2003 Program

On February 25, 2002, Tony Ferraiuolo, Director, Class Support Program, AOG; Captain Rafael Paredes ’91, Class Advisor to the Class of 2003; Cadet Corey Boernsen, 2003 Class President; and Cadet Vanessa Stolzoff, 2003 Chair of the Ring and Crest Committee made a trip to Pease & Curren, Inc., for this year’s meltdown. Mr. Keith Edwards ’85, Vice President for Sales with Pease & Curren, facilitated the process by putting together a program of recognition for the donors with participation by many graduates living in and around Rhode Island. Those participating were from the Classes of ’58, ’59, ’60, ’63, ’69, ’82, ’83, ’85, and included Captain Paredes ’91 and Cadets Borensen and Stalzoff from ’03.

Cadet Corey Boernsen, Class President; LTG William J. Lennox, Jr., Superintendent; Cadet Rick Turner, First Captain; and Tony Ferraiuolo, Director of Class Support, AOG.

Also in attendance was Mrs. Helen Low, widow of MG Andrew S. Low, Jr. (USAF, Retired), and her two daughters. During the ceremony they related a story about how their father had his ring taken away from him in Germany during World War II, after he parachuted from his burning aircraft. The ring was later returned by one of the German soldiers who befriended him.

After I placed the gold held back from last year’s melt into a glass receptacle, each participant followed, placing one of the donated rings in the same receptacle until all were collected. The rings were then put into a kiln and placed in the furnace. The final product was a gold bar about the size of a thick Hershey bar. Several pieces of gold were drilled from the bar and given to me to take back for the continuation of the program next year.  

Any questions about the program can be directed to Joel Jebb, Director, Class Support Program. You can call him at 800 232-4723, ext. 1563, or send an e-mail at joel.jebb@usma.edu. Rings should be mailed to the following address:

Joel Jebb
Director, Class Support Program
Association of Graduates
698 Mills Road
West Point, NY 10996-1611

Photo Gallery 2003:
The Meltdown

Donors and Bios

For additional info on this program, e-mail Joel Jebb or call 800 232-4723, ext. 1563.