FRIENDS OF WEST POINT

The AOG’s main object in creating The Friends was to broaden the nationwide base of support for West Point’s values and programs. This would be accomplished by enlisting into the organization’s ranks a large group of people, ranging from the most influential to the most ordinary, who have feelings of respect and affection for the Academy, but who are not otherwise qualified to belong to the AOG as Regular or Associate Members.

Candidates may become members of The Friends in one of two ways. In the first, two graduates — trustees or the officers of a West Point society or class, for example — will propose someone for membership as a way to honor the candidate.

In the second, individuals — cadet parents, for example — who learn about The Friends by some means will advance their own candidacy, having obtained the backing of two West Point graduates as nominators.

Before either kind of candidate is considered for membership, his or her file must include the two nominations, contact information for the candidate, (name, address, etc.), and a statement of the reasons why he or she should be considered for membership. (Consult Forms/Applications.)

All applications will go forward to the AOG’s Board of Trustees for review and upon the approval of the Board, the AOG will request payment of a $100 fee. When the fee is received, applicants will be enrolled as lifetime members of The Friends.

As tokens of an enduring connection to the Academy, all Friends will receive:

• A certificate suitable for framing from the President of the AOG

• A lapel pin

• A car window decal

• Admission to pre- and post-game open houses at the Alumni Center on Football Saturdays

• The privilege of booking events such as meetings or receptions in the Alumni Center

• A one-year subscription to ASSEMBLY, the AOG’s magazine, renewable at the Friend’s discretion

• Periodic communiqués from the Superintendent, the Chairman of the AOG, and other Academy or AOG officials

• A subscription to First Call, an e-newsletter from the Association of Graduates, if desired

• Access to a page on the AOG website devoted to The Friends

• Access to a Friends’ list server, if desired

• The warmest possible welcome in Herbert Hall, the Academy’s Alumni Center, any time a Friend visits

For further information, contact Grace Williamson, Director, Organizational Support Program, AOG, at 845-446-1612 or Grace.Williamson@usma.edu.