USMA ADMISSIONS SUPPORT ACTIVITIES
SOUTHWEST TEXAS AND SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO
Each year, approximately 1200 outstanding men and women with
extraordinary strengths in leadership, academics and physical aptitude are
admitted to West Point. Across the Country, a trained USMA Admissions Field
Force has the mission to identify, evaluate, motivate, and assist applicants,
and insure that those admitted are motivated to graduate and become officers
in our Army. Dedicated grads and non-grads make up this field force.
The person designated by USMA Admissions to act as the Region Coordinator for Southwest Texas and Southern New Mexico (essentially our Society area) is Col. (Ret) James L. "Buster" Hayden '45. He assumed this position in 1976 from Col. (Ret) Oren Swain '36. Other principals in our area are: LTC (Ret) David Powell '82 in El Paso, LTC (USAR) Bruce Gafner '80 in Las Cruces, COL Suzanne Steil at NMMI, and Maj (Ret) & Mrs. Andy Shaffer '68 in Midland. Since 1977, 230 men and women from El Paso's High Schools and another 253 from other Society areas or have been adopted have entered West Point. 82% have either graduated or are still cadets!
The goal of our Field Force is to ensure that every qualified person in our region is introduced to the opportunities of a West Point education and a military career. A nationwide survey taken after the Gulf War found that about 80% of the high school seniors have never heard of a place called USMA! So, we need help! Graduates, parents and friends of West Point can help by joining the Field Force, by referring candidates to us for evaluation and appropriate follow-up, and through participation in the many scheduled events which support the Society's admissions effort throughout the year. Contact Col. (Ret) James L. "Buster" Hayden '45 for information at: Telephone & FAX: (915) 751-8220; E-Mail: jhayden@elp.rr.com
