-3360 (by appointment) This class will cover, in detail, the federal job application process to make it much more manageable! RSVP to reserve your seat Undergraduate Programs: Graduate Programs: and a free copy of Kathryn Troutman’s “Jobseeker’s Guide”8th Edition, then leave inspired for your federal job search. Mount Saint Mary College John Jay College Bachelor’s degrees in Business Master of Public AdministrationMilitary Spouse Preference Information and Psychology Specializations in Management (845) 569-3252 & Operations and HumanAugust 29, 9am-11am [email protected] Resources ManagementCalling all Military Spouses! Did you know there are (845) 446-5959preferences for Military Spouses when applying for federal St. Thomas Aquinas [email protected]? Come learn the ins and outs of Military Spouse Associate’s degrees in LiberalPreference. Arts and Business Long Island University - Hudson Bachelor’s degrees in Business, School Counseling, Mental One-on-One Career Counseling Criminal Justice, History, Health Counseling and Marriage Psychology and Social Sciences & Family Counseling Available Upon Request (845) 398-4102 (845) 446-3818 Do you need help with your resume? Not sure what career [email protected] [email protected] path you want to pursue? Need to prepare for the big interview? Sign up for an appointment and get that one-on-one attention. Just set up an appointment and we will take it from there! Workshops take place at Army Community Service (ACS), Bldg. 622 unless otherwise noted. Schedule is subject to change at any time. To schedule, please visit https://westpointacs.as.me or call (845) 938-5658.

Community Outreach Each year, the West Point Spouses’ Club offers scholarships to individuals continuing their education. To be eligible to receive a WPSC Scholarship, an applicant must be a WPSC member OR high school senior who is a child of a WPSC member who has joined by 1 January, or within 30 days of arrival of West Point, whichever is later. Academic scholarships must be used for payment of tuition and fees associated with an accreditedcollege-level program, continuing education, or training. This is a one-time scholarship opportunity, for both member and high school senior.For any questions regarding the application, required documentation, or selection/notification process, please contact the WPSC Scholarship Chair, Deb Haley, at: [email protected] Jessica Deep (2017-8 Scholarship Chair), Katie Jacobs, Maggie Haley, Emilie Wambeke, Nicole Melnyk, Lauren Hamilton, Belton Moody, Colonel Andrew Hanson, Garrison Commander Not pictured: Joshua WoodruffMeet Our Community Outreach & Grants Chair! Elizabeth FlanneryHappy Fall, West Pointers! I am thrilled and honored to be serving as your Community Outreach &Grants chair this year and am looking forward to meeting you at our many upcoming events!One of my favorite parts of fall is the fresh beginnings: a new school year, new classes, new friends, andso much to look forward to. As my family begins our second year here, I can’t help but remember thewelcoming experience we had when we first arrived. We were greeted by a community full of peoplewho love this place and are passionate about giving back to it. I felt so lucky to be welcomed with suchwarmth and enthusiasm and I can’t wait to be a part of that enthusiasm, serving and growing theamazing community that is West Point! Page 17 The Link Fall 2018

Fall Programs Samantha GaluiNamaste, I am Samantha Galui, an Army wife of 15 years, a combat veteran, and most importantly a“hot-mess\" mom to two human children and one fur baby. I’m originally from northwest Indiana, but liketo claim Chicago, Illinois. Not So Fun Fact: I have only lived in 7 states, but have moved 14 times.I love being a part of the West Point community and serving as a board member is a wonderful way tohelp create programs that will have everyone laughing together and feeling connected. We all knowhow crazy this military life can get so let’s enjoy each other to the fullest. Fall fun fact: I don’t likepumpkin spice, but I do love cute boots and all the funny Fall memes. Meet Our Programs Team! Christine Van MeterI am from Houston, TX and met my husband 20 years ago while he was stationed at Fort Hood and Iwas attending UT Austin. I love to travel, read, and have fun with my family and if you cannot find meApril through October, I am watching Red Sox baseball. Fall is the next best thing to baseball season asI easily get caught up in the crisp air, changing of the leaves, and football.I Love being a part of the military community and when the opportunity to join the West Point Spouse’sClub arose, I was eager to get the chance to contribute. I am motivated and excited to assist Samanthain implementing the wonderful and exciting programs that are in the works for the 2018-2019 year. Page 18 The Link Fall 2018

Being an Army brat turned Army spouse, I have moved every two to three years of my life until 2012when I arrived for the first time at West Point. In that time my husband hung up the green suit and pickedup wearing the USMA Nike attire as the Head Coach of the Rifle Team - a different kind of camouflage,yet no deployments! Additionally, two of my three kids graduated high school - one of which justgraduated college (War Eagle!) and the other is embarking on his ROTC path at Syracuse University. Mylast kid will end the Wright Family trifecta at O'Neill in June of 2019.All of these years here, I have been actively involved in WPSC for a number of reasons: I like the purpose. Ilike the challenge. I like the company. It's one of the many things I like about this community:breathtaking Fall foliage, Saturday home football games, walking distance to living history wrapped intradition, less than an hour from one of the most culturally influential cities in the world, and outdoorconcerts overlooking one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I hope your time at West Point will be asfulfilling - no matter how long you stay! I also hope you join us as the WPSC looks to do great things forthis community - starting with Super Sign Up, Wednesday, August 29th, 6-8:30 PM, West Point Club! I lookforward to seeing you there! Meet our Vice PresidentCreating The Link is a team effort! Jen Wright If you would like to submit aphotograph or article for our next edition please contact The Link Editor at [email protected] We Want You!Any business that would like to advertise in The Link, please contact the Advertising Chair at [email protected]

EatS DRINK HOPJOINSUPER SIGN UPWest Point Spouses' Club's Annual WEDNESDAY | August 29th | 6:00-8:30 PM West Point Club - 604 Cullum Rd Grab your neighbors for a night of fun! Learn more about the great impact the WPSC has on the community. Find out more about exciting events, clubs, and opportunities WPSC has to offer. Help make an even greater difference in our community - join WPSC! Interested venders contact Avoid the rush - join [email protected] www.westpointspousesclub.org